The Triangle area of North Carolina includes the towns of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Each city brings with it fun and exciting adventures and sites to explore. From checking out museums and nature areas to historic landmarks, here’s a guide to the top three things to do in the Triangle area.
Visit a Museum
Located in Durham, the Museum of Life and Science is a two-story interactive science center spanning 84 acres. Bring the kids along and explore the butterfly houses and live animals. There’s also an on-site treehouse village and stream, a dinosaur trail, several exhibits, and opportunities for shopping and dining.
If you’re in Raleigh, stop by the North Carolina Museum of Art to admire its stunning artwork. You’ll find art from all over the world, including America, Europe, Egypt, Greece, Italy, and Africa. Don’t forget to check out the library housing over 40,000 volumes and the 164-acre Museum Park with over a dozen monumental pieces.
If your kiddos love learning, the Kidzu Children’s Museum is a top pick for parents. It’s located in Chapel Hill and promotes STEM learning, child health and wellness, literacy, and appreciation for the arts through many hands-on projects and activities.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Take full advantage of the lovely summer weather by strolling through the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham. Situated in the heart of Duke University, the gardens span 55 acres and see over 300,000 visitors every year. Here you’ll find native plants, a vegetable garden, an arboretum, a terrace shop and café, lovely architecture, and trolley tours.
Raleigh is home to Pullen Park, a 66.4-acre space with plenty of fun for everyone. It features a carousel, train, kiddie and pedal boats, various fields, tennis courts, and four playground areas. You’ll also find an on-site aquatic center, welcome center, theater, and café.
Another outdoor area to admire is the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill. It covers over 1,000 acres and is located at the University of North Carolina. It houses an education center, a library, art gallery, nature trails, arboretum, park, and theater.
Explore Historical Sites
For a structure that combines historical significance with distinct architecture, the Duke University Chapel in Durham is a must-see. This Christian church was built between 1930 and 1932 and features 77 windows, a 210-foot-high tower, a chapel, crypt, and Flentrop organ. Its neo-Gothic architecture perfectly complements the various bluestone, limestone, and ceramic tile accents.
Another place to visit is the Historic Yates Mill County Park, a 174-acre space that serves as a wildlife refuge and houses a research center. Its notable feature, however, is an aging water-powered gristmill. In 1974, the mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also an appointed Raleigh Historic Landmark and is available to tour.
History buffs will surely love a trip to the Horace Williams House. It was built in 1854 and is the only historic house open to the public in Chapel Hill. It features fine woodwork, ceilings, mantels, floors, and antique furniture. You can often find art exhibits, and a percentage of art sales goes toward preserving the house.
If you’re planning a trip to the Triangle area, consider adding these three activities to your itinerary.
Comments are closed.