Dit park in het hart van de Elizabeth wijk is niet alleen het oudste park van de stad, het doet ook dienst als een plek voor allerlei vormen van recreatie. Voor de atleten heeft het Independence park een basketbalveld, twee tennisbanen, een volleybal veld en drie wandeltochten. Families maken veel gebruik van de beschutte picknick plaatsen en de speeltuin. Voor een romantische wandeling ga je naar de rozentuin of naar het gebied rond het zwembad. Er zijn een aantal plekken die afgehuurd kunnen worden voor prive evenementen. Kijk naar de website voor informatie over reserveringen.

The Billy Graham Library pays tribute to late American Christian evangelist Billy Graham. The place opened in the year 2007 and spreads across 40,000-square-foot (3,700 meter square). The library features a number of artifacts from different facets of Graham's life, from his small beginnings on a farm to his career as a prominent minister, the place covers everything. Many find the library to be a site of inspiration, regardless of religious connotations.

Reedy Creek Nature Center boasts more than 10 miles of walking trails through protected forests. These trails lead through a variety of terrain and provide breath-taking views of Reedy Creek Park's lakes, streams, forests and wildlife. The Nature Center also houses live, native animals and an exhibit hall, allowing visitors to learn valuable information about their surroundings on their trip.

These botanical gardens are run by the University of North Carolina Charlotte campus and are comprised of three separate sites- the Van Landingham Glen, the Susie Harwood Garden, and the McMillan Greenhouse. There is a wide variety of plants among the gardens, including rhododendrons, native Carolina flora, orchids, desert succulents, and carnivorous pitcher plant hybrids. There are also many walking paths and interesting landscape architecture displays to please the eye. The park is open daily and features an ever-changing collection that varies depending on the time of year, so be sure to check the website for updates.

The 11th president of the United States, James K. Polk, is honored here. Avail of the guided tour, complete with a costumed interpreter and walk through the president's family home in the country, while collecting nuggets of information on his life and achievements. Camps, festivals and celebrations are also organized here. This is a worthwhile trip indeed for those doing research, or those with a keen interest in politics and public lives. Check the website for some good reading before you visit.