CHES Field Trip to Duke Lemur Center

Join other CHES Families at the Duke Lemur Center (DLC) in Durham on Thursday, September 5th @ 9:30am.  Learn more about the DLC on their website and facebook page.  The DLC houses the world’s most diverse population of lemurs outside their native Madagascar.

Founded in 1966, the Duke Lemur Center (DLC) is an internationally acclaimed non-invasive research center housing over 200 lemurs and bush babies across 13 species—the most diverse population of lemurs on Earth, outside their native Madagascar.

The presentation is from 9:30-10:45am.      

The cost of this field trip $12.90 per person plus paypal fees, so $13.87 per person.  A ticket is needed for parents and students for this field trip.  You do not need to purchase a ticket for any child 2 or under but they do count in our headcount, so I have a "free" ticket for 2 and under.

We need a minimum of 15 people for this trip, and it will be capped at 45 people.  If we fill it up, we will try to schedule another one, but their schedule for the year fills up fast. 

Other details:  

Check your directions. The public entrance to the Duke Lemur Center is located on Erwin Road, occasionally called “Old Erwin Road.” Sometimes directions apps will try to take you to the locked and gated staff entrance off of Cornwallis Road, so we highly recommend taking a look at the directions on the DLC website to ensure you don’t get turned around. When you arrive, be sure to drive all the way down our driveway to our main visitor lot, which will be on your left, directly across from the “Lemur Landing Gift Shop”.

Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. Please remember to factor in bathroom visits and any other needs your group may have prior to the start of the tour. Our group is scheduled for 9:30am, that means all bathroom visits and other needs must be taken care of by 9:30am for us to begin on time. If we arrive late for our scheduled time, our tour will be shortened in order to keep their busy schedule running on time. 

Dress for the weather. Depending on the weather and the time of year, the majority of your visit will be outdoors, and we work “rain or shine.” This experience involves walking and standing for about 60-90 minutes, so comfortable shoes are recommended; however, this tour is fully accessible for those using wheelchairs or other movement-assisting devices.

Plan for food and drinks. They do not have food or drinks available to purchase on our site. They are located a 10-minute drive from downtown Durham, where you can find many delicious food options. You are welcome to enjoy snacks while awaiting your tour or browsing the gift shop, but only water is permitted on our tour path.

Once you’ve arrived…

Check in for your tour at Lemur Landing (our gift shop) right off of the parking lot. The gift shop stocks an array of unique merchandise, and all purchases fund the Education Department and help pay for lemur care, housing, veterinary supplies, and conservation initiatives. 

During your visit – be sure to follow all instructions given by your guide to guarantee the best possible experience. Ask questions, take photos, and have fun!

Please note that for your safety, as well as the well-being of our lemurs, there will not be any opportunities to touch the lemurs at any time.

Find more tips on our “Plan Your Visit” page.

To sign up for CHES Events, you must be a current member for the 2024-2025 school year.