It's almost Father's Day and there are many ways to spend this special day with the father figures in your life here in Lake Norman, so we compiled some ideas to make this Father's Day the best one yet! Whether it's fishing at Ramsey Creek Park or getting a hole-in-one at Lake Norman Mini Golf, there is something to make this Father's Day unforgettable!

Fishing at Patriot Pier Ramsey Creek

Patriot Pier at Ramsey Creek Park

Start the day right

Kick the day off with a hearty breakfast and delicious coffee provided by many of our wonderful restaurants. You can stop by The Fresh Egg to try their delicious brunch menu or go for an early lunch with their famous Reuben sandwich. The Famous Toastery is another local hot spot in Davidson that is perfect for starting Father's Day off on the right foot. Want a specialty coffee to further brighten the morning? Grab a freshly brewed coffee from Summit Coffee or Lost Worlds which has also ventured into the coffee industry. 

Famous Toastery
Famous Toastery

Get on the lake

For the dad that loves adventure, Lake Norman has you covered! Our area is home to a number of trails and greenways, like the Latta Nature Preserve and the West Branch Rocky River Greenway (which now connects to Fisher Farm Park), providing space to hike, bike, and run.

You can spend a relaxing afternoon on the water by booking a pontoon rental from Party Pontoon for the whole family or find watersport rentals like paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes at Long Island Paddle Sports or What's Up Watersports. For something a little more exhilarating, take a jet ski out from Jet Ski Rentals at Lake Norman LLC.

Have your own kayak or paddle board already? Drive to Latta Nature Preserve and launch out from one of their access areas. The North Canoe Access includes an ADA accessible launch platform in a calm cove.



Hit the fairway

You can't go wrong with a round of Lake Norman golf with Dad. One of the newer additions to the area is the recently renovated Birkdale Golf Club, which was designed by the great Arnold Palmer, and boasts a brand new parking right next to the clubhouse. Skybrook Golf Club is another course open for public play with tee times available for reservation online. For something a little more laid back, find your putting stroke at Lake Norman Mini Golf or hit up 54 holes of mini golf at Frankie’s of Charlotte. To make it more interesting, keep track of points and set a wager on who will win!


 

Take a history tour

If Dad is a history buff, get in the car and follow our historical drive checklist. You'll find many historical sites around Lake Norman. Read our historical drive blog ahead of time so you can tell Dad all about the landmarks as you pass by them!

Davidson has some fantastic historic buildings. Check out their self-guided Davidson Historical District Walking Tour. For a different side of history, honor our local heroes either at Huntersville's Veterans Park or the Cornelius Veterans Monument for a dose of patriotic reflection.

Cornelius Veterans Park
Veterans Park Cornelius
Latta Nature Preserve
Latta Nature Preserve

Fishing is one of the most beloved, relaxing pastimes of Lake Norman visitors and residents alike, and let's be honest, who’s dad doesn’t like to fish? If you’re looking to try it out without investing in gear, you can borrow a rod for free at the Quest Center in Latta Nature Preserve or through the Tackle Loaner Program at Cornelius Town Hall. For live bait, check out local spots like MFO Lake Norman or Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Already have your own equipment? Head to the ADA-accessible Patriot Pier at Ramsey Creek Park, which also features a public swimming beach—perfect for a full day outdoors. Whether you're casting from a pier, shoreline, or boat, Lake Norman offers some of the best year-round fishing in the region.

 

Lake Norman has a number of beautiful parks for the entire family. Take a Father's Day hike, plan a picnic, find a swimming beach, or just enjoy being outside! All are great options for any day, but especially Father's Day.



Celebrate with good company and good food

Father's Day isn't Father's Day without taking Dad out for dinner, so why not grab a bite to eat at one of Lake Norman’s top dining spots? For waterfront views and fresh seafood, head to Hello, Sailor, Lakehouse or North Harbor Club, where the flavors and cocktails are just as impressive as the scenery. Bin 110 and Boatyard are great options for serving up flavors as well but offer an entertaining twist with live music. If you really want to treat Dad, reserve the Chef’s Table at Kindred—a private six-course dinner where you’ll enjoy a front-row seat to the culinary action. 

Hello Sailor Sunset
Hello Sailor

 

Cheers to a father like no other

Finish the day out strong by visiting one of our many local breweries for live music and refreshing drinks! Head over to Lost Worlds Brewing, where you and Dad can enjoy award-winning craft beer in a laid-back setting with plenty of outdoor seating. Check out Primal Brewery for live music performances and a wide range of brews perfect for both first-time sippers and seasoned craft beer fans.

Apple Witbier Primal
Primal Brewery

Stop by one of our many other breweries to sip and sample locally crafted beers.

 

Eleven Lake Brewing Company

Ass Clown Brewing Company

760 Craft Works

Neoteric Brewing Company

- Lucky Dog Bark and Brew

 

Send some LKN merch

For the dads who are a little further away, browse our online store and send him some Lake Norman merchandise so he knows you're thinking of him. If you're nearby, stop by the shop in the visitor center to browse the collection in person—perfect for finding that last-minute Father’s Day gift! From shirts and sweatshirts to hats, drinkware, stickers, and more, we’ve got something for every kind of dad.

Retro t shirt
Bao in Navy Crewneck

We hope you enjoy this special day with the amazing dads out there and tag us in your Father’s Day plans on social media @VisitLakeNorman. We’d love to hear how you spent the day!