Gardens & parks 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.

The Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, also known as Cone Park, is a country estate located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. It is situated on the Blue Ridge Parkway between mileposts 292 and 295, with the main access point at milepost 294. This park is a tribute to Moses H. Cone and is managed by the National Park Service.

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.

The Oak Island Lighthouse is an active lighthouse situated near the mouth of the Cape Fear River at Caswell Beach in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is a significant historical site, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since April 5, 2007. The lighthouse replaced the Cape Fear Lighthouse, a steel-framed structure on Bald Head Island, in May 1958.

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 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.

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 Joel Lane House, also known as Wakefield, is a significant historical site in Raleigh, North Carolina. Constructed in 1769, the house has been meticulously restored and now serves as a museum. Visitors can step back in time and explore the oldest dwelling in Wake County, gaining a unique insight into the region's history.

Bethabara Historic District is a public park located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is home to the surviving buildings and archaeological remains of a small Moravian community that was first settled in 1753. The park offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the rich history and culture of the Moravian community.

Ayr Mount is a historic plantation house situated to the east of Hillsborough, in Orange County, North Carolina. This Federal style house is a significant part of the United States' architectural heritage and offers a glimpse into the country's past.

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 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 Page-Walker Hotel, now known as the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, is a historic house museum located in Cary, North Carolina. This former hotel, built in the Second Empire style around 1868, has a rich history tied to the founder of the town of Cary, Allison Francis Page. It served as a hotel for passengers from the Southern and Seaboard Air Line railroads from 1868 until 1916, and later as a boarding house and private residence until 1980.

The Shuford House, also known as Maple Grove, is a historic home situated in Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past. The house stands as a testament to the architectural style of the late 19th century, making it a point of interest for those who appreciate historical architecture.

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.

Tryon Palace, located in New Bern, North Carolina, is a modern reconstruction of the historical colonial royal palace of the governors of the province of North Carolina. This site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the grandeur and elegance of the colonial era. The palace was meticulously reconstructed in the 1950s on the site of the original mansion, making it a significant historical site in the state.

The Weatherspoon Art Museum, situated at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, is recognized as one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the southeast. The museum primarily focuses on American art, making it a significant destination for art enthusiasts and tourists interested in American art history.

The Textile Heritage Museum, situated in Glencoe, North Carolina, is a history museum that provides a deep dive into the textile industry and the life in mill towns in North Carolina and the American south. This museum offers a unique opportunity to understand the historical context and significance of the textile industry in the region.

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.

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.

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.