Duke Gardens is free to visit, but there's a charge for parking. It's ranked as one of the best public gardens in the United States and for good reason. There is something special about each season, even winter.

Learn about what's in bloom every season, and more about visiting Duke Gardens.

Museum of Life + Science is not one of the cheaper things to do in Durham, but it's free to Durham residents twice a month. It features 84 acres of indoor and outdoor attractions where visitors can learn about animals and explore science in a fun, hands-on way.

Read on to see which days are free for Durham residents.

Nasher Museum of Art, on Duke University's campus, is now free to all, any day it's open. Nasher features exciting exhibitions and also hosts many events for the community throughout the year, including music, dance, art discussion, hands-on art, and film.

Preservation Durham offers free walking (and biking) tours four Saturday mornings a month from April to November. Explore murals, Durham's tobacco heritage, Durham's civil rights history, and architecture and urban landscapes.

Eno River State Park is a gem. It offers almost 30 miles of trails along the Eno River. Along the way you'll see mature forests, a historic mill, and much more.

Read on to see a photo guide to Eno River State Park as well as several other North Carolina State Parks.