Information
Landmark: Greenfield Lake ParkCity: Wilmington
Country: USA North Carolina
Continent: North America
Greenfield Lake Park, Wilmington, USA North Carolina, North America
Overview
In Wilmington, North Carolina, Greenfield Lake Park & Gardens spans 250 acres, with a quiet 90-acre lake ringed by towering cypress trees at its heart.Famous for its lush scenery and rich heritage, it draws visitors for weekend hikes, protects local wildlife, and hosts lively community gatherings.Locals and visitors alike love it for the mix of quiet trails and lively spots where you might hear laughter drift from a nearby café.🏞️ General Overview Location : 1739 Burnett Boulevard, Wilmington, NC 28401 Size : 250 acres (90-acre lake) Operated by : City of Wilmington Parks & Recreation Open : Daily from sunrise to sunset Admission : Free to enter and explore (rental fees apply for boating) Known for : Spanish moss-draped cypress trees, scenic trails, wildlife, amphitheater, and seasonal festivals 🌳 Historical Background Greenfield Lake originated in the 1730s when Dr.Samuel Green created a dam to form a reservoir for his rice plantation, naming it Greenfields.Greenfield Lake sits at 1739 Burnett Boulevard in Wilmington, NC, spanning 250 acres with a 90-acre lake at its heart.Run by the City’s Parks & Recreation, it’s open every day from sunrise to sunset, free to wander, though boating rentals cost extra.Visitors come for Spanish moss hanging from cypress branches, winding trails, wildlife, an amphitheater, and lively seasonal festivals.Its story began in the 1730s, when Dr.Samuel Green built a dam to create a reservoir for his rice plantation, christening it Greenfields.Over the centuries, the lake shifted from driving the clatter of old mill wheels to hosting swimmers and rowboats by the early 1900s.By the 1920s, Wilmington had turned the place into a public park, where oak trees cast cool shade over the paths.🌿 Natural Features Vegetation : Dominated by ancient bald cypress trees and live oaks with Spanish moss Water Features : A tranquil freshwater lake ideal for small non-motorized boating Flora & Fauna : Includes azaleas, camellias, lilies, and native plants; fauna include herons, egrets, turtles, alligators, and migratory birds Birdwatching Hotspot : Frequent sightings of ospreys, hawks, woodpeckers, and waterfowl 🛶 Outdoor Activities 1.During the Great Depression, government work crews built the loop road and filled the grounds with wide sweeps of blooming gardens, laying the groundwork for the North Carolina Azalea Festival, which first burst to life in 1948.Shaded by towering bald cypress and sprawling live oaks draped in Spanish moss, the area surrounds a calm freshwater lake perfect for paddling a kayak or canoe; azaleas, camellias, and lilies bloom alongside native plants, while herons, egrets, turtles, alligators, and seasonal flocks of migratory birds make it a prime spot to watch ospreys, hawks, woodpeckers, and waterfowl.Seasonal boat rentals are offered by Cape Fear River Watch-grab a kayak, canoe, or paddleboat Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last boat pushed off at 4; rates run $12 an hour for a solo craft and $17 for a tandem kayak or four‑seat paddleboat.You can fish from the bank or the marked piers, but you’ll need a valid NC freshwater license.Expect to reel in bass, sunfish, or the occasional hefty catfish.A 3.9-mile paved loop circles the lake, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling under the shade of towering trees, with benches to rest and signs that share the lake’s story.Boardwalks and lookout spots bring you face-to-face with turtles, wading birds, and shimmering fish; in the warmer months, you might even spot an alligator basking in the sun, with nearby signs offering clear safety tips at cultural and recreational facilities.Greenfield Lake Amphitheater is an open-air venue with about 1,200 seats, where concerts, plays, festivals, film nights, and local gatherings come to life in an intimate space with crisp acoustics, all framed by the shimmer of water and tall pines.Scattered throughout the park, several playgrounds cater to different age groups, with bright slides, sturdy climbing frames, and shady benches where parents can relax.Sheltered picnic tables with nearby grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis-perfect for families, school groups, or reunions, whether you’re sharing sandwiches or flipping burgers in the shade.Greenfield Grind Skate Park is a well-kept spot with smooth ramps, sturdy rails, and deep bowls, all free and open to anyone on a skateboard, BMX bike, or scooter.Greenfield Lake Park offers two unlit public tennis courts perfect for a laid-back match, and its dog-friendly grounds-complete with leash rules and plenty of waste stations-draw walkers to shaded trails that wind toward the lake.Free parking is scattered across the park, from lots near the amphitheater to spots by the boat rentals, and public restrooms sit in central areas with wheelchair-accessible trails and facilities.Drinking fountains are easy to find, though the park closes at sunset since trails aren’t lit at night.Each spring, the North Carolina Azalea Festival fills the park with blooms, music, and parades, while summer brings amphitheater concerts; movie nights, cultural celebrations, clean-up days, and guided tours keep the calendar lively year-round.It’s a peaceful slice of the city where natural beauty meets recreation and community spirit.
