Beneath the pleasant canopy of its trees, and amidst the gentle chugging of a miniature train, Pullen Park is a locale where countless small, yet significant, events unfold. It is a place of simple wonders, miniature adventures, and a charming, if sometimes slightly peculiar, history. So, let us, with a measure of curiosity, delve into the various curiosities that make Pullen Park precisely what it is.

History of Pullen Park

Pullen Park, established in 1887, was the first public park in North Carolina. It is the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the United States, and the 16th oldest in the world. It owes its existence to the generosity of Richard Stanhope Pullen, a man of considerable fortune. Pullen donated a sizable tract of his farmland with the stipulation that the land be used for the recreational enjoyment of all citizens and visitors. And despite his vehement protests, the city insisted on naming the park after him, thus ensuring his legacy.

A Park Keeper was appointed in 1888, and together, he and Mr. Pullen embarked on the task of planning and financing bridges, paths, and the planting of a great many trees. Over the years Pullen Park began to acquire a curious collection of amenities. In 1891, a swimming pool for men was installed, followed a few years later by one for women. There was even a small zoo from 1899 to 1938. And the park’s most iconic attraction, the Dentzel carousel, arrived in 1921, replacing an earlier steam-powered carousel.

It must, however, be noted, with a sigh of regret, that Pullen Park, like many institutions of its era, was not entirely without its shadows. For a significant portion of its history, the park’s facilities, particularly the swimming pools, were subject to Jim Crow laws, denying access to African Americans.

The desegregation of public facilities in Raleigh, including Pullen Park, was a drawn out and perplexing process, deeply intertwined with the Civil Rights Movement. A particularly notable event occurred in 1962. This was when four young Black protestors, accompanied by two of their white acquaintances, took the audacious step of simply entering Pullen Park’s swimming pool. In response to this act, the city council decided to temporarily close both Pullen Park’s and Chavis Park’s pools. This, of course, punished everyone equally. Full integration of Pullen Park and other public facilities in Raleigh came with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Pullen Park Activities

If one were to visit this park, they might find themselves confronted with a rather extensive list of activities, each promising a unique brand of amusement.

Amusements

For those wishing to ride the carousel, train, or kiddie boats, one is, with a certain emphasis, strongly encouraged to secure their tickets online. This is because cashiers may not always be available to assist. However, for all other amusements that might catch your curious eye, tickets may still be acquired the old-fashioned way: in person.

• Carousel: The Gustave A. Dentzel Carousel was opened in 1921. This hand-carved marvel continues to whirl its patrons in a dizzying display of circular amusement. This carousel even boasts a Wurlitzer organ, whose jaunty tunes provide a strange counterpoint to the undeniable passage of time. To ride the carousel, one ticket is required per person. Persons shorter than 42 inches must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and each requires their own ticket. Guests under one year of age ride for free with their dutiful larger, paying companion.

• Train: The C.P. Huntington miniature train is a one-third size, near-replica of a famous locomotive of the same name. A single ticket is required for each person wishing to ride. Furthermore, only those who have reached a height of 42 inches can ride without the companionship of a paying parent or guardian. The train stops running around sunset each night.

• Kiddie Boats: To ride the kiddie boats, one ticket is required per child, and children must be between 30 and 54 inches to ride. Furthermore, for the continued safety of all involved, it has been determined, through what one can only assume was a series of rather calamitous incidents, that the ride operator alone is permitted within the fenced area once the ride has commenced.

• Pedal Boats: Navigating the placid waters of Lake Howell can be achieved by means of a pedal boat. For those inclined to embark upon such an aquatic endeavor, a separate $7 ticket is required to ride for up to 30 minutes.
• Carnival Games: Try to master games with names that sound rather more grand than their humble mechanics: The Great Carousel Race, The Mega Wire, and The Trail Runner. And, of course, there are more such diversions, each designed to engage your luck and, perhaps, gently humble your skill. Unlimited game play is available for a mere $2 per player – these tickets can be purchased in person.
• Junior Conductor Adventure: This undertaking is specifically designed for families with children aged five to twelve. The adventure involves picking up a smart compass, which the children use to navigate you around the park. Once a designated spot is found, your phone syncs with the compass, revealing historical facts and suggesting activities to complete. This experience is self-guided and typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Tickets for this adventure cost $7 per family and can be purchased in person.

Playgrounds

• Swing Area: This particular section of the park is suitable for all ages. One will discover traditional belt swings, preschool full-bucket seat swings, accessible molded bucket swings, and one tire swing that, when set in motion, spins and sways with an unnerving, almost drunken, abandon.

• School Age Climb and Slide: This playground section is for those unfortunate souls between the ages of five and twelve, who are perhaps too large for the baby swings and not yet burdened by the more existential dreads of adulthood. Here, one may find two universally accessible slides, six opportunities for climbing, a see-saw, and a much needed shade structure.

• Sand & Water Play: If you are a young person with a particularly strong stomach for tiny, innumerable things, between the ages of two and twelve, you might find yourself drawn to a rather peculiar section of the park known as Sand & Water Play. Here, you will discover a variety of implements designed for digging: two standard sand diggers and one accessible sand digger. You will also find a playhouse, a collection of music-making equipment and a stage, an accessible spring platform, and not one, but two shade structures.

• Preschool Playground: For those aged two to five, those whose grasp of the world is still blessedly incomplete, exists an area enclosed by a positive barrier of fence and vegetation. Within this protective perimeter, one will discover three slides, a preschool full-bucket seat swing, an accessible molded bucket swing, a see-saw, scattered stepping stones, and two shade structures.

Courts and Fields

• Pétanque and Bocce Courts: This arrangement of flattened earth and peculiar balls is situated in the vicinity of the Upper Shelter Area. Although they are free to use, priority is given to those with the foresight to visit the Welcome Center or the Kiosk to make a reservation. Reservations cost $7 per hour of play and include equipment rental.

• Athletic Fields: Two athletic fields are located in the northern section of the park and are both equipped with lights. Contrary to what one might imagine when hearing the word “athletic,” one of these fields is dedicated to softball and the other marginally smaller one is a youth baseball field. These can be rented by making an online request or by calling 919-996-6836. Your request will be subject to the judgment of the Athletics staff, and upon approval, payment will be required to confirm your reservation.

• Tennis Courts: In the southern part of the park, close to the hurrying traffic of Pullen Road, lie six tennis courts equipped with push-button lighting, capable of illuminating the courts until 10 p.m. every single day of the year. these courts are generally available on a first-come, first-serve basis, leaving one to wonder about the inevitable squabbles and disappointments that surely ensue when too many enthusiasts arrive for too few courts.

Aquatic Center

Inside this swimming facility, you will find an indoor 50-meter by 25-yard Olympic pool, a diving area, and a warm water therapy pool. The center offers a variety of activities that sound suspiciously like euphemisms for getting wet: water exercise, aquatic therapy programs, and lap and recreational swimming. Here’s more info about the facility, including updated hours and program info.

Shelters and Rentals

For those with an unfortunate predilection for outdoor gatherings, Pullen Park offers a selection of shelters for rent.

The process of renting a shelter begins with the online request for rental permits. Do not, for a moment, believe this to be a straightforward affair, for your request will be subject to staff approval, and only upon their approval will payment be required to confirm the reservation. And even then, your reservation is not finalized until you receive confirmation of your payment. Furthermore, these rental permits must be received at least two weeks prior to the requested rental date. To attempt a reservation within this ridiculous two-week window would be an exercise in futility, for such reservations will not be taken.

Some shelters offer room for 20 to 100 people, while the larger “event lawn” can accommodate up to 500. Pricing begins as $20 per hour for the smaller shelters and facilities vary – some offer tables, chairs, grills, or even electricity.

There are also indoor rentals available in the Community Center.

Outdoor Magic

Should your feet lead you beyond the structured amusements, you might stumble upon the magic of the outdoors. One might embark upon exploring the winding paths that lead to an unknown, and perhaps slightly ominous destination. You could also attempt to enjoy the lake.

For those with a disregard for personal safety, there is the option to climb a tree. And for those with a more refined sensibility, the park offers the opportunity to admire the flowers and read interpretive signs. If you’re feeling really wild, stop by the red caboose, an authentic train car from the Norfolk Southern Railway.

And then, there is the art. This peculiar collection of outdoor sculptures, some of which are carved directly into the stumps of unfortunate trees, will prompt you to try to understand its meaning. This endeavor, I assure you, may prove to be the most challenging and ultimately baffling activity of them all.

And don’t forget to get a commemorative and useless penny before you leave.

Arts Center

The Pullen Arts Center can be found in the northern part of the park. Within its walls, you would find individuals engaged in the somewhat messy pursuit of pottery, the intricate craft of jewelry making, the splashy business of painting, the repetitive art of printmaking, or possibly bookmaking, drawing, fiber arts, weaving, or glass arts. The Pullen Arts Center boasts extensive studios and an alarming array of equipment, and hosts special events and gallery exhibits throughout the year. Here’s more info about the classes, programs, and exhibitions.

Theater in the Park

Theatre In The Park, located in the northern part of the park, has garnered international recognition for its theatrical endeavors. Here’s more info about the theatre and it’s current season.

Community Center

If you are looking for a place where a great many programs unfold, and where rooms can be rented for gatherings that may or may not involve dreary discussions or a troupe of anxious acrobats attempting to juggle flaming torches while riding unicycles, then the Pullen Community Center is precisely the sort of establishment you need to know about. Here’s more info about the various programs, classes, and rentals available.

Where to Park

Pullen Park is a destination of immense popularity. So it is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that finding a suitable parking place can, at times, be a bit of a challenge. This particular state of affairs is particularly pronounced on weekends and during special events.

For access to the amusements rides, playgrounds, and shelters, you’ll want to enter from the Ashe Avenue entrance – 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606. There are designated disability spaces and 15-minute loading spaces available here as well.

If the main lot is full, there is often additional parking past the Aquatic Center. Simply follow the signs.

If all of the parking spaces within the park are full, you may be able to find parking at the Governor Morehead School for the Blind or the NC State University Coliseum Parking Deck, particularly on evenings and weekends. Be sure to read all applicable signage. It’s really not that difficult to follow the rules.

For access to facilities on the northern part of the park, including the Athletic Fields, the Arts Center, and the Theatre, you’ll want to enter from Pullen Road – navigate to 107 Pullen Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607. There is a drop-off-area here and two free parking lots but be sure to read the signs.

Pullen Park can also be accessed from the Rocky Branch Greenway trail. If you choose to ride a bike to the park, there are bike racks for cyclists and there is also a Cardinal Bikeshare Station. If you would like to ride a Lime (use link for $5 off) or Spin e-scooter, note that they will lose power in the park, so you’ll want to park them just outside of the park.

Cost to Visit Pullen Park

It is free to visit but there are fees associated with various activities, which I’ve outlined above.

Amusement ride tickets for the carousel, kiddie boats, and train are available for purchase online. These tickets cost $2 each and are required for every rider, though infants under one year old ride free with a paying adult. Tickets are valid indefinitely, with no expiration. For those planning a particularly grand outing, buying 100 or more tickets will net you a 10% discount. If a cashier is available, these and other tickets may be purchased from the Welcome Center.

Pullen Park Facilities

Should you find yourself with a rumbling in your tummy, you may find yourself drawn to the Pullen Place Cafe. This eatery is located in the amusement area, near the Welcome Center and purports to offer fresh, local, and seasonal foods. Here’s the menu.

There are also a few restrooms, water fountains, benches, and tables available throughout the park. Free wifi is available throughout the park.

Pullen Park Hours

The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. but it is worth noting that individual facilities have seperate hours of operation.

As I write this, amusements are generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. but hours will vary depending on the season. For daily updated ride operations, please call 919-996-6472. The information on the phone line will be updated around 10:30 a.m. daily.

Pullen Park Map

Here’s a PDF map of Pullen Park.

Rules and Regulations

Responsible park explorers should always:

• Tote away any trash or litter they accumulate during their visit.
• Keep your loyal canine companion or other well behaved pets on a leash and pick up after them.
• Do not feed the waterfowl. To offer sustenance to these waddling, feathered creatures is a decision, much like so many others that seem harmless on the surface, that leads inevitably to soiled garments, squawking chaos, and a general sense of profound regret.
• The pursuit of wild creatures is strictly forbidden. Do not, under any circumstances, imagine setting a snare, casting a line, or pursuing any creature in Pullen Park.
• Smoking is permitted only in automobile parking areas. Because fresh air is better.
• Aggressive panhandling is entirely impermissible.
• Weapons? You shouldn’t need to ask, unless, of course, you’re packing a concealed handgun (with the proper permit, naturally). 
• Lemonade stands, bake sales, and other commercial activity are prohibited without first acquiring a permit.
• Alcoholic drinks are not permitted on the premises without a City of Raleigh alcohol permit.
• Overnight camping or storage of personal belongings is strictly and unequivocally prohibited.

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Please don’t forget your sunscreen for even when there are miniature trains, sunburn is a real and rather uncomfortable phenomenon.