Durham is a city in the state of North Carolina. It’s a part of the Research Triangle area alongside Raleigh and Chapel Hill, making it an ideal place to visit for any tech enthusiast! If you’re already sold on visiting Durham, proceed below for some suggestions of things to do in Durham, NC.
Museum of Life and Science
The museum has several permanent exhibits, including an exhibit where visitors can learn about wildlife typically found in North Carolina and the surrounding areas by controlling robotic animals with an interactive touch screen; an outdoor butterfly house; a reconstructed dinosaur skeleton; and a hands-on, science-based children’s museum that includes things like slides made from repurposed musical instruments and musical mirrors that give back different sounds every time you speak into them (they also happen to be exceptionally fun for adults).
Nasher Museum of Art
This world-class collection consists of over 13,000 pieces of art. The exhibits cover a wide range of time periods, cultures, and artistic mediums. The museum also hosts special events on a regular basis. These events include lectures, gallery talks, and guided tours. Gallery talks are free for members. Lectures and guided tours cost $5 per person.
Fortunately, the Nasher Museum doesn’t charge admission for most visitors (except for special exhibitions). Kids under 12 years old get in free as well! The museum is a must-see for any art lover!
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Want to root for the home team, enjoy a beer and a hot dog, and cheer on talented athletes? The Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) is the place to do it. Watch the city’s minor-league baseball team battle regional rivals on the field while you sit back with friends and family in this outdoor stadium near downtown Durham. The DBAP is also used to host many other events that range from concerts to food truck rodeos, making it a great thing to do in Durham, NC. And why not make a day of it by visiting local restaurants or shops before or after the game?
Duke University Campus
Out of things to do in Durham, NC? Well, there are so many cool things to do at the Duke University Campus we don’t know where to start! Here are some of the most renowned highlights of the area.
Duke Lemur Center
As the world’s largest sanctuary for lemurs, the center is home to over 200 lemurs of 15 different species. The Duke Lemur Center also conducts research and works to educate the public about these amazing creatures.
Visitors can take two tours: one that explores the outdoor habitats of free-ranging lemurs from Madagascar, and one that allows you to get up close to some smaller, indoor residents. These tours offer a unique opportunity to learn about this threatened species in an interactive way! If you’re interested in learning more while having fun outside in nature with your kids or friends, this is a perfect spot.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Duke Gardens has 55 acres of gardens, plants, and art that is open to the public for free. The gardens are broken up into five different areas: the Historic Gardens, Asiatic Arboretum, Culberson Asiatic Holly Collection, Blomquist Garden of Native Plants and the Terrace Gardens. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens are located on Duke University’s West Campus and is one of the most-visited attractions in the Triangle. The gardens feature a collection of over 50 acres featuring more than 200 species of plants as well as sculptures from artists around the world!
Duke Chapel
The Duke Chapel is a must-see thing to do in Durham, NC. Duke Chapel was originally built in the early nineteen hundreds as a non-denominational church for students attending school at Duke University. It was designed by Julian Abele, one of America’s most notable African-American architects. Located on the west campus of Duke University, the Chapel towers over all the other buildings on campus and can be seen from many places across the city.
Despite being affiliated with a prestigious private university, the Duke Chapel is open to visitors and tourists every day. Not only is it an iconic building, it’s one that you can visit free of charge!
American Tobacco Campus
The American Tobacco Campus is located in downtown Durham and used to be where the American Tobacco Company operated after moving from New Jersey in 1874. After nearly a century of cigarette manufacturing, the site was abandoned for many years before being redeveloped into its current form.
With over 6,000 employees calling this place their home base, it’s no wonder that there are so many things to do here: from shops to restaurants and breweries. If you’re planning a visit around one of their signature events like First Friday, Jazz Fest, or Something in the Water Festival, be sure to check out their calendar, so you know exactly when everything is happening!
Eno River State Park
Another suggestion on our list of things to in Durham, NC, is the Eno River State Park. It contains more than thirty miles of hiking, biking and running trails. Many of these trails follow the Eno River and offer opportunities to explore the river’s waterfalls or go fishing. The park also contains several picnic areas, as well as a dog off-leash area that can be accessed from the Piper Cottage parking area.
West Point on the Eno
West Point on the Eno is a 533-acre historical park located in Durham, just 20 minutes from downtown. The park features paved and gravel hiking trails which are ideal for leisurely walks and picnicking. A visitor center offers additional information about West Point on the Eno Park as well as a small gift shop with local history books, t-shirts and locally made gifts.
Enjoy camping at one of their campsites or just take a stroll through this beautiful piece of land that has been dedicated to preserving nature while providing recreation activities such as picnic areas. There’s even an old mill house onsite where you’ll get your own private tour upon request!
Bennett Place Historic Site
Bennett Place Historic Site, located in Durham, North Carolina, was the site of the largest troop surrender of the American Civil War. On April 26th, 1865, General Joseph E. Johnston surrendered his forces to General William T. Sherman here at Bennett Farmstead; this ended the Carolinas Campaign and is considered to be the last major surrender of the war.
The state historic site features a museum that interprets the events surrounding this pivotal moment in American history while also preserving three original structures: two log homes and a restored kitchen on its original foundations, which were built in 1778.
Bennett Place is open year-round.
Durham Performing Arts Center
With a capacity of over 2,700 people, it is the perfect place to see a Broadway show, a concert, or a comedy act. The facility is also home to the North Carolina Symphony and the American Dance Festival. In addition to its world-class performances, the Durham Performing Arts Center also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops. These include everything from acting classes to behind-the-scenes tours.
Things to Do in Durham, NC
Durham is a great place to visit. There are tons of fun things to do in Durham, NC. You can spend hours upon hours doing all kinds of fun things. All in all, it’s a fantastic place that you’ll be glad you visited!
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