winston salem state university tour dates

Relive Your College Days: Plan an Adventure on a North Carolina Campus

Look beyond the classroom during these college visits to plan a vacation filled with stops at gardens, galleries, sporting events and restaurants.

Experience college in a brand-new way by rediscovering these North Carolina campuses that extend invites to all. Admire the dedication to education, commitment to beauty and enthusiasm for fun as you take a trip full of nostalgia.

Colleges you'll find in this article: Davidson College | Duke University | Elon University  |  North Carolina A&T NC Central University |  NC State University  | Shaw University |  UNC Chapel Hill UNC Charlotte  | UNC Greensboro |  Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem State University  

1 Davidson College

This small liberal arts school’s buildings are woven throughout town, offering numerous opportunities for inspiration. As a National Arboretum , the setting is perfect for paths that showcase more than 3,000 trees and shrubs. Along with Mother Nature’s works of art, sculptures by artists Magdalena Abakanowicz, Auguste Rodin and Yinka Shonibare are also admired all across campus. Three galleries with a full schedule of exhibitions can be found at the Visual Arts Center. Just up the road is The Farm at Davidson , which grows produce for the college’s dining services. To caffeinate like you're preparing for an all-nighter, swing by the original Summit Coffee on Main Street; the co-owners are Davidson alumni.

2 Duke University

Any visitor to Durham can find inspiration in the unique activities found on Duke’s campus. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year thanks to 55 acres of Italian-style terrace gardens, a rose garden and a koi pond topped with water lilies. For a one-of-a-kind stop, book a tour at the Duke Lemur Center , a world leader in the study, care and protection of the endangered mammals. And for sports lovers, the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed Duke University Golf Club is recognized as one of the Southeast's best, while the Duke Basketball Museum brings the storied program to life on a daily basis.

3 Elon University

A designated botanical garden, Elon’s 656-acre campus is a nature lover’s haven. Follow the campus tree map to find 125 trees along a 1.25-mile walk through campus, visit the community garden and schedule a tour of the school’s 15-acre solar farm, part of the Environmental Center at Loy Farm . Then head downtown to The Oak House for a beverage and a bite and check out some local shops, or grab a pastry to go and picnic at the nearby Beth Schmidt Park , which has beautiful walking trails, a playground and garden. Treat yourself to a cup or cone at Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream before calling it a day. Staying the night? The Inn at Elon is the choice: All profits from the inn are dedicated to funding student scholarships.

4 North Carolina A&T

NC A&T is the nation’s largest HBCU. The university played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement when four students led a sit-in at Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro in 1960, and the location now operates as the International Civil Rights Center & Museum . After the museum tour, head to the Dudley Building on campus to see the A&T Four Monument, which honors the freshmen who led the sit-in. Visit in fall and catch a football game to see the famous Blue and Gold Marching Machine, whose high-energy performances have been getting fans on their feet for years.

5 North Carolina Central University

The NCCU campus is included in the National Register of Historic Places for good reason – it’s been a key piece of Durham history for more than 100 years. As you walk among the historic buildings throughout campus, be sure to check out a newer addition, the Centennial Chapel and Garden, built in 2010 to celebrate the university’s centennial. It’s a great place to pull out picnic supplies from Durham Co-op Market before exploring more of downtown. Start with West Parrish Street, often referred to as Black Wall Street because of its role as a hub for Black-owned businesses and economic growth in the early 1900s. Then visit the Museum of Durham History or any of the History Groves – groupings of native trees planted to honor those who shaped the community. Speaking of community, the ties are strong at the Hayti Heritage Center , which hosts events, programs and festivals.

6 North Carolina State University

NC State is the ideal mix of city and rural life. On the Centennial Campus, Lake Raleigh Woods is designated a “hallowed place,” meaning its past helps forge the future of research and education. The 96-acre forest welcomes researchers as well as bird-watchers and those looking for a peaceful stroll. Down the road from main campus is the JC Raulston Arboretum and butterfly garden, where the collection of plants has attracted about 60 species of butterflies and moths over the years. If you’re looking for a place to reunite with old friends from school, the Lonnie Poole Golf Course – the only collegiate course in the world designed by Arnold Palmer – is the perfect spot.

