Cornelius is one of the best places to live and visit in North Carolina. Situated right on beautiful Lake Norman and only 20 miles outside Charlotte, there is no shortage of stunning views and places to explore. People from all across the state visit Cornelius each year.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the area, be sure to take advantage of everything Cornelius has to offer. Here are 5 of our favorite things to do in Cornelius all year round!
1) Practice Your (Mini) Swing at Lake Norman Mini Golf ⛳
Who doesn’t love good old friendly competition at a game of mini golf? Lake Norman Mini Golf was started in 2008 when the original owners wanted to play mini golf, but there weren’t any local options. Now, Lake Norman Mini Golf is one of the most popular attractions in Cornelius.
As the perfect spot for a date night or a fun adventure for the kids, there’s never a bad time to hit up this 18-hole putt-putt course. Previous guests have left many 5-star Google reviews commending the clean facility and friendly staff.
Oh, and did we mention that Lake Norman Mini Golf also has axe throwing, a laser maze, rock climbing, and over 80 flavors of snoballs? We’ll see you there!
Address: 18639 Statesville Rd, Cornelius, NC
2) Take Paddleboard Lessons
Cornelius is known for being a prime destination for lake fun. Many locals love getting out on Lake Norman on stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). If you’ve been watching from afar with envy and always wanted to give paddleboarding a try but don’t know how; Cornelius has you covered.
The local Parks & Recreation board offers paddleboarding lessons on Saturday mornings. You’ll learn how to maneuver your board and paddle and everything you need to stay safe on the water. The price is only $25 per lesson for residents and $35 for non-residents!
The Parks & Recreation board also offers more fun activities like Camp Gladiator, Tai Chi, and open track nights.
3) Go On a Craft Brewery Tour
There is no shortage of fun breweries in Cornelius. Whether you want to just gather with friends and enjoy a craft brew or join a taproom tour, you have plenty of options. Some of our favorite Cornelius breweries are:
Eleven Lakes Brewing Company
Since 2016, Eleven Lakes Brewing Company has been crafting a community with exceptional craft beer. This brewery has quickly become a local favorite, and they have the 5-star reviews to prove it. They frequently have food trucks on-site, live music, and fun events like trivia and yoga.
Try their Coconut Chocolate Porter or Apricot Habanero Spiced Ale!
Ass Clown Brewing
Even though the name of this brewery sounds pretty funny, the quality of the beer is no joke. As one of the most popular breweries in the area, Ass Clown Brewing provides the largest selection of beer around (200+ rotating flavors!) with unique flavors changing almost daily.
These brewmasters aren’t afraid to go bold or go home with their flavors. Guests love the laid-back, fun atmosphere.
If you’re feeling brave, try their Ghost Chili IPA!
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew is unlike any other dog-friendly brewery. You can enjoy a drink while your dog enjoys the on-site dog yard supervised by highly-trained staff members. There are even multiple televisions so you can keep an eye on your pup the whole time.
With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and a heated & covered patio in winter, there’s plenty of room for canine and human friends alike. Local food trucks are frequently brought in so you can grab a tasty bite as well.
Lucky Dog also hosts puppy birthday parties, dog boarding & daycare, and grooming!
4) Explore Beautiful Nature
Cornelius is surrounded by stunning nature, and there are so many exciting areas to explore. Whether you want to go for a hike or a long bike ride or get out on the lake, there are ample parks for you to enjoy. Plus, you can join a local sports league and play at one of the outdoor sports complexes.
Some of our favorite parks include:
- Jetton Park: Walking trails, biodiverse wildlife
- Bailey Road Park: Synthetic turf field, bandshell, batting cage
- Yacht Club Playground Park: Large playground, floral landscaping
- Robbins Park: Disc golf course, sand volleyball court, fishing
- Torrence Chapel Park: Playground, walking trails, baseball
- Ramsey Creek Park: Swimming area, enclosed dog park, fishing pier
Be sure to enjoy the beautiful North Carolina weather and get outside. And on the really hot days, you can cool off by taking a dip in Lake Norman.
5) Laugh It Up at Lake Norman Comedy Zone
The Lake Norman Comedy Zone is in conjunction with Piper’s at Galway Hooker Irish Restaurant and Pub. The restaurant is one of the most unique restaurants in the area. They offer fantastic Irish and American food, guaranteed to satisfy any taste buds.
Upstairs at Piper’s at Galway Hooker is the renowned comedy club: The Comedy Zone. There are shows every Tuesday, often featuring nationally touring acts! This is the perfect activity for date nights, team building, or just a night out with friends.
The Comedy Zone is sure to be the funniest night of your life, and you’ll likely leave with a stomach ache from laughing so hard!
Everything You Need Right Here in Cornelius
It’s no secret why so many people choose to live in or visit Cornelius, NC every year. With so many fun places to explore, from mini golf to fantastic parks to comedy clubs, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.
Plus, Cornelius has local small businesses that have you covered in the other areas of your life. When you need roofing service on your Cornelius home, the local team at Tidds Roofing has your back.
Give us a call whenever you need help with your home!
