Explore North Carolina

The Sarah P. Duke Gardens, spanning 55 acres on Duke's West Campus and adjacent to the Duke University Medical Center, is widely regarded as a premier public garden in the United States. Explore popular destinations like the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, and the Terraces. Enhance your visit with educational tours and programs, as well as seasonal plant sales.

Duke Forest, encompassing over 7,000 acres across Durham, Orange, and Alamance counties, has served as a dedicated research and teaching site since 1931. Enjoy miles of trails for biking, running, and hiking amidst the diverse natural landscape.

The Duke Lemur Center, nestled within Duke Forest on 85 acres, is the world's leading sanctuary for rare and endangered prosimiian primates. Home to approximately 250 animals, including 15 lemur species, as well as lorises and bushbabies, the Center offers visits by appointment.

The Museum of Life & Science is an interactive science park featuring a science center, a butterfly conservatory, a captivating treehouse village, and engaging outdoor exhibits showcasing rescued black bears, lemurs, and endangered red wolves.

Eno River State Park offers a tranquil escape with secluded wilderness trails winding along the serene Eno River, a clear and swift stream cascading over a rocky stream bed. The 33-mile river flows from northwest Orange County into Durham County, ultimately joining the Flat River to form the Neuse River.

West Point on the Eno, a 388-acre park situated along a two-mile stretch of the scenic Eno River, is located six miles north of downtown Durham. This picturesque park is also the venue for the renowned 3-day Festival for the Eno, held annually on the Fourth of July.

Duke Performances presents a diverse range of concerts across various venues on and off campus. Notably, the Music in the Gardens series is a popular summer attraction.

Back Porch Music offers a summer outdoor concert series at American Tobacco and other venues nearby!

The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) hosts a year-round schedule of concerts and Broadway shows.

The historic Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham showcases a variety of live music performances and film festivals.

Motorco Music Hall is a vibrant entertainment venue in Durham, boasting a capacity of over 500 guests. Located within walking distance of downtown's dining and nightlife scene, Motorco offers a diverse lineup of live music, comedy, and film screenings. It resides in the Central Park district, sharing the neighborhood with venues like Man Bites Dog Theatre, Geer Street Garden, the recently renovated Durham Athletic Park (former home of the Durham Bulls), a skate park, a farmer's market, and the FullSteam Brewery across the street.

Duke University's Nasher Museum of Art is a prominent cultural hub, featuring art exhibitions, engaging programs for all ages (including Family Days), and a diverse calendar of events such as performances, lectures, film screenings, and social gatherings. The 65,000-square-foot museum boasts three spacious galleries, a museum store, educational spaces, and the Nasher Museum Café with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the sculpture gardens.

The North Carolina Central University Art Museum serves as a vital teaching resource and cultural institution. It houses a renowned collection of works by African American artists and those exploring the Black experience.

To immerse yourself in the local arts scene and connect with artists, consider exploring Durham's vibrant arts community. The Durham Art Walk and Durham Third Friday offer excellent opportunities to discover local studios and engage with the artistic community.

The Hayti Heritage Center, founded by St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation (SJHF), is a prominent African American cultural institution deeply rooted in Durham's historic Hayti community. Dedicated to fostering cultural understanding, Hayti Heritage Center offers a diverse range of programs, including classes and concerts, that explore the experiences of Americans of African descent on a local, national, and global scale.

Bennett Place holds historical significance as the site where Confederate General Joseph Johnston surrendered to General William Sherman in April 1865, marking the largest surrender of the American Civil War. Today, this historic site welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday.

Duke Homestead offers a glimpse into the early life of Washington Duke, where he cultivated and processed tobacco. His entrepreneurial endeavors led to the founding of the American Tobacco Company, transforming Durham into a global hub for the tobacco industry. While the family amassed significant wealth, they also dedicated a portion of their fortune to philanthropic causes, including the establishment of Duke University.

Historic Stagville, the remnants of a vast antebellum plantation, provides a unique perspective on the past, particularly the experiences of its African American community. Visitors can explore the extensive grounds at their own pace.

Durham Bulls Athletic Park is the home of the minor league Durham Bulls baseball team. Check out the schedule to see if you can catch a game!

Duke Basketball Museum & Hall of Fame chronicles the history of the five-time national championship Duke Basketball program as well as celebrating all of Duke’s 26 intercollegiate sports which have combined to capture 16 national championships since 1986.