Leave the noise and bustle behind, and bring your family to the peaceful shores of Lake Kerr. Also known as Buggs Island Lake, this destination offers cozy Kerr Lake vacation rentals right near the water. Choose a cabin tucked away in the woods or a lakeside home with magnificent views of local natural scenery. Spend languid days relaxing near the lakefront, or go boating, hiking, or fishing. Browse this list of activities in Kerr Lake to see what type of fun awaits your whole family.
1. Picnic at Occoneechee State Park
Spread along 48,000 acres of pristine wilderness, Occoneechee State Park is a nature-lover’s wonderland. The park is close to Lake Kerr, and it’s open to visitors from 8 a.m. ’till dusk. Bring a picnic meal and hang out near the shore, eating and gazing out at the tranquil waters. If you want to rent one or two picnic shelters, contact the park to make arrangements. There’s one small and one large shelter at the park. The small one fits 35 people comfortably and is conveniently located near a playground.
2. Hike the Panhandle at Occoneechee State Park
Get plenty of fresh air and exercise when hiking at Occoneechee State Park. The park has 20 miles of trail territory to explore, and one of the trails is perfect for children and pets. The 5-mile Panhandle Multi-Use Trail takes you into a secluded forest populated by local birds and wildlife. The Panhandle loops around the lake and features several short connecting trails. If you decide to take your beloved dog along for the walk, make sure he’s on a leash.
3. See a Butterfly Garden and Live Snakes
Kids of all ages get to see nature up close and personal when visiting the Joseph S. J. Tanner Environmental Education Center. The Tanner Center is located near the Kerr Reservoir operated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. While there, kids can observe beautiful butterflies fluttering around the butterfly garden out front. Go inside and check out the awesome wildlife displays. Live snakes inhabit a section of the center, and kids create footprints in an interactive sandbox.
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4. Go Fresh Water Fishing
Family members who enjoy fishing can indulge their passion at the lake. This freshwater lake is filled with bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. This area is a favorite fishing spot of two fishing federations, so you’ll find numerous places to cast baited lines. Night fishing is also possible, thanks to fishing lights placed along the local bridge, glowing brightly enough to attract feeder fish.
5. Take a Scenic Boat Ride
Enjoy a relaxing day cruising along the waters of the lake in a rental boat. In this area, pontoon boats are available for hourly, daily, or weekly use. Boat sizes range from 20 feet, which accommodates eight people, to 25 feet, which accommodates groups of up to 14 people. Fishing boats are also available. Check out Buggs Island Boat Company near Kerr Dam and Clarksville Water Sports for boat rental options.
6. Tour the Prestwould Plantation
The Prestwould Plantation has existed since the 1700s, and this former home of Sir Peyton Skipwith is now an official historic preservation site, serving as a well-documented glimpse into a difficult period of American history. This popular local attraction includes a main house, slave quarters, as well as other vintage structures. Arrange a tour of the home to see authentic furnishings — most of which are original.
7. See Ancient Artifacts and Beautiful Gardens
A museum trip can be fun and enlightening, and visiting the MacCallum More Museum and Gardens is both. The museum has a collection of ancient Native American artifacts dating as far back as 9500 BC. Enjoy interesting exhibits, including an old African-American boarding school and memorabilia from a hotel that sold curative waters. Stroll five different gardens to admire beautiful flowers and artistic statues.
8. Play Golf or Go Swimming
Grab your golf clubs and head for the beautiful greens of the Kinderton Country Club. Play in family teams among rolling green hills on pleasantly challenging fairways This course is a great time for golf players at all levels of play. Junior golf lessons take place during summer months, and the club house pool is open most days during the summer. Lifeguards are around to keep watch, but kid swimmers under 10 still require adult supervision.
9. Visit a Model Train Museum
The South Hill Train Depot in Clarksville is where you’ll find a wonderful collection of model trains. The Model Railroad Museum and Wildlife Exhibit has 200 miles of train tracks, miniature cities, and authentic scenery. Keep the train fun going by hopping on the real red caboose stationed outside. Birds and animals are on display at another section of the depot.
10. Visit a Doll Museum
Virginia S. Evans loved dolls, and her massive collection of more than 500 vintage dolls are on display at the Historic Train Depot. The museum is housed in the South Hill Visitor’s Center, and the dolls are preserved behind glass displays. In addition to traditional vintage dolls, you’ll see popular advertising character dolls; characters that often appeared in vintage magazine and TV ads.
11. Get Ice Cream at the Dairy Bar
Locals and visitors to Kerr Lake head to Lucky’s Dairy Bar when their desire for ice cream strikes. The dairy bar serves soft cones of chocolate, vanilla, or swirled flavors on a cone. You can also enjoy a tasty ice cream sundae. Burgers, fries, and savory finger foods are also available for those with hearty appetites for classic fast food favorites.
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