Dix Park sunflowers in full bloom. Here's what you need to know

The sunflowers at Dix Park are in full bloom and ready to be enjoyed.

2023-07-06

On Friday, the city of Raleigh posted the update on its website, writing, "The sunflowers are in full bloom! Plan to visit in the next two weeks."

The sunflower field is located along Hunt Drive between Western Boulevard and Umstead Drive. The public can visit for free seven days a week from dawn until dusk.

The 5-acre field at 1700 Umstead Drive is a popular summer attraction attracting more than 100,000 people each year. The field serves as a summer pollinator habitat for butterflies, bees and other wildlife.

In May, about 125,000 seeds were planted.

And after the flowers bloom the seeds from the flowers are left for birds and other wildlife to eat during the fall season.

Parking for Dix Park sunflowers

During weekdays from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., public parking lot A is open for visitor parking. On evenings and weekends, all lots at the park are available to the public.

According to the city, the best park entrances to use are the Hunt Drive entrance from Western Boulevard and Blair Drive entrance from Centennial Parkway.

Indoor restrooms are available at The Stone Houses seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Accessible pathways to the sunflower field will lead from ADA parking located at 1700 Umstead Drive into the picnic area. There is some uneven ground under the pathway matting and it is not fully ADA accessible.

Tips for Dix Park sunflowers visitors

• Professional photography is allowed, but all commercial film or photography in a city of Raleigh Park requires a permit. You can apply for an annual film permit directly through the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department at 919-996-4905 or jennie.saponaro@raleighnc.gov.
• Dix Park recommends visitors wear bug repellent, sunscreen and closed-toed shoes. The terrain will be rough in many areas.
• Try to visit early in the morning or around sunset, before or after the hottest part of the day.
• "Golden hour" right before sunset, around 7:30 p.m., is a beautiful time to visit the park.
• Use sun protection: Consider hats, long sleeves and long pants.
• Stay on the trails. Do not pick flowers or eat the seeds.
• Pets are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
• Port-a-johns will be available near the sunflower field and Magnolia Room.
• People can email info@dixpark.org or call 919-996-3255 with questions.

What is not allowed at the Dix Park sunflowers

• Picking/cutting the flowers
• Eating the sunflower seeds
• Off-leash pets
• Outside alcoholic beverages
• Smoking or vaping
• Weapons of any kind
• Littering
• Drones or other aerial devices

Send WRAL your photos of the sunflowers

We'd love to see your best photos! You can email photos to reportit@pugongyingbo.com or upload your photos here.

For a few years, Raleigh Water would harvest the sunflower seeds after the flowers wilted to make biofuel. Now, the flowers are left for the birds and other wildlife to eat throughout the fall.