Panther Creek Venues
Warning Alert
Temporary Road Closure
NOTICE: The park road leading to the Smallman Shelter and overlook will be closed to vehicles from March 1, 2026, through May 15, 2026, while extensive renovations to the Lake Observation Platform are performed. The road to and around the first picnic area island will remain open to visitors and vehicular traffic. Foot travel beyond the closed area is permitted but visitors will not be permitted in the immediate area of the construction site.
Major Improvements at the Park
A capital improvement project to construct a day-use recreation lodge and new playground will begin at the park on Monday, April 13, 2026. The swimming pool parking lot, playground, playground restrooms, beach volleyball and basketball courts will be closed to the public during construction, which is scheduled to be completed by mid-year 2027.
The tennis courts and disc-golf course will remain open but parking for these amenities will be limited to the lots adjacent to the visitor center and Spoone shelter. This project will significantly enhance the quantity and quality of recreational opportunities provided by the park. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete this exciting new project for the benefit of our visitors.
Playground Closed For Renovation
The park playground will be permanently closed to the public beginning Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The existing playground will be removed, and a new playground will be constructed at the park. The new playground is scheduled to be completed by mid-year 2027 and will be a tremendous improvement over the existing playground.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve the park for our visitors. If you have any questions, please contact the park office.
Host Your Event at Panther Creek
Panther Creek offers a variety of outdoor spaces and venues for your next group gathering.
Our Event Spaces
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The Heart At Panther Creek
Average rates: $133Capacity: 25 guestsThe Heart is located at the highest point of Panther Creek Park Road. This heart-shaped space makes for a special wedding atmosphere for you and your loved one to celebrate joining lives.
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Panther Creek Overlook
Average rates: $106Capacity: 30 guestsThe Overlook has a breathtaking view of Cherokee Lake. A wooded observation deck offers you and your family a perfect place to celebrate your joyous commitment. The Overlook only allows for 15 guests to stand on the deck at one time, but there is some area around it to accommodate other guests. This area is ideal for weddings up to 30 people. Park sweeps and removes litter pior to the event.
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Panther Creek: Creek Observation Deck
Average rates: $133Capacity: 100 guestsThe Deck is a large open area that is perfect for a larger wedding. With Panther Creek running behind it, this space is absolutely stunning. There is plenty of space to set up chairs or haybales for your guests, and this venue is open year-round. Park sweeps and removes litter prior to the event.
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Panther Creek Recreational Field
Average rates: $603Capacity: 2000 guestsThe Panther Creek Recreation Field is the perfect space for any outdoor event — from weddings to company events, even family reunions. With a limited number of restrooms located nearby and ample parking for large events, the field can hold up to 2,000 guests. Park mows and removes litter prior to the event.
Pavilions
Panther Creek State Park has three picnic shelters/pavilions that may be reserved for your next event or gathering. Depending on the shelter, the maximum capacity ranges from 12 to 80 people. The shelters are equipped with picnic tables, and many have a grill and access to restrooms. Restrooms at the Smallman and Spoone Pavilion are closed seasonally each year from November 15 through March 1.
Depending upon the shelter, access to a playground or a view of the lake is nearby.
Shelter reservations may be made online or by calling the park.
Picnic shelters or pavilions may be reserved online up to one year in advance with a paid reservation fee. There is a $5 cancellation fee for picnic shelter or pavilion reservations canceled eight days or more in advance of the reserved date. Reservations canceled seven days or less in advance of the reserved date forfeit all paid fees.
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Panther Creek Spoone Shelter
Average rates: $88–$144Capacity: 80 guestsThis shelter offers electricity, great parking, a large open field area, horseshoe pit, volleyball net, and several grills. A restroom is located nearby for your convenience.
Note: Restrooms at the Smallman and Spoone Shelters are closed seasonally each year from November 15 through March 1. -
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Panther Creek Smallman Shelter
Average rates: $88–$144Capacity: 60 guestsLocated just across from the breathtaking overlook which features great views of Cherokee Lake. This location is spacious, but parking is limited in this area. A restroom is located nearby for your convenience. The Smallman Shelter does not have electricity.
Note: Restrooms at the Smallman and Spoone Shelters are closed seasonally each year from November 15 through March 1. -
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Panther Creek Playground Shelter
Average rates: $62Capacity: 12 guestsThe playground at Panther Creek is a great place for kids to burn off their energy during a trip to the park. The multi-level play structure features several slides and climbers, as well as adult and children’s swing sets. A covered pavilion is conveniently located beside the playground for children and parents to relax in the shade or enjoy a picnic meal. The park staff will clean the shelter prior to your event and remove trash after.
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Panther Creek Playground
The playground at Panther Creek is a great place for kids to burn off their energy during a trip to the park. The multi-level play structure features several slides and climbers, as well as adult and children’s swing sets.
A covered pavilion is conveniently located beside the playground for children and parents to relax in the shade or enjoy a picnic meal. The playground shelter is available for use by the general public unless reserved.
The pavilion next to the playground (aka the "Playground Shelter") is reservable online or at the park office.
Discover More at Panther Creek
Explore the Park
Inspiration
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No events are scheduled at this time, but there's always more to explore.