Nature & natural history museums in North Carolina

The North Carolina Arboretum, also known as El Jardín Botánico de Cape Fear, is a botanical garden and arboretum that spans 434 acres. It is located in Asheville, North Carolina, and is managed by the University of North Carolina. The arboretum is a member of the Botanical Gardens Conservation International and houses the national collection of azaleas from the North American Plant Collections Consortium.

Each of the three North Carolina Aquariums offers a variety of interactive experiences, including dive shows, live animal encounters, and feeding programs. These activities provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about aquatic life in an engaging and hands-on way.

The Duke Lemur Center, located at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, is an 85-acre sanctuary for rare and endangered strepsirrhine primates. It holds the distinction of being the largest sanctuary for these primates in the world.

The North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG) is a botanical garden situated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It is a part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The garden is dedicated to promoting the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants in gardens and natural areas, and fostering a sustainable relationship between people and nature.

Fort Macon State Park is a significant historical site located in Carteret County, North Carolina. The park, which opened its doors to the public in 1936, is situated near the town of Atlantic Beach. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a piece of American history while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Mount Mitchell State Park, located in Yancey County, North Carolina, spans an impressive 4,789 acres. This park holds historical significance as it was established in 1915, making it the first state park in North Carolina. Its establishment also led to the creation of the North Carolina State Parks System.

The North Carolina Zoo is strategically located approximately 100 kilometers west of Raleigh and 100 kilometers northeast of Charlotte. This central location in the state makes it easily accessible for visitors from both cities and beyond.

The Sarah P. Duke Gardens are a significant part of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Covering approximately 55 acres, these gardens offer a vast expanse of landscaped and wooded areas for visitors to explore. The gardens provide a serene environment that contrasts with the bustling university environment, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and nature appreciation.

Stone Mountain State Park, located in Alleghany County and Wilkes County, North Carolina, spans an impressive 14,353 acres. This vast expanse of natural beauty offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the great outdoors and experience the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

Blandwood Mansion, located at 447 West Washington Street in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a historic house museum. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the mansion and learn about its rich history, from its original construction as a four-room farmhouse in 1795 to its transformation into an Italian Villa Style architecture under the ownership of two-term North Carolina governor John Motley Morehead.

Coker Arboretum is a significant part of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, situated on the campus of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. This location offers a unique blend of academia and nature, providing a serene environment for visitors to explore and learn about various plant species.

The Asheville Botanical Gardens is a non-profit botanical garden and arboretum situated in Asheville, North Carolina. It spans an area of 4 hectares or 10 acres, providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse plant life. The gardens are a part of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International, with the herbarium code ASHEV.

Carolina Tiger Rescue, located in Pittsboro, North Carolina, is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and protection of wildcats. The sanctuary is home to a variety of rescued animals including tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, caracals, servals, bobcats, and other wild species. The organization is committed to the preservation and protection of these animals, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment.

Morrow Mountain State Park, located in Stanly County, North Carolina, is a vast expanse of 5,881 acres nestled within the Uwharrie Mountains. Morrow Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Uwharrie Mountains of central North Carolina, is a prominent feature of the park. The park offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Uwharrie Mountains and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

Airlie Gardens, located in Wilmington, North Carolina, spans across 67 acres of lush, naturalistic Southern garden. The garden was originally created in 1886 as a private haven for the Pembroke Jones family. The name 'Airlie' was inspired by the Jones' family home in Scotland. The garden is home to thousands of azaleas, camellias, magnolias, palms, and wisteria, offering a picturesque landscape for visitors to explore.

The JC Raulston Arboretum, a 10-acre arboretum and botanical garden, is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is administered by North Carolina State University. This vast space is home to a variety of plant species and offers a serene environment for visitors.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is dedicated to educating visitors about the waters of the Cape Fear region. Recognized as one of the Best Aquariums in the United States by the Travel Channel, it offers a variety of exhibits and programs that highlight the diverse aquatic life and ecosystems of the region.

The Cape Fear Botanical Garden, located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a sprawling 32-hectare botanical garden and arboretum. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, explore diverse plant species, and enjoy a peaceful environment.

Reynolda Gardens is a large botanical garden spanning 129 acres, with approximately 4 acres dedicated to formal gardens. The gardens are conveniently located next to Reynolda Road, adjacent to the Reynolda campus of Wake Forest University and the Reynolda House in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors.

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a vast botanical garden situated on 380 acres of rolling meadows, woodlands, and lakefront property in Belmont, North Carolina. This expansive garden offers a diverse range of environments for visitors to explore, from manicured gardens to natural woodland trails.

The Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County, located in the heart of Hendersonville's Historic District, is a non-profit institution run by volunteers. Established in 1997, the museum is situated at 400 North Main Street, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The Lake Waccamaw Depot is a significant historical site, originally serving as a train station. It is located in Lake Waccamaw, Columbus County, North Carolina. The depot was constructed around the year 1900 by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, making it a notable landmark in the region's transportation history.

The Daniel Boone Native Gardens, situated in Boone, North Carolina, is home to a diverse collection of native plants from the region. The gardens are designed in an informal landscape style, providing a relaxed and natural setting for visitors to explore and enjoy the local flora.

Currently, Kaleideum operates two locations, providing a variety of experiences for visitors. Kaleideum Downtown, formerly known as The Children's Museum of Winston-Salem, and Kaleideum North, previously SciWorks, each offer unique exhibits and programs. This allows visitors to choose the location that best suits their interests or even visit both to get the full Kaleideum experience.

