PEDAL BOATS

Pedal across Whitebeard’s Lake at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, North Carolina, with mountain scenery and an island home to lemurs and capuchins.

Paddle Boat Rides sign beside the lake at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC

Pedal boats docked beside a tree-shaded lake at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC

Family seated in a red pedal boat beside a dock at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC

PEDAL BOATS AT SANTA’S LAND IN CHEROKEE, NC

Whitebeard’s Lake offers a quiet, self-pedaled boat ride inside Santa’s Land. From the water, guests can see the island habitat of ring-tailed lemurs and capuchin monkeys and watch koi fish in the lake.

WHAT THE RIDE IS LIKE

Riders pedal their own boat around the small lake rather than boarding a motorized tour. The park also describes feeding the koi from the water with fish food. Keep a comfortable distance from the island and enjoy the animals from the boat.

HOURS AND SEASON

Santa’s Land operates from late spring into early November. It is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Boat operations depend on weather and safe lake conditions.

ADMISSION AND PARKING

The park’s one-price admission includes unlimited rides, including the pedal boats. General admission is $30 plus tax for guests age two and older; children under two enter free. Senior, military and AAA discounts and rates for groups of 20 or more are offered. Parking is free.

BOARDING AND SAFETY

Follow the attendant’s loading directions and remain seated while the boat is moving. Keep young children with their group and secure phones and other loose belongings before boarding. The park does not publish a separate boat duration or reservation schedule.

NEAR THE LAKE

Whitebeard’s Lake also has a stop for snow cones and koi feeding. The park’s other rides, zoo exhibits, Santa’s House and dining areas are a short walk within the same admission area.