Wilson is home to the largest collection of Vollis Simpson Whirligigs: Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park features 31 kinetic sculptures, including some works more than 50 feet tall. There are also options for enjoying nature, sports, and regional cuisine.
Art, Sculptures, and Museums
Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park features 31 kinetic sculptures; some are more than 50 feet tall. Wilson is home to the largest collection of Vollis Simpson Whirligigs. If you are especially interested in these artworks, you can make the park a specific focus of your trip planning.
The Arts Council of Wilson County also offers a varied program of art forms: the organization hosts exhibitions, films, performances, and classes in a historic building in downtown Wilson. Wilson Arts presents more than six professional gallery exhibitions and a professional performance series each year, as well as theater education, workshops, and art and theater camps. Admission to the gallery at the Wilson Arts Center is free; check before your visit whether it will be open on your chosen date.
The North Carolina Baseball Museum offers a different focus. It spans more than 3,300 square feet and honors more than 400 people born in North Carolina who played in Major League Baseball. It complements art and performances with a look at baseball and the players’ biographies that the museum spotlights.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
Buckhorn Reservoir covers 2,100 acres of water and land. Water skiing and kayaking are possible there, and the trails around the reservoir are also suitable for horseback riding. These options appeal to different interests: water sports on the one hand, and trails on horseback on the other.
The Educational Forest offers a different focus. It has two self-guided nature trails, as well as hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities; the area also includes wetlands. When planning, you can choose between activities on the water and a nature-focused outing with hiking or bird-watching.
Sports, Motorsports, and Hands-On Exhibits
The Gillette Athletic Complex covers 113 acres and has eight full-size soccer fields. It also has 26 regulation-size pickleball courts. The figures cover two different sports and give you a specific overview of the facilities listed there.
For motorsports enthusiasts, Southern National Motorsports Park is a 4/10-mile paved oval track operating under the NASCAR banner. Races are scheduled from February through November; check the current calendar for specific race dates.
Imagination Station combines interactive exhibits with live animals. Its features include a snowboard machine and a climbing wall; the animals on display include turtles, lizards, and a 15-foot python. This offers a different kind of visit from the art and sports options: the focus here is on exhibits and the animals listed.
Seasonal Dates and Regional Cuisine
The Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market takes place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, from April through August. It offers locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as handmade goods. Since the market is seasonal, check the current schedule before your trip.
Parker’s Barbecue has been serving classic whole-hog barbecue with a spicy vinegar-and-pepper sauce since 1946. If you would also like to center your stay around food, this gives you a specific local specialty to seek out.
Sunday in the Rose Garden is an annual spring festival usually held on the third Sunday in May. The program includes live music, a spring hat contest, face painting, children’s activities, and photo opportunities. Individual program items may change from one year to the next, so check the date and current program.
Planning Your Trip and Accommodation
The Piedmont and Carolinian train services connect Wilson with Charlotte and Raleigh. Since schedules can change, check current services if you plan to arrive by train.
When looking for a hotel in Wilson County, it helps to first decide on your main reason for visiting: art and museums, nature, sports, or a seasonal event. Then you can compare the location and amenities of individual accommodations with your own needs.
Discover More Destinations
Wilson, Guilford, Cumberland, Cabarrus, Alleghany County, Duplin County, Wilkes, Onslow County
For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.
