P
ullen Park was founded in 1887 and became the first, and now oldest, public park in all of North Carolina; the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the U.S.; and 16th oldest in the world. The park is named after Richard Stanhope Pullen who donated farmland to the City of Raleigh to be used as an area for recreational fun for North Carolinians and visitors from all over the nation. Here’s a wild fact: There was a time during the early 1900s in which the park had a small zoo on-site with racoons, bears, alligators, and monkeys! The entrance into Pullen Park is as special as the park itself. You must go through an active railroad crossing to enter, and if the railroad crossing gate is closed, you will have to wait for the train to pass. Once you enter the park, you will find a Welcome Center to your left where you can get information, buy tickets, or browse the souvenirs. Once you leave the Welcome Center, you can choose your own adventure.
BY ROBYN GOSS BENNAI
HIDDEN
GEM THE PULL OF PULLEN PARK
Here are some of the places to explore. – PLAY AREAS: Near the entrance, there is a large public playground area with swings, slides, play structures, sand play, and a preschool playground. This play area is unique in its accessibility for kids of all ages. Adjacent to the playground is a real delight for future conductors – a Norfolk Southern Railway red caboose with a Southern Railway paint scheme for visitors to enter and explore. – TRAIN RIDE*: On the other side of the playground is a C.P. Huntington miniature train. Coming in at about one-third of the size, this near-replica of the famous locomotive of the same name will take you on a ride around the park with the purchase of a ticket. – BOATS*: When you get tired of being on land, worry not. Pullen Park offers both kiddie boats for riders between 30” and 54” and pedal boats with room for up to four people per boat. Access to the pedal boats is at the docks on Lake Howell. – CAROUSEL*: The large indoor carousel is largely considered Pullen Park’s most popular attraction. With both animal figures to ride and seated options, the carousel is a great area to cool
If you have lived in the area for a while, you may have already experienced this not-so-hidden gem. And if you haven’t yet discovered it, it’s a gem like no other around
and one you’re surely going to want to check out. Located on 66.4 acres, Pullen Park is situated in the heart of Raleigh. On the outskirts of the NC State University campus and minutes from downtown, Pullen Park draws individuals and families from all over. With countless attractions for kids and many benches for tired parents, Pullen Park has something for everyone. 42
CIRCA Magazine
| July • August • September 2021
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circamagazine.com
