Meet incredible prehistoric beasts from the Mesozoic Era, go on a fantastic journey to explore the wild cats of our world, interact with wildlife of all kinds, and explore agricultural and environmental science. Indoors and outside, The Schiele has exciting exhibits for all ages!
Now Featuring
Permanent
Catawba Indian Village
Open seasonally, this interpretation of 400 years of Catawba Indian culture, adaptation, and survival is a must-see for visitors interested our region’s rich heritage. Visit a prehistoric bark-covered house, council house, and log cabins.
Elizabeth W. Robinson Hall
Currently closed
Site of the former Creepy Nature exhibit, the Elizabeth W. Robinson Exhibit Hall hosts rotating earth science exhibits. This hall is currently closed as we create something new and exciting!
Hall of North American Habitats
Experiencing the beauty and detail of the Hall of North American Habitats will lead your imagination to the wonders of our ocean floors, the Everglades, the Sonoran Desert, and the mighty Alaskan tundra. Children and adults alike will leave with an appreciation for the majesty and diversity of life in our North American homeland.
Hall of North American Wildlife
Get toe to claw, nose to gill, finger to stinger, and eye to shank with wildlife at its finest! These dioramas give you a true perspective on the size and scope of North America’s bears, bison, moose, and elk along with other mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
Hall of North Carolina Natural History
Have you ever seen a harbor seal, a teal, a heron, an egret, or a coot? Artistically crafted dioramas depict the inhabitants and terrain of the North Carolina coastline, coastal plains, hills, Piedmont, and mountain regions in their incredible diversity.
Henry Hall of the American Indian
Discover incredible depictions of major tribal groups in the new world and colonies of North America. This unforgettable collection includes artifacts, weapons, ornaments, tools, and dwellings, reminding visitors of the beautiful culture of the North American Native.
Memorial Wildlife Garden
In this wildlife oasis, you can take advantage of the contemplative setting by escaping the rat race and settling into an environment authentically designed to provide food and shelter for the Carolina Piedmont’s native species. This beautiful, quiet area is nestled right next to our running river.
Nature Trail
All within a 0.7 mile trek, you’ll experience a pine forest, mixed hardwood forest, and pond and stream communities typical of the North Carolina Piedmont. The Trail is open year-round, so every day is a good day for a walk. Dogs are welcome on our Nature Trail, but NOT permitted within any of the other outdoor exhibits.
Stone Age Heritage Site
Travel back in time when the stone tools our ancestors used were the cutting edge of technology. Walk among the standing stones, stone circles, earthen burial mound, rock cairn and petroglyphs that give insightful glimpses into our past.
The Farm
Explore The Farm, sponsored by Gaston County Farm Bureau! Visitors can explore a variety of local plants, live animals, interactive displays, and farm equipment that shine a spotlight on farms across the history of our region.
Natural aMAZEment
It has never been so fun to be lost! Explore and enjoy every twist and turn in a series of mazes made from natural materials. (Find them on the Nature Trail.) This exhibit was made possible by Melissa and John Harris and the Virgil P. Warren Foundation.
Animal Ambassadors
The Schiele is home to over 80 live animals. Some are housed inside the Hall of North American Wildlife, others live on The Farm, and many more are educational ambassadors. Animals are an important part of our mission, inspiring visitors to learn more about their lives and habitats.
