West Point on the Eno Park and Leigh Farm Park make up the City of Durham's Heritage parks. These significant natural and historic parks provide opportunities for passive recreational pursuits such as picnicking, fishing, hiking, outdoor nature study, and cultural history programming.
Leigh Farm Park, 370 Leigh Farm Road, Durham, N.C.
For information, contact Rosetta Radtke by email or call (919) 560-4355, ext. 27208.
Leigh Farm Park is located just north of N.C. 54 at the Interstate 40 interchange. The 82.8-acre property is anchored by a seven-acre historic core listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The historic area includes the Leigh House (circa 1835), an early 19th century dairy, a mid-19th century slave cabin with notable stick-built chimney, smokehouse, corn crib and a late 19th century well house and carriage house. The property also features a second mid-19th century slave cabin with a 1930 Rustic Revival log addition, an early 20th century tobacco barn and pack house, several mid-20th century residences, and wooded acreage that was historically open agricultural land.
In preparation for bringing Leigh Farm to life as a full-fledged City park, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is completing stabilization and repair work on a number of the historic buildings. DPR is in the middle of the site plan development process that will bring infrastructure to the park including water and sewer, parking, an exit loop road, and a handicap-accessible visitor center. Completion of the construction document phase of the process is projected for winter 2011 with bids projected to be let in spring 2012. Construction began in summer 2012 with completion and grand opening projected for spring 2013.
DPR currently has three partners conducting programs, camps, classes, tournaments, and special events at Leigh Farm:
Bountiful Backyards is developing a sustainable agriculture program and gardens on land that was historically farmed.
West Point on the Eno
This 404-acre natural and historic park is located along a two-mile stretch of the scenic Eno River, six miles north of downtown Durham. Take a step back in time to Durham’s early beginnings by touring the working Grist Mill, the 1850's McCown-Mangum House, and the Hugh Mangum Museum of Photography.
These historic buildings are open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays April 6 - December 15, 2013. Admission is free. Weekday tours of the buildings can be arranged in advance by calling (919) 471-1623.
DPR currently has two partners conducting programs and camps at West Point:
Frog Hollow Outdoors - Provides residents and visitors of the Triangle Region and North Carolina a resource for canoe and kayak education. You can rent a kayak or canoe at West Point from April – October.
Schoolhouse of Wonder- A non-profit organization that provides a variety of educational programs for youth.
You can also enjoy a leisurely picnic and stroll around the grounds, or take a hike through the woods on one of the park trails. Feel free to bring your canoe or raft and experience the beauty of the Eno River. The park gates are open daily, year-round, from 8 a.m. to dark. Call Beth Highley for information. McCown-Mangum House at West Point
This restored 1850's farmhouse is perfect for small gatherings such as weddings, receptions, and meetings. Special features include: rooms sheathed in the original heart-pine boards; brick patio; roomy kitchen; restrooms; heat/AC; porches; gardens; and a quaint atmosphere. Click for rental and reservation information, or call (919) 560-4355, ext. 27202. Amphitheatre at West Point
This secluded area nestled in the woods is the perfect setting for company picnics, festivals, concerts, performances, and other large group gatherings. The facility can accommodate up to 4,000 people and includes a large open field, lawn seating, stage, electricity, water, and ample parking. Call Beth Highley to arrange a visit, or for rental and reservation information, (919) 471-1623.