The New Hanover County Arboretum is a spacious 7-acre arboretum situated at 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina. This location is easily accessible and offers a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the arboretum.

The Bog Garden, located at 1101 Hobbs Road, Greensboro, North Carolina, serves as a nature preserve, botanical garden, and city park. It is open to the public every day and does not require an admission fee.

The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, located at 814 Market Street in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, is the oldest history museum in the state, having been founded in 1898. This museum is a testament to the rich history and scientific discoveries of the region, making it a significant destination for those interested in learning more about North Carolina's past.

Tregembo Animal Park, located in Wilmington, North Carolina, has a rich history dating back to 1952. Originally known as the Tote-Em-In Zoo, it was founded by George and June Tregembo. The park underwent a name change in 2004, becoming the Tregembo Animal Park we know today.

The John Blue House, located in Laurinburg, North Carolina, is a historic site that dates back to 1895. It was recognized for its historical significance and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and architecture of the late 19th century.

The Greensboro Arboretum is situated in Lindley Park at 401 Ashland Drive, Greensboro, North Carolina. This location is easily accessible and provides a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature.

The Sandhills Horticultural Gardens are open to the public daily without any charge. This makes it a great destination for those who are interested in horticulture, or simply want to enjoy a peaceful day out in nature without the worry of entrance fees.

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport showcases the vast nautical history of the Lower Cape Fear. Its exhibits tell the story of the region’s people and their relationship with the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, which converge nearby. Glance through the USS Dolphin’s periscope to

The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort reflects coastal life and interprets lighthouses and lifesaving stations, the seafood industry, motorboats, and more. Studies in marine life, science, and ecology are available for all ages. The Beaufort museum is the repository for artifacts from Black

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located in Hatteras Village, North Carolina, is a maritime museum with a focus on the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks. The museum offers a unique insight into the rich maritime history of the region, showcasing the remains of hundreds of ships that were sunk due to war, piracy, or weather.

The North Carolina Aquariums is a network of three public aquariums situated in Kure Beach, Roanoke Island, and Pine Knoll Shores. These aquariums have been managed by the Aquariums Division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources since 1976. Each location offers unique exhibits and programs, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the state's diverse aquatic ecosystems.

The Neuseway Nature Center and Planetarium houses a 52-seat planetarium, along with permanent exhibits that focus on public health, courtesy of Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Additionally, it features an exhibit of space memorabilia, donated by a former NASA engineer. These exhibits provide a comprehensive understanding of health and space exploration.

The Aurora Fossil Museum, located in Aurora, North Carolina, is a natural science museum. It is a place where visitors can explore the fascinating world of fossils and learn about the geological history of the area. The museum's collection is built around fossils recovered from the nearby phosphate mine and includes specimens from around the world.

Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve is a state park located in Moore County, North Carolina. It spans across 915 acres in the Sandhills region of the state. This region is known for its unconsolidated sand, which is part of the Quaternary Pinehurst Formation. This sand is believed to have been blown by the wind and mobilized episodically from approximately 75,000 to 6,000 years ago.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS) is a significant institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina. As the oldest museum in the state, it holds a rich history and a vast collection of exhibits. The museum is a division of the State Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, further emphasizing its importance in preserving and showcasing the state's natural and cultural heritage.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center, a 42-acre zoological park, is managed by the City of Asheville's Parks and Recreation department. This expansive park offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. It's a great place to learn about the local wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord is an interactive aquarium situated in Concord Mills, Concord, North Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. The aquarium offers a unique experience for visitors, allowing them to interact with a variety of aquatic creatures.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Botanical Gardens, also referred to as the Charlotte Botanical Gardens, are situated within the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This location offers a unique blend of education and nature, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore a variety of plant collections.

Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is a unique destination in Charlotte, North Carolina. It serves as a habitat for a variety of birds and wildlife, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature. The sanctuary is a peaceful retreat from the city, where one can enjoy the beauty of the gardens and the company of the local wildlife.

Find out about estuaries and what makes them a special part of the environment. Plus fascinating sculpture in the lobby!

From the petting zoo for the little ones to the viewing areas e.g. with wolves. You can appreciate that animals look well cared for.

Clemmons Educational State Forest (CESF) is a significant natural attraction located in Clayton, North Carolina. Spanning over 825 acres, this state forest is managed by the North Carolina Forest Service. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.

Ingram Planetarium is a unique attraction located at Sunset Beach in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It offers a fascinating insight into the wonders of the universe, making it an interesting destination for tourists who have an interest in astronomy and space exploration.

Juniper Level Botanic Garden, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, spans over 28 acres of land. The garden was founded in 1988 by Tony Avent and his late wife, Michelle. This lush botanical garden offers a wide variety of plant species and is a testament to the dedication and passion of its founders.

Tanglewood Park Arboretum and Rose Garden is a beautiful destination located within the larger Tanglewood Park. The address is 4201 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, North Carolina. This location is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors to enjoy.

This museum is for those who love all the radio stuff. Here they find various vintage pieces.

The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a natural history museum situated in the beautiful locale of Ocean Isle Beach in Brunswick County, North Carolina. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural history of the region, making it an interesting destination for tourists who are interested in nature and history.

Former jailhouse turned into museum, houses collection from around the world and from every state in the union. Plus fluo rocks. Anybody interested?

All about the wild mustangs of Corolla in this old schoolhouse. Everybody pashionate about horses should pay a visit!

They offer interesting information about the area geology that is rich in minerals, displays of various rocks, minerals and gems.

Fantastic nature museum that covers all time periods from Jurrasic to the present. Check it out with the kids!