Near the S. Boylan Avenue park entrance, visitors encounter the newest amenities in Dix Park at The Stone Houses. The Superintendent’s House, Physician’s House, and Gatekeeper’s Cottage, all built in the 1920s, were renovated by the Dix Park Conservancy with funding from State Employees' Credit Union & the SECU Foundation.
The renovated buildings, along with an outdoor classroom and other seating areas, are all connected by a new accessible multi-modal pathway that leads up from the greenway into Dix Park.
Gatekeeper's Cottage Visitor Center
Coming from the Rocky Branch Trail, the Gatekeeper’s Cottage Visitor Center welcomes people in to learn about what the park has to offer today, in the future and about the park site’s layered history. The Gatekeeper's Cottage was built in 1923 and housed the Dix Hospital Gatekeeper who secured the entrance and exit of the hospital grounds.
The Visitor Center is located at 830 Umstead, Raleigh, NC, 27603. You can find The Stone Houses and Visitor Center on our Visitor Map.
Open Hours
Thursday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Amenities
Park welcome staff, visitor map and information, history exhibit, accessible restroom, and outdoor classroom.
History Exhibit
The history of the Dix Park site is layered, complex and important in shaping the future of this public space for generations to come. Learn more with our newest exhibit in the Visitor Center.
Physician's House
The Physician's House served as living quarters for single, male doctors of Dix Hospital and was built in the 1920s. Now, the Physician's House will house Raleigh Parks offices and provide space for non-profits and community groups.
Superintendent's House
At the top of the hill, along the lower side of the Superintendent’s House, public restrooms are now available for park users year-round. The Superintendent's House was built in 1923 and housed the Dix Hospital Superintendent and his family. Now, the Superintendent's House serves as the headquarters for the Dix Park Conservancy.
Public Restrooms
Accessible restrooms open to the public seven-days-a-week 8:00 am - 8:00 pm.
Accessibility
Dix Park continues to strive to be accessible and welcoming for visitors, including those with disabilities. Currently, portions of Dix Park, including some areas where programs and events occur, have uneven surfaces and are not fully accessible. Accessibility is a primary focus for early park improvements and all future planning and development.
Parking: ADA parking spaces for the Stone Houses are located behind the buildings off Tate Dr.
Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available at the Superintendents House public restroom facility and in the Visitor Center.
Building Entrances: Ramps are located at the rear of the buildings.
Multi-Use Path: The connection from the Rocky Branch Greenway to Umstead Dr. is fully accessible.