Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center sits on a 1,300-acre campus along the Catawba River in Charlotte, North Carolina, built around the world's largest man-made whitewater river. The outdoor recreation destination doubles as an event venue, pairing more than 40 outdoor activities — rafting, zip-lining, and team-building courses among them — with a range of indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, corporate gatherings, and private events. Couples can marry at South Ridge, a forest amphitheater with hand-crafted wooden seating atop the gorge, or in the timber-frame Overlook Barn, which overlooks the whitewater river from decks on both levels. The Wharf, a 150-year-old barn with a stone fireplace, and Ridge Pavilion, an open-air space with farm tables and its own fireplace, offer additional settings for receptions and events. Conference rooms and the North Conference Center provide climate-controlled indoor space for meetings and corporate functions. Full-day rentals include day passes, farm table seating, complimentary parking, and a microphone and PA system, with an onsite culinary team providing catering and beer and wine service for private events.