Dorothea Dix Park

Dorothea Dix Park is a 308-acre urban park located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Situated at the edge of downtown Raleigh, the park blends historic architecture with beautiful natural landscapes, including rolling hills, mature oak groves, and open fields. The site offers stunning views of the Raleigh skyline.

The park has a rich and layered history. Originally used by Native Americans for hunting and gathering, it later became a plantation worked by enslaved people in the late 1700s. In 1856, it became North Carolina's first state psychiatric hospital under the vision of mental health reformer Dorothea Lynde Dix. The hospital operated until 2012 when the last patients left.

Today, Dorothea Dix Park is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. The City of Raleigh owns and operates the park, while the Dix Park Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, supports the city's efforts and serves as its philanthropic partner.

The park features various sections catering to different interests. The Flowers Field, an 11-acre area of rolling lawn, is popular for picnics, ball games, and pet play. The Grove, a 16-acre section, contains some of the park's oldest oak trees and is ideal for shaded picnics and winter sledding. Harvey Hill in the northeast section offers one of the best views of the Raleigh skyline.

In February 2019, the Raleigh City Council unanimously approved a master plan for the long-term vision of the park. This plan aims to transform Dorothea Dix Park into a destination that honors its layered legacy while restoring natural and built spaces to create an inclusive park for everyone.

The park hosts various events and programs throughout the year, including guided walking tours that provide insights into the site's history and future developments. Recent additions to the park include hammock groves and renovated stone houses that serve as a visitor center with historical exhibits.