--- title: 5 fun things to do in Durham during Connect 2024 description: Take a look at 5 fun things to do in Durham, NC during Connect 2024. image: https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Durham%20blog%20header.png --- [![Heartland-AGPC-logo-main](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png?width=168&height=31&name=Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png)](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en) ![Heartland](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/aglobalpaymentscompany_identifier_grey.png) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/) - Products - [Nutrition Technology](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology) - [Payment Solutions](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions) - Support - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central) - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting) - Events - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events) - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences) - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) - About - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story) - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations) - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers) - Resources - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition) - [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates) - [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com) # ![Connections Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/LP_Templates/Connections-Blog/Connections-Blog-Logo-2024.svg) Fresh insights for school leaders # 5 fun things to do in Durham during Connect 2024 Posted by [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) on Feb 15, 2024, 12:15:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Durham%20blog%20header.png?width=750&height=325&name=Durham%20blog%20header.png) [Connect 2024](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) is next month! While you get ready for your trip and continue to plan, take a look at some fun things to do around Durham during your stay.  Sarah P. Duke Gardens For more than 80 years, the [Sarah P. Duke Gardens](https://gardens.duke.edu/visit) has been open to visitors on the Duke University campus. With over 55 acres, it is known as one of the premier gardens in the United States. You can enjoy the gardens for free from 8 am to dusk 365 days a year. The gardens are often referred to as “the crown jewel of Duke University” and with a title like that, it should be added to your to-do list!  ![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sarah%20p%20duke%20gardens%201.png?width=532&height=304&name=sarah%20p%20duke%20gardens%201.png) Duke Lemur Center If gardens aren’t your thing, you might be interested to hear that Duke University also has a [Lemur center](https://lemur.duke.edu/) on campus. Open since 1966, the Duke Lemur Center is currently home to 200 lemurs across 13 different species. The center is an internationally acclaimed non invasive research center, and is known for its highly successful conservation breeding program.  The center offers on-site tours with a limited schedule during the off-season (October-April) so make sure to check before going. American Tobacco Campus Take a short drive to the [American Tobacco Campus](https://americantobacco.co/), a former tobacco factory which is now a historic district home to offices, retail stores, restaurants, and the Durham Bulls baseball stadium. Whether you’re looking to get a bite to eat and have a drink, or just want to walk around to see the grounds of a former factory, it’s worth a visit.  ![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/american%20tobacco%20campus%202.png?width=539&height=288&name=american%20tobacco%20campus%202.png) Museum of Life and Science This 84 acre [science museum](https://www.lifeandscience.org/) is a fun place to visit if your family has tagged along for the trip. The museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Take an immersive walk through the butterfly house to see hundred of tropical butterflies, visit the launch lab, or step outside to see one of the many animal habitats.   Eno River State Park The [Eno River State Park](https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/eno-river-state-park) is the perfect spot to visit and enjoy the local wildlife and scenery of North Carolina. It’s only 10 miles outside of Durham, making it a quick escape if you want to explore some nature during your stay. There’s even a swinging bridge, which is a must-see if you decide to visit the park.  ![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/eno%20river.png?width=505&height=298&name=eno%20river.png) If you haven't registered yet to join us at Connect, make sure to [register today](https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=781656&). 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