Explore Duke Gardens through the Duke Explore mobile tour app.
Dig deeper into the history, garden spaces and plants across Duke Gardens’ 55 acres with the DUKE EXPLORE free self-guided mobile tour app. The one-mile introductory tour highlights 16 iconic stops that give you a deeper understanding of Duke Gardens, even if you have visited many times before.
You may follow the linear route that we’ve provided, or chart a path of your own by looking for signs throughout the landscape. Each stop has a location number as well as a dedicated QR code that can be scanned for stories, insights, photos, multimedia narratives and more. The app also includes a scalable map that shows each tour location and geolocation technology to guide you between stops.
*Duke Gardens is not currently booking public guided trolley and walking tours. For visitors who need mobility assistance, Duke Gardens operates a free Mobility Support Trolley, available daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from March to November. Please contact us at 919-668-1707 or GardensEducation@duke.edu for questions about tours.
How to Get Started
To begin your tour, you will need to download the DUKE EXPLORE app from the Apple or Google Play app stores:
NEED WIFI? Duke visitors can access Duke’s unsecured wireless network without a password using the DukeVisitor network.
Once you have opened the DUKE EXPLORE app on your mobile device, follow these steps to select the Explore & Discover Duke Gardens mobile tour.
STEP 1
Select the “Explore & Discover Duke Gardens” screen to access the Gardens’ mobile tours.
STEP 2
Select the “Get Started” screen to access the mobile tour.
STEP 3
Click the “Introductory Tour” button to download the tour.
STEP 4
Click “Download Tour” to access the mobile tour.
STEP 5
Once downloading has completed, click “Start Tour” to begin the mobile tour.
App Permissions
Once you start the tour, your mobile device may ask you to grant a series of permissions:
- ALLLOW LOCATION ACCESS: You will need to grant permission to the app in order to use the map and geolocation features of the tour. We recommend selecting “Allow While Using App.”
- ALLOW BACKGROUND LOCATION ACCESS: If you would like to get notified of upcoming stops and play media items while the app is in the background, please go to Settings -> Duke Explore -> Location and select “Always.” You may also select “Not Now” if you wish to proceed without notifications.
Accessing Stops
The Duke Explore app allows you to follow the linear route that we’ve provided, or chart a path of your own by looking for signs throughout the landscape. Each stop has a location number as well as a dedicated QR code that can be scanned for stories, insights, photos, multimedia narratives and more. Here’s how you can access them:
Automatic Notifications
If you have given the app permission to access your location and send notifications, the app will automatically notify you when you arrive near a tour stop.
List Icon
Tap the List icon at the top right-hand side of the screen to see and select the list of stops on the tour.
QR Codes
Tap the Magnifying Glass icon at the bottom of the screen to scan QR codes for individual stops (camera permission required). Look for QR codes and stop numbers on signs located throughout the landscape.
Stop Numbers
As an alternative to scanning QR codes, you may enter individual stop numbers into the designated keypad. Tap the Magnifying Glass icon at the bottom of the screen and toggle to Enter Code to access the keypad. Look for stop numbers on signs located throughout the landscape.
Map Navigation
Tap the Map Navigation icon at the bottom of the screen to locate your position in the landscape and see nearby stops. You can also access Apple Maps or Google Maps for geolocation by clicking the directional arrow (fourth icon from the left on the upper left-hand corner of the screen).
Map of Duke Explore Stops
Learn more about these 16 iconic landmarks in Duke Gardens on the Duke Explore introductory mobile tour.
Stops are identified with these QR code signs throughout the Gardens.
Questions?
Please contact us at gardens@duke.edu.