West Point on the Eno, at 5101 N. Roxboro Street, Durham, is a 404-acre natural and historic park located along a 2-mile stretch of the Eno River River, 6 miles north of downtown Durham.
Scroll down for a list of upcoming events at West Point on the Eno.
West Point on the Eno features:
- Boating
- Greenway/trail access
- Grill
- Picnic shelter
- Picnic table
- Recreation center
- Restrooms
- Water fountain
Several historic buildings are available to tour, including:
- The Grist Mill
- The 1850s McCown-Mangum House
- Hugh Mangum Museum of Photography
The historic buildings are open and free to visit on Saturdays and Sundays, from April to Mid-December, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
There’s also an amphitheater that is used for festivals, concerts, and more. It can accommodate up to 4,000 people.
Coming up at West Point on the Eno
To find other events at West Point on the Eno, go to the Durham Park & Recreation activity guide search page.
Click on “Where” and then on “West Point on the Eno”
Here’s some of what’s listed, but you should check for updates. Also, make sure to enroll in the events you’re interested in, if required. When an event has a fee, it lists the fee for Durham residents and for non-residents.
West Point on the Eno Park Tour
Saturdays and Sundays, through May 31, 2025 (except April 12)
12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
All ages
Free (no registration required)
Take a guided tour of West Point on the Eno’s historic buildings and grounds while visiting the West Point Mill, McCown-Mangum House, and Hugh Mangum Museum of Photography, you will hear stories about the people who lived, worked, and played here. Tours leave on the hour, at 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.
History Explorer’s Day: Earth Day
Monday, March 10, 2025
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
$3 for residents, $8 for non-residents (registrations required)
Ages 5-12
Discover! Play! Learn! Register your group for an exciting and educational visit to West Point on the Eno. Student groups will begin their adventure with a walking history tour of the park. Then participants will spend time celebrating the natural world around them through bird watching, water energy exploration, and experiment with making their very own sun prints! Activities are designed for ages 5-12. Siblings outside of the age range are welcome to attend, but may not be able to participate in activities depending on available supplies. Registration is required. Guardians must remain with their children throughout the program.
Time Traveling Tots
Thursday, March 20, 2025
10 to 11 a.m.
Ages 0-5
$1.50 for residents, $6.50 for non-residents (registration required)
Visit West Point on the Eno with your little historian to learn about the past! We will tell a history related story, learn a song, do an activity or craft. Preschoolers will be introduced to the concept of history and that people lived differently in times before them. Activities are designed for ages 0-5. Siblings outside of the age range are welcome to attend but may not be able to participate in activities depending on available supplies. Registration is required. Guardians must remain with their children throughout the program.
Spring Equinox Eno Hike
Thursday, March 20, 2025
4 to 8 p.m.
Ages 12+
$4.50 for residents, $9.50 for non-residents (registration required)
This special hike will commemorate the spring equinox, which marks the first day of Spring. Come along with park staff members to look for signs of the changing season and enjoy fresh air with old and new friends. This hike will be approximately 5 miles on natural surface trails. Bring water, snacks, and sturdy footwear.
History Hike: The Civil War at West Point on the Eno
Saturday, March 29, 2025
10 to 11 a.m.
Ages 10+
$1.50 for residents, $6.50 for non-residents (registration required)
Though West Point on the Eno did not see any direct action during the Civil War, the park was home to about 300 people during the conflict. Come learn about how they lived during the war and what it was like to operate such a large enterprise as the West Point Mill during a time of immense conflict. This roughly two-mile hike will take participants on some of our park’s most beautiful trails as they learn about life at West Point on the Eno during the Civil War from one of our trained historians.
We recommend wearing sturdy hiking or athletic shoes and bringing water bottles. Registration is required.
Sparks in the Park: Fire Festival (learn about prescribed burns)
Postponed — check back soon for new date
1 to 3 p.m.
All ages
Free (no registration required)
There’s a fire in the park! Surprise! It’s a good thing! Have you ever wondered how an environmental prescribed burn works? The City of Durham is partnering with NC State University’s Forestry and Environmental Resources Department and Durham County Library to do a prescribed burn on the meadow at West Point on the Eno’s Environmental Education Pavilion.
