Greenfield Lake Park

Rent a paddleboat and drift among Spanish moss and century-old cypress trees on Wilmington’s favorite lake. Watch for wild alligators sunning on the banks. The park is free, and a 4.8-mile paved path loops the whole lake.

• Wilmington
• Free park
• Paddleboats
• Alligators

Why families go

Visitors call it very Wilmington: Southern, scenic and full of wildlife, with turtles, herons and, yes, alligators. Canopied paddleboats and kayaks rent by the hour, and families say it’s the best way to see the lake. There are playgrounds and a skate park, and the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater hosts concerts on the shore. There’s no swimming, and the alligators are wild, so keep kids and dogs back from the water’s edge.

Don’t miss

• A paddleboat or kayakRent at the boathouse, first come, first served.
• The paddling audio tourA free 10-stop audio tour to play from the water.
• The 4.8-mile loopPaved and flat, for walking or biking.
• Playgrounds and the skate parkFor energy left over after the boat ride.

Photo: City of Wilmington

Before you go

• The boathouse runs Thursday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in season (last boat out at 4). Renters must be 18, or a parent must sign.
• Never feed the alligators; it’s prohibited.
• Restrooms and picnic shelters are on site.

Plan your visit

• Where: 1739 Burnett Blvd., Wilmington, NC 28401
• From Topsail: About 45–50 minutes from central Surf City.
• Hours: Park open daily; boat rentals Thursday to Sunday in season.
• Admission: Free park; paid hourly boat rentals.
• Official site: City of Wilmington: Greenfield Park
• More nearby: more family fun in Wilmington

A short drive from the island. Browse our Topsail Island vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.

Based on official information from the attraction and on recurring themes in public reviews; checked October 2026. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.