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Science & Nature
The creative and scientific elements that make Durham a great place to live and work also make it a great place to learn and play. With miles of trails, several lakes and waterways, plus dozens of parks, outdoor spaces, and museums, Durham has great scenic natural beauty and places to explore science. Unique educational opportunities include the Duke Lemur Center where visitors can explore a species that is native to Madagascar, and the Museum of Life + Science where curious visitors can explore the world through interactive, engaging exhibits. Natural beauty can be admired at a variety of parks and gardens, including the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, whose 55-acres are full of more than 4,500 colorful plant varieties. Use the searchable listings below to explore science and nature in Durham.
A Day in Duke Gardens
You can easily spend a day exploring Duke Gardens. See what awaits you and get some tips in this tour of Duke Gardens’ four distinct areas. Read More
A Look Inside Magic Wings
Get a behind the scenes look at the Museum of Life + Science's butterfly house in this interview with its director. Read More
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Duke Lemur Center
Lemurs are native only to Madagascar, where they evolved in isolation from other primates. But luckily for Durham locals and visitors, you don’t have to travel to the Indian Ocean to find a lemur: …
Eno River State Park
The Eno River flows through Durham for 33 miles before eventually ending up in Falls Lake on the eastern edge of the county. This park, only 10 miles from Downtown Durham, offers terrific access for …
Little River Regional Park & Natural Area
With 391 acres of park and natural area developed from tobacco farmland, the Little River Regional Park & Natural Area offers ample opportunity to take in the natural beauty of Durham County. There …
Museum of Life + Science
The 84 acres that encompass the Museum of Life + Science are packed full of attractions designed to spark wonder and curiosity in guests. Popular exhibits include one of the largest butterfly houses …
The Research Triangle Park
RTP is the world's largest university-related research park with more than 170 companies employing over 49,000 people. Carved from Durham pinelands in 1959, it is a prominent high-technology research …
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Named one of the top 10 public gardens in the U.S. by TripAdvisor and winner of the 2013 Horticulture Magazine Award for Garden Excellence, Duke Gardens is a stunning 55-acre public garden on the …
West Point on the Eno
Combining natural beauty and history, West Point on the Eno is free park along the Eno River spanning 404 acres with three historic buildings. A rebuilt grist mill on the site of what was once the …
American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
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.
American Village Park
Includes grills, picnic facilities, play grounds, small shelters, and water fountains.
