Wake County: See
=== Universities ===
The Research Triangle gets its name from the many universities in the area. The three most famous schools, which make up the corners of the Triangle, are:
Duke University in Durham - often nicknamed the "Harvard/Yale of the South", for its status as a prestigious private university.
North Carolina State University (NC State or NCSU) in Raleigh - the largest university in the state, with roots in science and engineering.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC or North Carolina) - the oldest public university in the United States.
These three universities have attractive campuses with many historic buildings. There is also a myriad of other sites within their ecosystems, ranging from varied museums to extensive botanical gardens and arboretums (of which Duke Gardens in Durham are the best).
The area also has its share of historic districts and the like. Especially worth noting are several antebellum and Civil War sites in Durham, Hillsborough's walkable downtown, and Raleigh's State Capitol building.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, which hosts an IMAX theatre, and has live presentations by visiting experts (from universities in the area) on certain days, is a very engaging (for audiences ranging from ages 5 to adults), modern, and top-tier institution that is well-worth visiting. The North Carolina Museum of History is located right next to it has many exhibits covering the history of North Carolina. Both museums are in downtown Raleigh.