Lake · West Catawba & the lake
Jetton Park
A wooded lakeside county park with paved paths, picnic areas and long Lake Norman views.
Shoreline park — no designated swimming
Cornelius Living / Explore
Things to do in Cornelius.
Start with what you feel like doing. Each choice leads to researched places, practical notes and a plan.
01
Go by the water
A shoreline walk, a seasonal swimming beach, a launch or a paid rental — four different things.
Lake · West Catawba & the lake
Ramsey Creek Park
A county park with a seasonally designated swimming beach, trails, a dog park and boat-launch access.
Seasonal designated swimming beach
Lake · West Catawba & the lake
Morningstar Marinas Crown Harbor
A full-service marina near I‑77 Exit 28 that publishes a pontoon rental fleet.
Marina with paid rentals
02
Find dinner
From a lakeside terrace to a ten-table seafood room.
Dining · West Catawba & the lake
Hello, Sailor
A retro-styled lakeside restaurant and bar beside Kings Point Marina.
Waterfront dining
Dining · North Main Street
Barrel & Fork
Southern-leaning American cooking set in a historic house near Old Town.
03
See a show
The Cain Center anchors performances, exhibitions and classes.
Arts · Old Town
Cain Center for the Arts
Cornelius’s performing arts center, with a main theater, galleries, classes and community programming in Old Town.
Arts · Old Town
Cain Park
A green space with a performance pad and picnic area in the center of Old Town.
Drinks · Old Town
Old Town Public House
A laid-back Old Town bar for craft beer, wine and coffee, with food trucks and live music nights.
04
Choose a park
Courts, ponds, splash pads and paved loops.
Parks · Bailey Road & east Cornelius
Bailey Road Park
The Town’s largest active park, with courts, fields, disc golf, playgrounds and paved walking trails.
Parks · West Catawba & the lake
Robbins Park
A wooded park with two fishing ponds, a long boardwalk, trails, a playground and courts.
Parks · North Main Street
Smithville Park & Splashville
A neighborhood park in the historic Smithville community with the free Lake Norman Kiwanis Splashville splash pad.
05
Coffee & brunch
Old Town espresso, French pastry and a slow breakfast.
Coffee & Bakeries · Old Town
The Coffeeshop
A family-owned specialty coffee shop in Old Town with locally baked treats.
Coffee & Bakeries · Bailey Road & east Cornelius
Cocotte French Bakery
A French-style bakery with viennoiserie, breads and espresso.
Coffee & Bakeries · North Main Street
Willow Wood Coffee
A locally owned shop that roasts its coffee and cooks breakfast-style plates.
06
Shop & browse
Independent storefronts on and near Catawba Avenue.
Shopping · Old Town
Old Town Vinyl
An independent record shop among the storefronts on Catawba Avenue in Old Town.
Shopping · Old Town
Dutchman’s Casual Living
An established outdoor and casual furniture store at Oak Street Mill in Old Town.