Nature Places
- Catch the Wind at the Museum of Life and Science
433 Murray Ave
(919) 220-5429
This new four-acre outdoor learning experience at the Museum of Life and Science features a series of large-scale interactive, environmental exhibits that express how wind influences the environment. Catch the Wind is a companion exhibit of Explore the Wild, which opened in May 2006.
Map | Driving Directions - Duke Forest
NC Hwy 751
(919) 613-8013
7,050-acre teaching and research forest of Duke University with a variety of eco-systems represented. Preserved for research and recreation since the 1930s, its six divisions are accessible through a network of roads and fire trails.
Map | Driving Directions - Duke Lemur Center
3705 Erwin Rd at NC Hwy 751
(919) 489-3364
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. Admission: $7 adults, $4 seniors and children (3-12); $5 college students; $1 children 2 and under. Tours by appointment only, but many of these Lemurs can be viewed at Explore the Wild at the Museum of Life and Science.
Map | Driving Directions - Duke University Phytotron
139 Biological Sciences Bldg, Duke University West Campus
(919) 660-7400
Operated by Duke University for the National Science Foundation With forty artificial growth chambers and six glass houses for ongoing research on global changes. Tours restricted to biology-related groups.
Map | Driving Directions - Explore the Wild at the Museum of Life and Science
433 Murray Rd, I-85 Exit 176-B
(919) 220-5429
Preserved natural setting home to black bears, red wolves, and lemurs. Natural observation areas, 750-foot boardwalk, field cameras, outdoor microscopes, and state-of-the-art technology look into this dynamic natural landscape, its wildlife, plant life, and supporting habitats.
Map | Driving Directions - Hill Demonstration Forest Trails
NE Durham - Take US Hwy 501N and turn right on Moore's Mill Rd.
(919) 515-7576
Established in 1929, this 2,450-acre forest has been managed by North Carolina State University as a teaching laboratory, where students learn to survey, measure, identify vegetation, perform water and soil tests and undertake the myriad other tasks that are part of every forester's job.
Map | Driving Directions - Jordan Lake Wetlands/State Recreation Area
Along NC 54 and NC 751
(919) 362-0586
Five impoundment areas ranging from 50 to 2,000 acres providing habitats for waterfowl including ducks and Canadian geese. Bird-watching (duck-hunting, December and January).
Map | Driving Directions - Lake Michie Recreation Area
2303 Bahama Rd
(919) 477-3906
Picnic area/shelters, hiking trails, primitive camping ($12-$17), bird-watching, and rock hounding. Open F-Su, 6:30am-6pm, mid-March through mid-November. Park access is free; fee for camping, boating, and fishing.
Map | Driving Directions - Leigh Farm Park
Leigh Farm Rd
(919) 560-4355
This 90-acre nature preserve is operated by Durham Parks & Recreation and is home to Piedmont Wildlife Center's administrative and education programs.
Map | Driving Directions - Little River Community Complex
8307 Roxboro Rd
(919) 620-1409
Provides recreational, educational, health, and social activities for the people of the Little River area in Northern Durham.
Map | Driving Directions - Magic Wings Butterfly House and Bayer CropScience Insectarium
433 Murray Ave at I-85 Exit 176-B
(919) 220-5429
Three-story-tall, tropical butterfly conservatory, the largest in the East Coast, features exotic flowers, tropical fruit trees in a rainforest area, and a stream garden. Insectarium features 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.
Map | Driving Directions - Museum of Life and Science
433 W Murray Ave, I-85 Exit 176-B
(919) 220-5429
State-of-the-art, engaging indoor/outdoor science-technology center ranked as one of the top four family-friendly museums in the Southeast. The museum includes Magic Wings Butterfly House, Explore the Wild, Catch the Wind, and many more interactive exhibits. Admission: $10.85 adults; $8.85 seniors; $7.85 ages 3-12; free for under 3. Group rates available. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Occasional Monday closings during fall/winter.
Map | Driving Directions - Penny's Bend Nature Preserve
3706 Snow Hill Rd, at Old Oxford Highway
(919) 962-0522
Unusual wildflowers and unique molten rock formations called Diabase Still on the 84-acre peninsula formed by the Eno River.
Map | Driving Directions - Rollingview Marina
3940 Falls Lake Rd
(919) 596-2194
Map | Driving Directions - Rollingview State Recreation Area at Falls Lake
I-85 N. to U.S. 70 Bypass. Exit at NC Hwy 98 & follow signs to Rollingview
(919) 676-1027
Bird-watching, boating/sailing, boat launches, recreational activities, swimming, beaches, water skiing, windsurfing, as well as 115 tent & trailer campsites. Gates open daily 8 am-8 pm. Admission: $5 per car, $3 for senior citizens 62 years of age or older, $10 per bus charged daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day; charged on weekends and holidays in April, May and September. Camping fees: $10-$40.
Map | Driving Directions - The Sarah P. Duke Gardens
426 Anderson St, Duke University West Campus
(919) 684-3698
55-acre gardens known as one of the premier public gardens in the US with 200-plus colorful plant varieties viewed from than 5 miles of walkways and paths. Seasonal plantings ensure that each visit is a new experience. Call for tour information.
Map | Driving Directions - Witherspoon Rose Culture
3312 Watkins Rd
(919) 489-4446
"Gardens at Witherspoon" feature 1,800 rose bushes on display. The Garden Shop offers a diverse selection of roses, perennials, and ornamental grasses, unique pots, planters, fountains, and birdbaths. Gardens best for visiting May-October. Open M-Sa, 9am-5pm, Sa-Su, by appointment.
Map | Driving Directions
