Fort Totten Park is a five and a half-acre area nestled between Neuse Boulevard and Trent Road on…read moreFort Totten Drive. The park includes a modular playground, lighted softball field, picnic shelter with grills and picnic tables and public restrooms. The city updated and remodeled the park recently with paint, mulch and a new tire swing. It's in excellent condition. Street parking is available. [Review 329 of 2024 - 3585 in North Carolina - 21363 overall]

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is located in Seven Springs, NC. The park is named for the 90-foot…read morecliffs that overlook the Neuse River. I first stopped at the Visitor Center. I like visiting these as they are like a little museum in each state park. This visitor center was very interactive and had bright colors with the storyboards. I like that they covered the local ecology, the history of the river and also how we can help make better choices to keep the water safe. In the lobby, there are some taxidermies; you will see a black bear, an owl, a fox and a bobcat that lived in the area. When the fault formed, the water created the cliffs. The cliffs are unique in the layers formed. The white and yellow layers of sand and gravel are remnants of ancient beaches. The Atlantic Ocean once covered the area. Then the dark gray and black layers were made of clay likely deposited by ancient marshes. Between these layers are marine life, seashells, shale, and gravel. These got left behind as the sea levels rose and fell. These formations are 90 feet high and 200 feet underground. Native Americans gathered here, the Tuscarora and Saponi tribes. The river acted as a transportation route and a source of food. They used canoes to go from the coast to the inland forest. The high ground served as a lookout point, allowing them to see anyone approaching. They hunted deer and turkey. The museum has stone tools and other artifacts that were found in the area. During the Civil War, in the Battle of Whitehall (now Seven Springs), the Union soldiers used the higher ground to fight the Confederates. The Confederates were building an ironclad ship (the CSS Neuse). They thought being upriver would keep them safe from the Union ships. They had hoped to retake New Bern with it. The ship survived the battle with only minor damage and was moved to Kinston to have an engine and heavy iron armor added. (The ship can be seen at the CSS Interpretive Museum in Kinston, NC) I liked the phones available for a glimpse into the past from people who were part of the park, and the viewer glasses. The building is air-conditioned, and restrooms are available. There is a small gift shop too. The staff were friendly as they were expecting campers. There is an Overlook for a beautiful view. It is just steps away from the parking lot. The view was stunning. The signs make it easy to find from the visitor center. There are some trails to follow as well if you want to explore more.

Love this park!! In the summer you're able to swim and kayak. Trails aren't that hard and scenery…read moreis nice.

This passive park is located on the site of the former Lemual Harvey Elementary School that stood…read morehere from 1925 to 1974. I'm not sure what happened to the school but this is now an open space with a gazebo at the center. It's nice for a picnic and would probably be ideal for a festival or farmer's market sort of thing. There is a dedicated parking lot. Watch yourself on the steps as some of them are a little cracked. [Review 15471 overall, 975 of 2021, number 3015 in North Carolina.]

This small park with a playground is located on a corner of the UNC Lenoir Health Care hospital…read morecampus and has its own dedicated parking lot. The park has a fenced playground with modern equipment that appears in great condition. I like that there is a small fence to limit access and keep the little ones from possibly wandering off. There is also a picnic shelter with picnic tables though no grill. The main attraction here is the walking track that was in good use today with at least a dozen folks doing laps. It alternates days going clockwise and counter-clockwise so that the walking is perhaps a little fresher and less boring. Parts of the track are in the shade and there are some fixed fitness pieces along the way. [Review 15475 overall, 979 of 2021, number 3018 in North Carolina.]

Great inexpensive fun for kiddos, especially in this summer heat, and there is a store right next…read moredoor to buy treats

This park has some real potential but right now it's just not there. The pool is chained and locked…read moreup looking like it needs some painting and TLC. There isn't much shade (I guess you wouldn't want leaves falling into the pool) but that will make it super hot on a summer day. There is a tennis court but it needs resurfacing and some equipment because right now it looks like a very strange parking lot. The only decent thing here is the picnic shelter which does have a grill nearby but there is only one table in the shelter and one of them dragged out of the shelter. What? [Review 15476 overall, 980 of 2021, number 3019 in North Carolina.]

Veterans Memorial park is a serene and dignified space dedicated to honoring local veterans who…read moreserved and sacrificed across generations. Located at 290 East Walnut Street, the park features a thoughtfully arranged landscape of memorials, plaques, and monuments that pay tribute to Wayne County natives lost in service. The layout encourages visitors to walk through its commemorative spaces, each designed to evoke contemplation and reverence and be reminded of the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice in Wayne County. It is also a popular site for weddings, photo shoots, patriotic gatherings, and quiet reflection. [Review 751 of 2025 - 4183 in North Carolina - 24311 overall]

This is a really interesting thing to take a look at. I think I recommend looking at it both…read morebefore, and after, going to the near-by interpretive center. This lets you see what the ironclads would have looked like when they were all together. It's a really interesting thing to see, but the real history is in the building next door.

If you are in Kinston on a Saturday, make sure to stop by and walk around this massive boat. They…read morebuilt the replica to the design of the original so it is really neat to walk around and feel like what it was like to live and work on the boat. The volunteers can answer your questions and provide extra tidbits. The CCC Neuse II is open on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm as it is run by volunteers. There is no cost to view the replica boat though but they do appreciate donations. There is a large parking lot across the street from the replica. This attraction does require walking up stairs to get to the second level. Then other stairs to go below deck.

Honestly just steer clear of this spot, owners seem to hate that ATVs are at their ATV park... it's…read morelike the owners /employees wake up with the sole itinerary of ruining someone's day.

Terrible customer service, trails where in horrible shape don't recommend going at all,…read moreStaff is incredibly rude and not helpful