Visitors can participate in a variety of wildlife and habitat tours, educational programs and recreational activities for people interested in nature and the environment. The activities are designed for participation by families, children, and cyclists.
The tours and activities include:
Bus to explore over 700 acres of diverse wildlife and habitats
Learn about the diverse wildlife habitats and endangered species, as well as its historic buildings, lakes,  woodlands, fountains, sculptures, waterfalls, ornamental horticulture and beautiful trees. Experience how this man-made landscape has evolved over the last 100 years into an important wildlife refuge with sightings of a number of waterfowl and hawk species, wild turkeys and swans. The One-hour bus tours of the 700-acre park are offered Wednesday through Sunday from mid-April through mid-November. Private tours are offered for groups of more than 30 people.
Walk on the Wild Side
A self-guided nature tour at your own pace. Follow a 1.25-mile trail through a series of different habitats, and discover diverse wildlife, and learn about Duke Farms’ role as a living laboratory with ongoing restoration projects. Weather permitting, the self-guided Walk on the Wild Side trail is open year-round from Wednesday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The trail is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Moonlight Walk
Scheduled to coincide closely with the full moon, the Moonlight Walk offers a chance to experience the moonlight glow through the majestic trees of Duke Farms. Experience a nighttime stroll of the Walk on the Wild Side trail. Enjoy the night sights and sounds of different habitats on this self-guided walk. Call in advance to confirm availability of the moonlight walk tour. Walkers should bring their own flashlight and wear appropriate footwear.
Indoor Display Gardens - Weekend Children's Tours
Children’s interactive tours of the gardens designed to appeal to their love of fun and nature.
Gnome Adventure
Saturdays at 1pm in September
A fun new program for children, offered each Saturday in September at 1:00pm. The resident gnomes of the Indoor Display Gardens have returned after an exciting summer vacation. Children are invited to search for these adventurous gnomes while exploring the sights, scents and sounds of the garden displays. At the start of the Gnome Adventure tour, children will receive a worksheet to help them spot the gnomes and they will receive a special prize at the end of the tour.
Safari Tour Last Saturday of Each Month at 1 PM
During this interactive guided tour, children become an animal or insect and play games that teach them about the plants and flowers in the gardens.
Gnome Hunt Weekends in December at 11:30 AM and 1 PM
Each holiday season, clever gnomes take up residence among our floral displays, waiting to be discovered. Children read a rhyme to guide their search for gnomes as they explore the sights, scents and sounds of the garden displays.
Bunny Hunt Weekends in April at 11:30 AM and 1 PM
Each spring, topiary bunnies are placed throughout the display gardens for youngsters to discover. At the start of their tour, children will receive a worksheet to help them spot the bunnies and will receive a special prize at the end of their tour.
Saturday Morning Scenic Bike Tours
A 7-mile ride will take you past our lakes, waterfalls, bridges and sweeping vistas. Bike Tours are lead by a Duke Farms' guide who provides an overview of the history and environmental significance of the beautiful landscapes. Participants are required to bring their own mountain bikes and protective headgear for this tour. The leisurely-paced ride is suitable for all riders who can ride for two hours, unassisted. The ride includes both paved and gravel roads and does include some inclines. Bike seats or trailers are encouraged for young children. The scenic biking tours are available Every Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00AM, July, 2007 through November, 2007. In the event of rain or inclement weather, rides will be rescheduled for the following day at the same time.
Duke Farms offers an outdoor restaurant, open from April through December, near the Visitor Center with a variety of salads, sandwiches, beverages and snacks. |