7 Shaw University

The first HBCU in the South and among the oldest in the nation, Shaw sits in the heart of the historic district downtown – and its ties to history remain strong, from the stunning memorial garden on campus to its multiple historic landmark buildings. Head to Estey Hall – built in 1874, it’s the oldest surviving Shaw building and the first structure built for the higher education of African American women. Because of Shaw’s central location, walk or drive from campus to many nearby favorites. Refuel Southern-style at Big Ed’s and then keep the fun going – kids of all ages love Pullen Park's amusement rides, paddle boats and swimming. Families can enjoy awesome time indoors at the nearby Marbles Kids Museum or NC Museum of Natural Sciences . If your kids are of the four-legged variety, Dorothea Dix Park has an area just for dogs (and plenty of open-air activities for humans too).

8 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Visit the country’s first public university for a few firsts of your own. For basketball fans, Carolina Basketball Museum is a must, where names like Dean Smith and Michael Jordan might ring a bell. The Ackland Art Museum hosts a permanent collection of more than 19,000 works of art, while the Morehead Planetarium offers shows like “Carolina Skies,” a live star show that takes you on a journey through the nighttime sky. Most alumni will tell you a stroll along Franklin Street is a necessary intro to Chapel Hill life. For lunch, few things are better than a hot dog and old-fashioned soda at the legendary Sutton’s Drug Store . It’s been feeding hungry Tar Heels since 1923.

9 University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Just 15 minutes northeast of Uptown, UNC Charlotte boasts a 1,000-acre campus that’s still close to Charlotte’s vibrant NoDa, Plaza Midwood and South End neighborhoods. Start your visit with a walk through the botanical gardens , home to three different gardens with 16 collections. Over in the art department, check out three exhibition spaces in the Rowe Arts Building , which displays the work of students, faculty and visiting artists. For a good meal, students rave about Passage to India .

10 University of North Carolina at Greensboro

A stroll through this campus brings tons of visual intrigue, with architectural diversity, historic buildings and storied landmarks – like the 9-foot bronze statue of Minerva by artist James Barnhill, and The Rawk, a boulder painted and repainted with well wishes and announcements nearly every day. Speaking of art, make sure you head to Weatherspoon Art Museum in the heart of campus. Admission is free to its six galleries and sculpture courtyard, and coffee and baked goods are offered most weekdays. Find more inspiration at any of Greensboro’s outdoor oases, from the 17-acre Greensboro Arboretum to Gateway Gardens , a whimsical entryway to the city integrating elements of history, movement and play.

11 Wake Forest University

Recreate carefree college days at Davis Field by swinging under the towering trees or taking time for a picnic. For a learning opportunity, visit the only museum in North Carolina dedicated to the study of global cultures at the Museum of Anthropology . Catch up on a little botany 101 at the 134-acre Reynolda Gardens with beautiful woodlands, wetlands and a greenhouse. Don’t miss out on getting a unique souvenir at the Reynolda Village shops right next door. For your finale, enjoy a pitcher of beer at Shorty’s .

12 Winston-Salem State University

Wander through campus and admire public art sculptures, as well as massive murals by artist and North Carolina native John Biggers in the C.G. O’Kelly Library. The Diggs Gallery also operates as a cultural center with exhibitions and programs focused on African American and regional art (recognized by The Smithsonian as one of the nation’s best). If you’re looking for action: Every Saturday in spring and summer, Bowman Gray Stadium fills up the stands for short-track racing at NASCAR’S longest running weekly track. The whole family will love seeing multiple races at “The Madhouse.”

Shayla Martin

Shayla Martin is a Durham-based travel and food writer. She has contributed to The Wall Street Journal , New York Magazine , Atlanta Journal-Constitution , Fodors Travel and more.

Ends: 6/15/2024

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Visit Winston-Salem State University

Thank you for your interest in visiting Winston Salem State University. Campus Visits for the Spring semester are scheduled January 17, 2024 - April 18, 2024.

Campus tours are a great opportunity to learn about WSSU! 

We encourage students and parents to visit our beautiful campus located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. During your campus visit, you will have the opportunity to:  

Tour campus

Get answers to your questions about applying, paying for college, enrolling, and more

O? ur campus tours begin with an information session led by a Campus Visit Coordinator who will provide details about the admissions and financial aid process. Following the information session, a Campus Ambassador will lead the campus walking tour.

Our Campus Ambassadors are excited to meet you and answer any questions you may have about the university culture, student life, campus resources, and their perspective on what it is like to be a Ram.

Campus Tours are offered on Monday-Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m, excluding designated holidays, campus closings, and competing university scheduled events.

Dates that are highlighted in green on the calendar, are available for campus tours.

Whether you’re considering joining our student body as a freshman or a transfer student, you’ll appreciate having an overview of our campus—and a better idea of how to get around.  Start your journey to Be The Next at WSSU - schedule a campus visit today! 

You can also enjoy our campus VIRTUALLY!  

Get a taste of our exciting campus culture, welcoming family vibe and insight about our academic landscape, with our  WSSU Virtual Experience.

Questions? Call 336-750-2907  

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Please note: Due to the possibility of changes in campus operations, the university may suspend information sessions and/or tours. If this will affect your visit, you will be notified by email. Please check your email prior to reporting to campus for your scheduled tour for any updates regarding inclement weather, cancellations, campus emergencies, etc.

Campus Visit

It's estimated that there are 5,300 colleges and universities in the United States. That's a lot of choices! With so many options, how do you make an educated decision about where to spend the next four years of your life? We believe that the campus visit is a strong deciding factor. In fact, 76% of students say that the campus visit is what helps make the decision for them.

Situated in the heart of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, CU offers so much more than what you can see from a Google search. Step on to campus and visit us for a day! We'd love to introduce you to our faculty, staff, students, and show you our beautiful campus. Pick the option below that best suits your needs and don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you!

Nearby Hotels

Individual On-Campus Tour

Schedule a call with an admissions officer, irias, saul.

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Undergraduate Admissions

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• The Campus Visit Experience
• Explore & Visit

Information Session & Campus Tour

We look forward to sharing Wake Forest with you!

From June 3-14 , at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., we will offer one-hour walking tours of the Wake Forest campus, led by one of our current WFU student tour guides.

From June 17-August 9 , join us for an information session and walking tour of the Wake Forest campus. This two hour visit experience will be offered Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Information sessions—where you will receive an overview of Wake Forest and the admissions process—will be held prior to the campus tours. The one-hour information sessions start at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday-Friday, followed by the one-hour campus tours at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively, Monday-Friday.

Wake Downtown

Wake Downtown does not offer guided tours during the summer; however, the building is available for self-guided tours Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There are materials at the lobby desk and QR codes throughout the building, which lead to videos and additional information about the courses and research taking place here. If you have questions during, or following, your self-guided tour, please feel free to stop by the administrative suite on the first floor to speak with a member of the Wake Downtown team.

Guided tours will resume in September.

Planning your visit

The majority of the tour will take place outside, so it is important that you check the local weather forecast and dress appropriately in case of inclement weather.

It’s best to  register in advance . We accommodate walk-ins only as space allows—first come, first served—which is why it’s best to reserve your space now!

You can also take a take a  self-guided tour  to explore campus on your own or check out our  virtual campus tour  if you’re unable to visit Wake Forest in person.

Wake Downtown also offers a self-guided tour option Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., no registration necessary.

Finally, you can check out our live online information session, Distinctively Wake : a conversation where you can engage with Wake Forest University admissions representatives and a current student. 

We are delighted you will be visiting Wake Forest University and look forward to seeing you!

Things to know before you register

• Please note, due to the possibility of changes in campus operations, the University may suspend tours. If this affects your visit, you will be notified by email. 
• In the case of severe weather, we must suspend tours, and, in lieu of them, we will hold a Q&A session with student tour-guides in the Welcome Center auditorium.
• Make sure you arrive on time. Our tours must stick to a tight schedule, so, unfortunately, if you are tardy, you will then be given a self-guided tour-book .
• On our interactive campus map , you may view and learn more about the stops that will take place on your tour.

Before You Arrive on Campus

If you’re visiting from out-of-town and need a place to stay before or after your visit, here is a list of recommended hotels that are close to campus.

If you have any questions or concerns in advance, you may contact us at 336.758.5201 or  [email protected]  prior to your arrival to campus.

If using Google to get here, please be sure to search for the Porter B. Byrum Welcome Center .

We look forward to welcoming you!

Self-Guided Tours

Visitors may always visit campus to take a self-guided tour. Stop by the  Porter Byrum Welcome Center  to pick up a self-guided tour book or download it below.

If you like what you experience, please be sure to  add yourself to our mailing list . We’ll keep you updated!

Wake Downtown Tours

Wake Downtown does not offer guided tours during the summer; however, the building is available for self-guided tours Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Guided tours will resume in September.

Come visit Wake Downtown, home to Biochemistry, Engineering, Molecular Biology, and Medicinal Chemistry!

Campus Visit FAQs

What can i expect on the tour.

Student-led walking tours will be led by a current WFU student and will last approximately 60 minutes. They will take you around and teach you about our beautiful campus, welcoming community, and academic rigor.

How many guests can I bring?

You may bring up to four guests on a Wake Forest student-led tour.

Will I be able to talk to any faculty or other Wake Forest staff while I’m there?

You may speak with faculty and staff, but you would need to arrange that discussion in advance by contacting the academic department and/or program individually, to see who is available on the date you are visiting.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

You may cancel a reservation through your interview-confirmation email, but, if you experience any difficulties doing so, please simply call 336.758.5201 or email [email protected] prior to your arrival on campus.

What other Admissions or visit options are available?

At Wake Forest University, you’ll find maps around our beautiful campus; you can be sure that we are here to guide you!

But while maps are helpful, they can also impose grids on the flows of experience. They can be inadequate when it comes to revealing the truth and beauty of a place –

– which is precisely why we’re happy to offer multiple ways for you to experience Wake Forest:

via student-led, self-guided and  virtual campus tours  and  live online information sessions .

We want you to know us as fully as you can, just as we – as a test-optional university for more than a decade – want to know you as fully as we can, beyond the representation given by only numbers.

We look forward to welcoming you through any of the options offered above.

More than anything, we want you to map out your future – while also staying open to new discoveries.

Reserve Your Spot

Ready to experience the Wake Forest difference? Schedule your visit today!

The Details

Campus tours and information sessions will be offered at the following times:

June 3 – 14

• Student-led walking tours of campus only , from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.

June 17 – August 9

• Information sessions followed by student-led walking tours of campus, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Porter Byrum Welcome Center

P.O. Box 7305 Reynolda Station Winston-Salem, NC 27109

• Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern Time
• Saturday: CLOSED*
• Sunday: CLOSED*

We are closed during all major holidays.

* Self-guided tours are available during this time. On weekends, self-guided tour-books and maps are available in boxes directly outside the Porter Byrum Welcome Center.

Questions? You can reach us at:

• 336.758.5201
• [email protected]

Winston-Salem State University

Rams at home.

Group Tours

Salem State offers special virtual tours for groups larger than 10. These visits are intended for prospective students, grades 8-12 .

To schedule a tour, please email the admissions team.

For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access or email [email protected] .

For additional information, please contact undergraduate admissions at 978.542.6200 or [email protected] .

Your WSSU Bucket List

The WSSU Bucket List illustrates how to take full advantage of your WSSU experience:

• Celebrate Spirit Fridays on the Breezeway.
• Chill out in the Zen Zone hammocks.
• Shoot some hoops or pool in DJR.
• Grab lunch at Kennedy Dining Hall, Chick-fil-A, or Einstein’s Bagels
• Work out at University Recreation (UREC).
• Watch the award-winning Red Sea of Sound perform.
• Attend concerts, lectures, and performances at K.R. Williams and DJR.

Take a look at: the WSSU Bucket List to get a taste of all that campus has to offer.

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