Discover Garner: Parks, Water and Culture

Garner offers several useful points of reference for planning your trip: parkland and nature attractions at Lake Benson and White Deer Park, as well as cultural venues in the Historic District of Downtown Garner. Leisure options range from walking trails and seasonal boating to professional events, art classes and genealogy workshops. When looking for hotels in Garner, you can start by deciding whether nature, physical activity or culture is most important to your stay.

Parks and Nature Attractions

White Deer Park covers 96 acres next to Lake Benson. Lake Benson Park covers 64 acres, most of which is open space. Walking trails totaling 1.8 miles run through the park. The two areas have different features: White Deer Park covers more land, while open spaces predominate at Lake Benson Park.

The White Deer Park Nature Center is home to animals and has a collection of taxidermy specimens and skulls. It also offers hands-on educational programs. Check in advance which programs will be available during your visit.

Lake Benson: Boating and Fishing

The 365-acre Lake Benson offers boating and fishing in the warmer months. The Lake Benson Boathouse seasonally rents Jon boats, canoes and kayaks. Fishing is free from the Boathouse dock. If the lake is a main reason for your trip, keep the seasonal timing in mind: boating and fishing are available in the warmer months, and rentals at the Boathouse are seasonal. Check in advance whether rentals will be offered on your preferred date.

Land-Based Activities

Garner Recreational Park has 2.25 miles of mountain biking trails. Garner Recreation Center offers an outdoor walking track and an inclusive outdoor playground. There are different activities to choose from: mountain biking at the Recreational Park, or a walking track and playground at the Recreation Center. Visitor passes for Garner Recreation Center provide access to the gymnasiums and running track when they are open. Check access requirements and current facilities before your visit.

Culture in Downtown Garner

Downtown Garner’s Historic District is home to two cultural venues with different focuses. Garner Performing Arts Center hosts professional music, theater, dance and comedy events. It also offers art camps and classes for all ages. Garner History Museum offers genealogy workshops. When planning, you can choose between stage performances, creative classes and topics related to family history.

Road Orientation

U.S. Highway 70 is a useful landmark for getting your bearings: it is Garner’s main thoroughfare and connects Interstate 40 and Interstate 95. If you are including Garner in a road trip, you can take this connection into account when planning your regional journey.

Discover more destinations: Wake Forest, Morrisville, Wendell, Knightdale, Cary, Raleigh, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina

For the broader travel overview: Wake.