If you find yourself in Raleigh with a hankering for a dose of summer cheer, then look no further than Dorothea Dix Park. Dix Park explodes in a riot of golden glory every July but their beauty is fleeting as these cheerful giants only last a few weeks. Peak bloom for 2024 is expected to last through mid-July so now is the time to experience the Dix Park sunflowers!
- About the Dix Park sunflowers
- Where to park
- Cost to visit Dix Park sunflowers
- Dix Park sunflower facilities
- Dix Park sunflower hours
- Special events
- What to take with you
- Rules and regulations
About the Dix Park sunflowers
Each year, a collaboration between the Raleigh Water and Raleigh Parks departments transforms a humble 5-acre plot of land into a golden wonderland.
It all begins in the spring, when the good folks at Raleigh Water prepare the field. In May, they plant tens of thousands of seeds – 80,000 – 100,000 Black Oil Sunflower Hybrid seeds were planted in 2024. Don’t be fooled by their utilitarian name, dear reader, these sunflowers are sunshine personified.
As the summer creeps along, Raleigh Parks takes over, diligently watering and maintaining the field, ensuring the sunflowers reach their full, glorious potential. They also employ a curious contraption called a hydroseeder to scatter wildflowers around the perimeter, creating a vibrant, multi-colored border.
This dazzling display attracts more than 100,000 selfie-snapping tourists and a delightful cast of pollinators: bees drunk on nectar, butterflies flitting about, and the occasional curious hummingbird.
After the glorious, if brief, reign of the blooming sunflowers, they are left standing, their seeds providing nourishment for hungry birds and other wildlife throughout the fall. Eventually, Raleigh Water returns to clear the field and plant a winter cover crop.
Where to park
Weekday Public Parking
- Gravel lot off Hunt Drive (75 Hunt Dr.)
- Paved lot near the Magnolia Room (1700 Umstead Dr.)
Evening and Weekend Parking
- Visitors are welcome to use any parking lot.
Alternatively, traveling to the glorious sunflower fields of by foot, bicycle, or scooter presents a most splendid opportunity. Take the Greenway to Dix Park via Rocky Branch Trail or Centennial Bikeway Connector.
Cost to visit the Dix Park sunflowers
It is completely free to visit the Dix Park sunflowers!
Dix Park sunflower facilities
Port-a-Johns can be found near the entrances to the Sunflower Field.
The Stone Houses down the road offer a more luxurious lavatory experience and are open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Shade is available in the pine tree grove beside the sunflower field.
Water and picnic tables are located at the Magnolia Room next to the sunflower field.
The Gatekeeper’s Cottage Visitor Center is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Dix Park sunflower hours
Dix Park is open 7 days a week, from dawn until dusk.
Special events
Sunflower Saturday is a celebration of summer, nature, and the simple joy of a flower that forgets to be shy. On Saturday, July 13 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., grab a bite (food trucks) and beverage (Trophy Brewing) while enjoying some delightful music at the sunflower field.
What to take with you
Be sure to pack sunscreen, a fashionable wide brimmed hat, a pleasant-smelling, locally made insect repellent, and sturdy close-toed shoes.
Rules and regulations
Responsible flower enthusiasts should always:
- Stick to the designated trails. This allows these cheerful giants to thrive and ensures everyone can enjoy their sunny splendor.
- Keep your loyal canine companion or other well behaved pets on a leash and on the pathway and pick up after them.
- Park in designated areas only. NC Department of Health and Human Services employees work at Dix Park Monday through Friday. Please be respectful of their working environment.
- Tote away any trash or litter you accumulate during your visit.
- Professional photo shoots are most welcome. Just be sure to secure a commercial photography permit from the City of Raleigh Parks beforehand.
And:
- Do not pluck or cut the flowers.
- Do not be tempted to eat the seeds – the sunflowers are planted on a former landfill so leave the snacking to the cardinals.
- Leave all pointy objects and threatening tools at home. These fields are for peace and quiet enjoyment.
- Drones or other aerial devices are strictly off-limits at the sunflower field but are welcome on the Big Field.
- Outside alcoholic drinks are not permitted on the premises… as tempting as it might be, especially on a warm day.
- And lastly, smoking and vaping are not permitted on the property. Because fresh air is better.
Prepare for Instagram-worthy snapshots and memories as bright as the blooms themselves.
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