Museums & Gardens

Our attractions are broadly divided into the three categories to the right, but individual facilities have their own unique features and characteristics. Museums, for example, include a new children's museum, a nationally renowned art museum, a planetarium and science center (where NASA astronauts trained), several sports museums and more. In a nutshell, there's something for everybody, and the best way to discover what appeals to you (and your family or friends) is to explore them, starting with their descriptions.

Orange County Historical Museum

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201 North Churton St (Downtown)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

phone (919) 732-2201

Open Tues-Sat., 11am-4 pm, Sun., 1-4pm.


Located on the site of North Carolina’s 1788 Constitutional convention, the museum interprets the history of Orange County from pre-settlement period through the 1950s. Its collection includes the only complete set of Colonial weights and measures in the U.S. and the desk of Governor Thomas Burke. A second-floor gallery features special exhibits on local history. Free, but donations accepted.

Orange County Visitors Center

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150 East King Street (Downtown)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

toll-free (877)-732-7748; phone (919) 732-7741

Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-4pm. Closed major holidays.


Located in the historic Alexander Dickson House (see separate listing), the visitors center provides information and assistance to travelers and those planning to visit the Hillsborough area, and conducts guided and self-guided tours of the historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. An adjacent garden displays traditional 18th and 19th centry plants used for cooking, medicine and dyeing cloth. The site includes an office used by Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston during the Civil War. Tours are available on the second Saturday of the month at 10am and 2pm, cost is $5. Closed major holidays. Free parking on street.

Ruffin-Roulhac House

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101 East Orange St (Town Hall)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

phone (919) 732-1270

Open Mon.-Fri., 8:30am-5pm. Closed major holidays.


Built in 1821, the house was enlarged with the east rooms and a central two-story hall n 1830. In the 1860s, it was purchased by North Carolina Chief Justice Thomas Ruffin, who died in the house in 1870. Ownership remained in the family (his daughter married a Rouhlac), and the kitchen, pantry and conservatory were added in 1908. In the 1920s, the house was shuttered and nailed tight until 1974 when the town completely restored it and notable outbuildings. Parking.

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Did You Know?

Ayr Mount Historic Site is one of North Carolina's finest Federal-era plantation homes, built in 1815 and lovingly restored and furnished in the period.