Dix Park in Raleigh
A Vibrant and Expanding Urban Park for Everyone
Located just minutes from Raleigh’s vibrant city center is Dix Park, a 308-acre urban park where natural beauty and history come together to welcome millions of visitors each year.
The history of the land that is now Dix Park dates back thousands of years, with indigenous peoples hunting, gathering, and cultivating the land. Later, the land was part of the Spring Hill Plantation, worked by enslaved African Americans for more than a century. In 1856, the site became North Carolina’s first mental health facility, Dorothea Dix Hospital.
This rich and complex history led the City of Raleigh to have Dix Park designated as a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, a global network of historic sites, museums, and initiatives that strive to turn memory into action by drawing on the past to paint a better future.
In 2015, after extensive negotiations with the State, the City of Raleigh purchased Dix property, setting in motion a bold vision for a destination park in the heart of Raleigh. Over the last few years, Dix Park has seen amazing growth, revitalization, and excitement. The park has something for everyone, including:
Giant Trolls: In 2025, a family of five giant trolls arrived at Dix Park. Created by internationally renowned ‘recycle art activist’ Thomas Dambo, these larger-than-life trolls are both playful and thought-provoking. Built of reclaimed wood and tucked into the trees, the trolls invite visitors to ponder environmental stewardship and the importance of preserving our natural world. Nearly 400 volunteers joined Thomas Dambo’s team for the three-week troll build.
Five giant trolls make their home at Dix Park, built of reclaimed wood and tucked in the trees waiting to be discovered.
Gipson Play Plaza: At 18.5 acres, the Play Plaza is the largest adventure playground in the southeastern United States. Opened in 2025, its features reflect the diverse geography of North Carolina, with waterfalls representing Western North Carolina and watermills and boulders of the Piedmont. Slide Valley is at the heart of the action with ladders, ramps, log scrambles, and, of course, slides.
The 18.5 acres Gipson Play Plaza is the largest adventure playground in the southeastern U.S. It opened in 2025 and attracts fun lovers of all ages.
Sunflower Fields: Five acres of beautiful sunflowers reach peak bloom in July and are host to bees, butterflies, and birds. First planted in 2018, about 200,000 sunflower seeds are planted each year.
Five acres of sunflowers grace Dix Park with more sunflower seeds planted each year.
Other amenities include a dog park, concessions, and lots of open spaces for relaxation and recreation. Dix Park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year: the popular Dreamville Festival, the annual Falling for Local fall festival, the Inter-Tribal Pow Wow, and regular outdoor concerts and movie nights.
The future looks bright for Dix Park. “There is no shortage of excitement for how we will continue to transform this property. We have so many different opportunities and so much community connection with people sharing ideas of things they’d like to see and do here. It’s our job to help make the community’s vision possible for this place,” says Nick Smith, vice president of operations for the Dix Park Conservancy.
Kate Pearce is the new president and CEO of Dix Park Conservancy, moving from her position as executive director of Dix Park with the City of Raleigh. The mission of Dix Park Conservancy is to support the creation and long-term success of Dix Park as a vital public space that fosters connection, creativity, and well-being.
TowneBank is honored to be a long-time supporter of Dix Park. “Jack Clayton and Bob Hatley have served on our board and currently serve as trustees. They continue to promote Dix Park. TowneBank is part of our leadership circle and has shown continued support for our mission and growth,” Nick says.
Dix Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. For more information and to plan your visit, go to: DixPark.org. To learn more about Dix Park Conservancy, visit DixParkConservancy.org.