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All the United States North Carolina Durham

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Durham

7 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Durham, North Carolina

Updated June 2, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Durham

Duke Lemur Center

Durham, North Carolina

Duke Lemur Center

This research center for rare prosimians is studying how they sleep to help prolong human life.
Bennett Place.

Durham, North Carolina

Bennett Place

The scene of the largest surrender of Confederate troops at the end of the American Civil War.

Durham, North Carolina

Durham's Hidden Dinosaur

Don't be surprised if you see a long-necked dinosaur peeking out from among the trees in Northgate Park.
11 foot 8

Durham, North Carolina

The Can Opener

This too-low North Carolina railroad trestle is still a notorious big rig executioner.
Horns on the ceiling.

Durham, North Carolina

V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection

The humble horn finally finds a place in the sun.
Six bronze sculptures now line Parrish Street, “tracing and interpreting its historic significance via three themes: Tobacco and E.J. Parrish (1865-1890), Visionary Leadership in the New South (1890-1915), and A Black Capital for the World to See (1915-1945).”

Durham, North Carolina

Black Wall Street Durham

Born from segregation and exclusion, Durham’s Black Wall Street is now a living reminder of the city’s past
Tobacco museum.

Durham, North Carolina

Duke Homestead

The birthplace of a tobacco empire.
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Durham, North Carolina

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Durham Leaderboard

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Add an unusual place to Durham.

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Places Visited

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Recent Durham Activity

  • kristinleea

    has been to Duke Lemur Center

    1 day ago
  • kristinleea

    has been to The Can Opener

    1 day ago
  • csweinreich

    wants to go to Durham's Hidden Dinosaur

    1 day ago
  • rgwasson99

    has been to The Can Opener

    about 18 hours ago
  • rgwasson99

    has been to Black Wall Street Durham

    about 18 hours ago

Stories About Durham

Prehistoric creatures roam the grounds of the Dinosaur House.

Roadside Dinosaurs: An American Love Story

Who’s responsible for the dinosaur sculptures scattered across the United States? Our reporters set out to find the answer.
by The Podcast Team
June 2, 2025
April’s pollenpocalypse hanging over the city of Durham, North Carolina.

'Botanical Sexism' Could Be Behind Your Seasonal Allergies

More diversity in city trees would probably be a good thing.
by Sabrina Imbler
May 17, 2019
The Can Opener takes another victim.

5 Spectacular Transportation Failures

Infrastructure, you had one job...
by Meg Neal
February 20, 2017

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