At this event, explore nature, prescribed fire, and North Carolina ecosystems through displays and hands-on activities from our community partners. The event will conclude with a prescribed burn demo during the last hour!
Full Moon Hike
Saturday, April 12, 2025
9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
All ages
$1.50 for residents, $6.50 for non-residents (registration required)
Experience the forest under a full moon, investigating the places that insects, amphibians, reptiles and mammals hunker down for the winter. Children must be accompanied by an adult for this program. Pre-registration is required.
Time Traveling Tots
Thursday, April 17, 2025
10 to 11 a.m.
Ages 0-5
$1.50 for residents, $6.50 for non-residents (registration required)
Visit West Point on the Eno with your little historian to learn about the past! We will tell a history related story, learn a song, do an activity or craft. Preschoolers will be introduced to the concept of history and that people lived differently in times before them. Activities are designed for ages 0-5. Siblings outside of the age range are welcome to attend but may not be able to participate in activities depending on available supplies. Registration is required. Guardians must remain with their children throughout the program.
Stargazing with Sagan: A Journey Through the Cosmos
Friday, April 25, 2025
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
All ages
Free (no registration required)
Bring your blankets, chairs, and curiosity as we gather under the night sky to embark on this extraordinary cosmic adventure. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of “Cosmos” or experiencing it for the first time, this evening promises to be an unforgettable journey through the wonders of the universe. Join us in honoring a series that has bridged generations and inspired countless scientific careers. Let’s come together to watch the series that has sparked the imagination of millions, listen to Carl Sagan’s iconic voice, and gaze at the stars in wonder. Partnering with the Durham County Library and Morehead Planetarium to offer a variety of activities to enjoy before and during the showing. This program is free and does not require registration. Please note, this program is weather dependent.
History Hike: Durham’s Reconstruction
Saturday, April 26, 2025
10 to 11 a.m.
Ages 10+
$1.50 for residents, $6.50 for non-residents (registration required)
As the Civil War ended and Reconstruction began, West Point’s mill community continued to play a large role in the reconstruction of Eastern Orange County and eventually what would become Durham. Join us this month as we continue to tell the story of West Point on the Eno and its people as they navigated the Reconstruction era and life near the emerging industrial city of Durham. Our trained historian will take you on a roughly two-mile guided tour of our beautiful park as they bring its history to life and share the stories of everyday people during this period of history.
We recommend wearing sturdy hiking or athletic shoes and bringing water bottles. Registration is required.
Time Traveling Tots
Thursday, May 15, 2025
10 to 11 a.m.
Ages 0-5
$1.50 for residents, $6.50 for non-residents (registration required)
Visit West Point on the Eno with your little historian to learn about the past! We will tell a history related story, learn a song, do an activity or craft. Preschoolers will be introduced to the concept of history and that people lived differently in times before them. Activities are designed for ages 0-5. Siblings outside of the age range are welcome to attend but may not be able to participate in activities depending on available supplies. Registration is required. Guardians must remain with their children throughout the program.
History Hike: Through Hugh’s View
May 24, 2025
10 to 11 a.m.
Ages 10+
$1.50 for residents, $6.50 for non-residents (registration required)
The Mangum Family called West Point on the Eno home for years and their oldest son, Hugh, photographed the area for much of that time. Join us as we celebrate what would be Hugh Mangum’s 148th birthday, June 3rd, with a visit to some of the locations he captured through his camera lens over a century ago. While learning about Hugh Mangum’s life and career, participants will also hear from one of our trained historians about life in the Gilded Age and the development of Durham during Hugh’s life, from sleepy hamlet to industrial powerhouse.
We recommend wearing sturdy hiking or athletic shoes and bringing water bottles. Dogs are not permitted as we will be going in and out of historic buildings. Registration is required.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Events
Check out our list of free and cheap events in Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle this weekend, or our full event calendar in the Triangle, or just look at few upcoming events here:
