Wow - the playground here is just amazing! So many features and spots to check out. Parking was also very easy the day we visited. It was a slightly chilly day, but definitely come prepared to use the water area in hot weather! read more

Dorothea Dix Park - Parks Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Road tripping through the East Coast, our first stop was Dorothea Dix Park and it was such a fun way to kick everything off! Our main goal was to find the five trolls, and I loved how it felt like a little scavenger hunt throughout the park. It was a bit tricky finding them at first, but that actually made it more fun. Thankfully, each troll had nearby parking, which made hopping around way easier. The park itself is super open, green, and peaceful, with plenty of space to explore in between stops. Overall, such a cool first stop on our road trip. Relaxed vibes, interactive experience, and a memorable way to start the journey! read more

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Made a trip out to Raleigh to hunt for trolls at Dorothea Dix Park recently. I had no idea a park this big existed in Raleigh, but we had fun exploring, as we found the 5 trolls hidden through out, along with other cool art installations and a cemetery and hammock park. The park is massive, with lots of fields for activities and sports. There are also dog parks, playgrounds, and art installations throughout this 300 acre park right by downtown Raleigh. I'd never seen a hammock park before, and it took me a minute to realize what it was. Just need to bring your own hammock, and enjoy a nicely shaded, wooded area. There are a lot of old buildings in the park, part of the old mental hospital and other facilities, that have long since been boarded up. It's a shame to see so many buildings sitting vacant when they could be utilized for many other things, hopefully they can get them back into use one day. I'd recommend a day trip out to enjoy the parks and the 5 amazing Dambo trolls, hidden throughout! read more

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Looking for an hour or a day of fun? Grab the kids and sunscreen and a lot of water and head to Raleigh for a walk through the beauty Raleigh has to offer including an amazing children's park, sunflowers, a dog park and troll hunt. Visited on a beautiful spring day. Free parking paired with family and optional refreshments, you can have fun if you are 8 months, 8 years or 80 years old. read more

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My friends and I visited Dix Park. We went to visit two of the Trolls installation by Thoma Dambo. During our time, it was very busy. Some people formed a line to take photos of the trolls which was well organized, nevertheless. People were patient and respectful, which is nice to see. The park itself is beautiful. It is a great place to visit and spend time with family and friends. There is a new children's playground inside the park where children can play, and a location for children to ride bicycles and scooters too. read more

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We drove 2 1/2 hours to see the Dambo Trolls at Dix Park. We had never been to this park before and it was BEAUTIFUL!! It had a lot to offer young and old alike!! Easy walking areas. Plenty of parking. Unique things to explore. Playgrounds. Dog Park. You name it, they've got it. Very enjoyable day!! read more

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We visited Dix Park to see the new Thomas Dambo installation but luckily for us the park was so much more than that. If you have not seen the trolls, I highly recommend that you do. I love the idea of this family and finding them here and there throughout the park. My favorite is of course the little baby that leads you to her sleeping mama because she is peeking out of the trees so innocently. There were many, many, many people here to see the installation, so it was incredibly crowded, but I imagine this park is typically busy as there are lots of other art installations here and things to do. There were many people walking their dogs and families enjoying the green space. The dog park was our favorite second only to the trolls. There is plenty of parking and a lovely view of the city city skyline. It is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. read more

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I visited Dix Park to see the Thomas Dambo trolls. They were fairly spaced out but I found a map online, figured out where to park, then followed all the people. I was able to see them all in less than an hour. I went on a Wednesday and it wasn't very crowded and parking was easy to find. I think the weekends are very busy. I don't think they are wheelchair accessible--they are in fields with uneven terrain or down little wooded paths. (Re: Accessibility - The troll in High Point is probably wheelchair accessible because it's on a flat and short pathway. The one in Charlotte is up a small hill and did not seem wheelchair accessible.) read more

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We had so much fun hunting for trolls and checking out all the new additions and changes to Dorthea Dix! read more

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Beautiful, spacious park in downtown Raleigh. I first visited on a hot summer day. We enjoyed a short walk on a partially shaded trail before recovering in the A/C. Check out the online map in advance to view the layout and plan accordingly. In addition to the online map, there are posted maps and signs throughout the park. I did get turned around several times as I realized the park is located around various state buildings and that parking would be limited on weekdays. We didn't end up making it to the dog park, but I plan on checking it out next time. Dorothea Dix Park hosts various events including a stunning sunflower field, markets, movies, and much more. Several outdoor areas and the chapel are available to rent. Overall, we enjoyed our visit and look forward to returning on a cool day to explore more! read more

Dorothea Dix Park - Parks Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Such a great place! We went specifically to bag 5 Thomas Dambo Trolls on our list. The park has an incredible interactive kids park (it's free). We walked through it also and experienced some of the interactive music making things and the mirrors. The slides were like nothing I've ever seen at a park and the had an incredible rubber interactive climbing wall for kids. We LOVED the house of many porches as they had a fun coffee shop and a beer tap room with some fine local drafts!! Great IPA!! Stop if you are there! We also had their dog park on our list as we were traveling with our dog and it is very nice. It was a little wet because it rained earlier in the day. read more

Dorothea Dix Park - Parks Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Beautiful park in Raleigh! We came to see the 5 Thomas Dambo trolls. They're 2 near the dog park, and 3 across the flower field area surrounded by trees. We loved the troll's whimsical look and the secret code to find the grandmother tree. Look at the symbols on their necklaces. We parked and walked to see the 3 in the pine loop. And then drove to see Daddy Bird eye, because our kid is young. read more

Dorothea Dix Park - Dambo Troll - Parks Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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This is a great park. It's huge and has. lots of areas to hike and also to sit and enjoy nature. I love the new addition of Gipson Park. It was fun for my nephew (16) and niece (10). There's something to do for all ages. We really enjoyed walking around trying to find all 5 trolls. We only got to see 2 since my brother was tired of walking lol. Next time I come bs k hopefully I can find the other 3 trolls. This park is very family friendly and dog friendly. It has plenty of parking and plenty of covered tables to eat at. read more

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The sunflower field, It was nice but unfortunately the flowers were dead when I went it was cool to see people's letters in the flowers though. They also have a dog park that's pretty big and friendly dogs ! They just recently renovated and I hear it's even better however I haven't been to see it yet read more

What a nice park! Plenty to do and see! I came to see the Sun flowers and got to see so much more! The wild flowers were beautiful. I checked out the play areas - there were climbing things, water play, cooking out, picking, food and food trucks. Plenty of free parking. read more

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This is a great park for the entire family. Overall it's a very very big park. There are many different areas in the park, for different purposes. A huge fun looking playground for kids. And other areas more suitable for adults to hang out. I was most impressed by the bathroom building near the playground. It's like a huge hobbit house with very modern, clean and spacious bathrooms. It's probably the best bathroom I have seen in a park in the U.S. The house with many porches is worth a special mention as well. It has souvenirs and coffee/drink/snack services. Very convenient for walkers to get some refreshments. read more

Spent a few hours on a crisp fall day exploring the new troll installations by famous Dutch artist Thomas Dambo. Raleigh is very lucky to have this number of his talented creations in our back yard. read more

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Came here for dreamville festival, and this park is massive. It reminds me of Central Park in NY. You can really get lost in here and/or see something new. It is a great place to be wanderlust. I can comment on the festival, and it was well ran with the help of the police and local authorities. Everyone was very friendly and helpful with getting around read more

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This massive park - over 300 acres - has lots of huge open spaces, historic buildings and loads of outdoor activities and sports. There are sports fields, a big dog park, lots of walking trails and spots to take in the Raleigh skyline. Dorothea Dix Park is named after Dorothea Lynde Dix, a 19th-century nurse and mental health advocate. She played a key role in advocating for the humane treatment of individuals with mental illnesses and was instrumental in the establishment of the original Dorothea Dix Hospital on the site. Plenty to do here, great spots for picnics and if you're feeling up to it, check out the onsite cemetery and memorial walk. Or try to find the hammock area. That's an unusual park feature for sure! [Review 2458 of 2024 - 3913 in North Carolina - 23470 overall] read more

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Although we live in North Carolina, and I had actually been near the park for business, we had never stopped in just as a leisurely visit. We came on a weekend to see the large wooden trolls that were recently installed. We enjoyed walking through various areas of the park, seeing the trolls, and seeing some repurposed old buildings. Very interested to see this park grown and improve with amenities in the coming year. read more

I love absolutely love Dix Park. We came on Saturday recently for the Falling for Local festival, but it really is the perfect place for a Saturday afternoon any time of year. There is a ton of greenspace to choose from, the sunflower fields, hammocks for a snooze, Gipson Play Area for the kids, and House of Many Porches for a drink. I think they also have a dog play area and spots you can rent for birthday parties/events. I am so thankful we have a space like this in Raleigh. read more

The park was very clean and well laid out with everything except the restrooms. I love the idea of the water stations because hydration was definitely needed! One side of the park was a little messier than the other in terms of trash, but I think the staff did a pretty good job keeping everything clean. I wish there were more shaded areas, but the second day was really cool in terms of a breeze. read more

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From fields of flowers to rolling hills... to hidden trolls and whimsical play area full of energy and excitement what a well thought out are for dates.. family outting or to just go have fun read more

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We stopped by the sunflower field near the old NCU campus. I really like how they've turned the space into something more community-focused with events and outdoor activities. It's a unique blend of nature and nostalgia. We came around mid-August and unfortunately, the sunflowers had already tapped out for the season. They were either sleeping or completely dried up, so definitely plan to come earlier next year if you're trying to catch them in bloom. Still, the park is perfect for families, dogs, and laid-back vibes. There are lots of hammocks, a dog park across the street, and a big fake green couch that makes for a fun photo op. read more

Absolutely gorgeous park with tall mature oaks, lush grass, lots of wildlife, and stunning views of Downtown Raleigh. Loads to do too -- dog park, sunflower field, picnic benches, hammock grove, historical buildings, all free (with plenty of free parking too)... oh and world class music festivals!! First came here for Dreamville Fest back in 2018 and fell in love. It's walking distance from Downtown and definitely worth a day trip. UPDATE: Gipson Play Plaza just opened up on the south side off the park off Lake Wheeler. STUNNING!! Tons to do for kids... waterfall, splash pad, fun interactive games etc. and a little general store called the House of Many Porches that was selling latté's, beer and wine for the adults. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED read more

Had a fabulous day with my cousins at a wine festival that was being hosted at this location. The park was very spacious and adequate for the event location. There was ample parking. I was very happy that the area was grassy. There wasn't much shade where the event was being held but that day had the perfect temperature and breeze. I look forward to visiting this park in the future. read more

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We loved visiting the Sunflower Field! So pretty! My boyfriend enjoyed hanging out in a nearby hammock while I took a couple of laps around the sunflowers. What a treat for both of us! read more

Dorothea Dix Park - Parks Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Dorothea Dix has a unique history and is currently transitioning to a redeveloped 308-acre property turned city park. Beginning as land used by Native Americans for hunting and gathering, the site was later settled by colonists in the late 1700s becoming a plantation for 150 years as part of the Spring Hill Plantation, worked by enslaved African Americans. Dix Park is also known as North Carolina's first state psychiatric hospital under the vision of mental health reformer Dorothea Lynde Dix. Dix is now home to the annual Dreamville music festival created by Fayetteville native and Hip Hop artist J. Cole. Many enjoy the 308 acres of real estate here for picnicking, community events, pop-up museums, sunflower field,views of the city skyline, bark parks, trails and food trucks. It's hard for me to mentally erase the history of this property amongst the dreary mental health offices. A psychiatric cemetery remains on the property as well. I hope the city can use our tax dollars to properly redevelop this now "city park" tourist attraction and properly pay homage to the souls that once inhabited all 308 acres. read more

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To kick off my list of Black History Month events, I visited my first one this month for the Celebratory opening of a curated black history month exhibition by the Raleigh Film and Art Festival presented by Dix Park Chapel - The Living In Color Event. I love Art Exhibits, and this event was the perfect space. I was impressed with this event. All of the Art was beautifully captivating and powerful. I took my time and just walked slowly through the exhibit, viewing each piece carefully and examining each piece. I also enjoyed the play scene and spoken word pieces presented on stage. All of the volunteer staff were helpful with seating. There were plenty of seats and standing places. The Chapel is very nice. During this event, they also served food. I had turkey barbecue, green beans, and mac and cheese, all very flavorful. Living In Color was one of the best community events I've attended in a very long time. I'm looking forward to coming back to the chapel. I had a great time. read more

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So let me get this straight you build $100 million play Park and you don't provide any parking at all whatsoever during the week? OK got it and also going home. read more

Dorothea Dix Park's Chapel is the home to a Pop Up Museum at the moment. It ends February 27th so it is worth a visit if you can get there before it closes. The Pop Up Museum is two exhibits inside the Chapel. One of the exhibits deals with the history of the Dorothea Dix Park and the other showcases black architects and builders in North Carolina. I really enjoyed this exhibit as there was so much to read and learn. Face coverings are required inside the exhibits and there is plenty of parking outside. Admission was free too! read more

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Visited this park for Dreamville festival. The festival this year had around 52,000 ppl so this is a large park. Really nice park that provided tons of space for the stages and vendors. The grounds seemed well kept, definitely is a nice park to visit. read more

What a lovely day to experience Dorothea Dix park and the sunflowers. I initially wanted to come out early in hopes to best the crowd, however; arriving later actually worked out as the sun wasn't as hot. The park is vast and the sunflowers are everywhere. There are spots for picnics if you bring lunch and a few hammocks to lounge around ( although the hammocks go fast). Unika B. & Co. read more

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This Park sure has potential and will say a lot of potential because it is big and there is plenty of room for many things to make it interesting place to visit but to tell the truth now is only a field with trees and few roads in between and perfect to take the dogs. Other than that I have not seen anything worth to write home about, sorry but I don't know why all the hoopla It has been about a year since the City Council approved a Master plan for the biggest park in the city, restrictions about parking because DHSS offices take priority, all in all I don't feel compelled to go back. Sorry but for now the way it looks I can not give more than 2 stars, one for dogs and one for potential. read more

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There is always something great happening at Dorothea Dix Park. From free sculpture exhibitions to pop up museums and of course the beautiful views of nature and downtown Raleigh, this is a wonderful place to hang especially on a warm,sunny day. Recently my family was there to enjoy Wings of the City Raleigh , Plantation to Park and We Built This. I enjoyed the diversity of programming where Wings is a celebration of Mexican art and We Built This showcases Black architects and Builders in North Carolina. Dorothea Dix Park hosts plenty of events and provides open space for all,including a dog park! It is definitely family friendly and a place where you can enjoy a picnic while appreciating nature and the community. read more

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We are all entitled to our own opinions, right? Well here's mine: Parking: 4 Location: 5 Decor/ambiance: na Customer Service: na Imagine going for a nice short walk with views of downtown Raleigh and the city skyline in the background... Yeah... thats just one of the cool things you get to experience here! Many different workout groups and events take advantage of this space that is offered by the city. Its always something or some activity going down out here if you need an excuse to get out and about. One of my favorite activites that happens is the Sunflower fields every summer! This year they were planted at Dix Park! Also check out some of the cool races that are held at Dix as well. Lots of parking and lots of open space to be FREE!!! read more

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I've wanted to visit Dorothea Dix Park while they have their sunflower field for years now, and finally got the chance this year! The park also hosts lots of different events, but if you want to go for the sunflowers, those are usually blooming sometime in July-August. Check their social media page for updates! The sunflowers were absolutely beautiful, and I think this was actually a week after their peak bloom. They had really colorful ones and giant mammoth ones! We roamed around for a while just looking at interesting looking ones. There's plenty of parking, although it's a gravel lot. But best of all, it's a completely free and family friendly activity! read more

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It's really the largest outdoor space in the general vicinity of Raleigh's downtown, which makes it very valuable in the era of social distancing. Plenty of people play pickup sports on the large central field. I mostly come to eat takeout on nice evenings. The main field has a few benches, but it's mostly open grass. There are a few sections nearby, notably the sunflower garden which I haven't seen in full bloom. The roads could use some work, and the few picnic tables I found by the sunflower plants weren't that impressive, but it's certainly a good space to have around. read more

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Super cute park. We came during the sunflower festival and it was a bit hectic, but pretty neat! With it being a popular tourist attraction during time of the sunflowers; traffic and parking was a bit ridiculous! No sign of direction and people were parking anywhere and everywhere. If they were to advertise for something like this again, they should have a line of travel. Not many food trucks or vendors as I imagined, but I did enjoyed a few arts and crafts area for the children. Very child friendly! With it being as hot as it was; there was only one place to buy water, yet there were two beer stands?? Two different places to get actual food and the rest was dessert.. either they didn't plan ahead or wasn't thinking when they planned. I was surprised to see portal restrooms. The park itself is very clean and in an open space. Trails to lead you by the city or into the wooded path. The view of the city skyline is nice! read more

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Sunflowers Tulips Family fellowship Picnic tables Open fields for kites, soccer or just gazing at the city sky line. DDP offers something for everyone. Get active! Your body will thank you later! DDP is easily accessed by the entrance closest to Central. Park by the soccer fields or park in the actual lots from 5-8pm. Dorothea Dix is home to 2,000 dept of health workers daily. They even have a cafe on campus! Parking is free always. Festivals bring lots of people so be prepared to walk! Water is not accessible but porta potties are during the busy season. Dogs must be leashed always at DDP. Check the website- runners are loved here and offered a couple of different races each year. read more

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