Science Places

The world's largest technical and scientific textile membership society where practically all dyes, finishes, and textile chemicals produced in the U.S. are tested. Call for tour information.

Research and study center housing 260 prosimian primates, the largest population of lemurs outside of their native Madagascar. Outside walking tour & inside viewing of nocturnal prosimians with unique sound experience. Guided tours by appointment only.

Operated by Duke University for the National Science Foundation. 40 artificial growth chambers and six glass houses for ongoing research on global changes. Tours restricted to biology-related groups.

Preserved natural setting home to black bears, red wolves, and lemurs. Natural observation areas, 750-foot boardwalk, outdoor microscopes, and field cameras look into this dynamic natural landscape, its wildlife, plant life, and supporting habitats. Included with admission to the Museum of Life and Science.

Pressure chambers used to simulate ocean and high altitude environments. Center has conducted joint research with NASA, U.S. Navy, and international governmental agencies. Call for tour information.

Three-story tropical butterfly conservatory, the largest on the East Coast, featuring exotic flowers and tropical plants in a rainforest area and stream garden. Insectarium has more than 25 live exotic species of insects and an extensive collection of mounted specimens from around the world. Included with admission to the Museum of Life and Science.

State-of-the-art, engaging indoor/outdoor science-technology center ranked as one of the top family-friendly museums in the Southeast. Includes Magic Wings Butterfly House, Explore the Wild, Catch the Wind, Dinosaur Trail, and many more interactive exhibits. Group rates available. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days.

The Bull and Beef Cattle Field Laboratory is named for former WWII Camp Butner. Carries out bull feed and reproductive soundness research. Not generally open to the public, but tours can be arranged.

The Museum includes an array of equipment that has been used in parapsychological research over the past 70 years, beginning in the 1930's at the Duke Parapsychology Lab, and continuing through to the work done at the Rhine today.

World's most famous laboratory studying extrasensory perception (ESP), telepathy, psycho kinesis, and related mental abilities. Library, exhibits, and tours by appointment.

The world's largest university-related research park with more than 170 companies employing over 42,000 people. Owned by the Research Triangle Foundation and carved from Durham pinelands in 1959 as a special Durham County tax district, it is four miles from Downtown and surrounded on three sides by the City of Durham. Self-driving tour map available at the Durham Visitor Information Center, 101 E Morgan St, Downtown.