Every planner wants to create experiences that make meeting attendees feel they’re on top of the world. If you’re planning a meeting in northwest North Carolina, you can achieve that with a visit to Grandfather Mountain. Soaring 5,946 feet and estimated to be 300 million years old, with some rock formations dating back 1.2 billion years, the peak off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, is accessible by vehicle and by a paved road. When visitors reach the peak, they’ll enjoy an awe-inspiring view of mountain ridge after mountain ridge. Along the way they can enjoy native wildlife visits and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge that connects two peaks one mile above sea level.
With the upcoming June opening of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, about halfway up the mountain, Grandfather Mountain will be better able to welcome groups. The center will nearly double the size of Grandfather Mountain’s Nature Museum and add a dozen interactive exhibits and experiences that connect to the mountain’s 16 natural communities. Part of the larger Conservation Campus, the expanded center will include a pavilion and an amphitheater with terraced seating while an ADA-accessible auditorium, classrooms and new food service facilities will extend the park’s capacity for hosting conferences and other events.
Some highlights of the center include:
- Flora Wall: Learn about our mind-boggling variety of plants on Grandfather with an interactive display.
- Mineral Cave: Get an up-close view of minerals with built-in magnifying glasses
- Tree Stories and Timeline: See how the park and the world have changed around a single growing tree.
- Migration Mapping and the World of Birds: Follow the extraordinary migration patterns throughout the park.
- Extremes and Weather: Use interactive elements to sample our extreme weather, and a well-known meteorologist guide budding climate scientists.
- Shadow Play: Step behind the frosted glass façade with a silhouette shape of your favorite animal, bird, bat or butterfly.
- Fauna Wall: Explore the diverse species on Grandfather with this interactive wall with bird sculptures and animal imagery.
- Grand Deck & Patio: Gather outdoors by Mildred’s Grill for group picnics and bird watching.
