Historic Oak View County Park

Great place to have a relaxing stroll on a Sunday. It’s open 7 days a week and isn’t too crowded. All the buildings are open to the public and there’s a kids’ little play area in the Farm History Center.

The trails are shaded and a nice getaway from the blazing summer Sun. We hiked the James Creek Trail. It’s a short loop through the pine trees. Gorgeous trail!

If you want to feed the goats, you’ll need to bring your own apples and carrots. We didn’t see any food dispensaries. Chickens aren’t allowed to be fed.

Located in the center of North Carolina, Historic Oak View County Park is a testament to the rich agrarian heritage that shaped the area. As soon as I step onto its grounds, I feel a profound sense of timelessness that invites me and other visitors to embark on a captivating journey through the annals of history.

As a visitor, the experience is nothing short of transformative. With each visit, I find myself transported back in time, enveloped in the sights, sounds, and stories of generations past. From the rustic charm of the historic buildings to the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape, Historic Oak View County Park offers a sanctuary for both exploration and contemplation.

Moreover, the dedication of the park's staff shines through in every facet of the experience. Their passion for preserving and sharing Oak View's history is palpable, enriching each visit with depth and authenticity. Whether engaging in a guided tour or simply meandering through the grounds, one cannot help but be inspired by their unwavering commitment to excellence.

This is absolutely one of our favorite parks. We have been fleeing the city to this private, and secluded hidden gems of Raleigh. Whether you are looking for a nice walk through historical homes and buildings, or visiting our 5 goat friends there, it's a treat for everyone. But the best part of the park is the trails opposite of the farm. Two different trails lead you through a lush forest, bridges, hills, and hidden "waterfalls" . Make sure to pay attention while on the longer trail.

What a cool hidden gem. Hubby and I went for a Christmas at Oak View free tour (this is offered daily) and enjoyed it very much. In the past this was a Plantation. During the tour they step you through what Christmas would have been like in different time periods and tell you about the owners. If you are a local you will recognize the names.

After the tour we went in the buildings that weren't part of the tour and walked the trails in the woods. The goats were entertaining and loved the attention (tip: if you make a little clicking noise with your tongue they will come right to you). We enjoyed ourselves quite a bit. The park is well maintained and was quite busy on a dreary Sunday afternoon.

This is a great place to take children and experience nature! Step back in time and enjoy the scenery and farm animals. There is a small walking trail on site, an air conditioned play area for small kids, live goats & chickens, a Pecan grove, and you can go inside most of the buildings. Everything is nicely preserved.

Great place to relax, enjoy beautiful weather, and experience history with your kids. Very clean and well cared for (with the exception of the garden - not sure what's going on there). Bathrooms, changing table, picnic areas, kids' play corner, and lots to learn about. Bring your own apple slices & carrots to feed the goats. Wear good walking shoes.

Nice community park.
Easy to hike the two trails.
Goats and farm to get taste of local agricultural history.
It’s a good visit that could be made better with farm animal food dispensers.

Very cool and relaxing place to walk and to learn! There's a whole walk through of an old cotton gin house and original house of the owners that used to live there. There's exhibits showing how the cotton was harvested. There's a place to feed goats, perfect for kids and adults! Glad I decided to take an adventure and explore this park while waiting for my car to be serviced.

This is such a beautiful park! The staff seems great and it is always clean. If you go at the right time you might even get a free treat from their garden! The trails are a great length for a causal, spur of the moment walk! My favorite part of this park are the animals, including my favorite goat, Walt! The historic buildings are beautiful and we'll kept and very educational. It's a great place for a field trip or just to eat lunch! I'd go ever day if I were able. 10/10 recommend.

This place is pretty cool! I thought my kiddos would be bored since they're young, 3 years and 1 year, but it was the opposite. They loved running through the beautiful grounds, seeing the chickens and goats but especially the inside exhibit with play kitchen/market and dress up costumes. We'll definitely be back!

Loved the goats and chickens! Also pretty trails to walk on and has a big pavilion to host get togethers or just have a nice lunch out.

There’s so much to explore here, even on a cloudy, winter day! There are indoor exhibits in several well-kept historic buildings and barns. The Farm History Center (like a welcome center) includes an adorable, well-stocked play area for little ones. My toddler loved it! The grounds are pleasant and easy to walk. There are some cute, friendly goats that enjoy carrots (bring your own). I was very impressed by this park and everything it has to offer!

Make sure to acquire the necessary permits with your photographer but this is such an amazing spot for photography. The goats are always a hit and the grounds are so well kept so this is a spot where my son and I like to walk/explore. Great place, no matter the age!

Just completed an absolutely lovely Christmas tour of the homestead and park. It was a completely charming hour spent. The 27 acre site is wonderfully preserved and well maintained. Donna was both an affable and informed tour guide who guided us through the various owners and history beginning with the antebellum period thru the Civil War and then on to the Victorian era followed by the Depression period up through WWII and then onto modern times. She did an amazing job and is an asset to the park. I learned so much and a fun time was had by all. I look forward to returning in Spring when the flowers are in bloom. A total jewel of a park for Wake County residents and it's visitors.

Beautifully well kept historic place from the early 1900s? Late 1800s? They have grape vines, a cotton field, a pecan tree grove, a vegetable and herb garden, a wash house/kitchen, a horse barn, a servant's house, the main house, and a cotton preparing/holding barn. Fun place to visit and walk around, great place for photos, and they are VERY photographer friendly there, that is so nice. Beautiful white fences everywhere, and very well kept grounds all over. Would make a good place for you to rent out for an event as well. Definitely one of the hidden jewels of Raleigh, NC that most people don't even know about. I have personally been here for a worker-toured elementary school field trip, an antique car show, and to photograph people at least a dozen times. Great place. Workers are super friendly and gracious. Definitely come to visit...

Really nice hidden historic gem of Raleigh. Good place to visit and walk and see goats and historic farm buildings.

The most beautiful setting for photos, picnics and history. A must visit

Raleigh parks are amazing. This is beautifully maintained and geared to hands on education for kids. The old farm buildings, fruit and nut trees, funny goats and a chicken. Cotton plants! Great place for an outdoor class (amphitheater) or picnic by the pond.

I enjoyed visiting this site.
It was a beautiful day. Families were out having picnics, romping and playing on the grounds, and capturing photo ops with their little ones. It's educational, clean, and worth the trip to see.

Very clean and nice park. I took my kids to see the goats today, and my boyfriend and I had a picnic there yesterday. Beautiful and quiet