McDowell Nature Center and Preserve is located in southwestern Charlotte near Steele Creek and the oldest nature preserve in Mecklenburg County. The nature center offers educational exhibits, live native animal displays, a discovery hall, and a gift shop. The center also features a certified Backyard Habitat Garden, which has bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens, a garden pond, and a demonstration compost area. McDowell also offers trails, camping and recreation area, and many other facilities.