Wilson County: Art, Nature and Recreation

Kinetic sculptures, wetlands and motorsports give Wilson County a variety of distinct attractions. There are also galleries, nature trails and a long-standing regional food culture. Whether you’re mainly looking for art, outdoor activities or events, the area’s diversity offers several ways to plan your stay. When choosing a vacation rental, it’s worth first considering which of these interests you want to shape your trip.

Art and Culture in Wilson

The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park features 31 kinetic sculptures, some of which are over 50 feet tall. Wilson is home to the largest collection of Vollis Simpson’s whirligigs—a distinctive highlight for anyone interested in kinetic public art. The Arts Council of Wilson County also supports a wide range of artistic disciplines, hosting exhibitions, films, performances and classes in a historic building in downtown Wilson.

Wilson Arts presents more than six professional gallery exhibitions each year, along with a professional performance series. Its programs also include theater education, workshops, and art and theater camps. If you’d like to experience more than one cultural attraction, you can include different forms of artistic programming in your travel plans. Admission to the gallery at the Wilson Arts Center is free; check current access details before your visit.

Nature, Water and Trails

At Buckhorn Reservoir, water and land meet: the reservoir covers a total of 2,100 acres. Water skiing and kayaking are available, and the trails around the reservoir are suitable for horseback riding. The Educational Forest has two self-guided nature trails, as well as hiking trails, bird-watching opportunities and wetlands. When planning, you can weigh activities on the water against horseback riding and wildlife observation, without having to focus on just one kind of experience.

Sports and events add to the range of options. The Gillette Complex covers 113 acres and has eight full-size soccer fields. The Gillette Athletic Complex offers 26 full-size pickleball courts. At Southern National Motorsports Park, you can experience a different kind of action: the track is a 4/10-mile oval paved with asphalt and operates under the NASCAR banner. Races are scheduled from February through November; check the current calendar for specific dates.

Museums, Events and Regional Cuisine

Imagination Station combines interactive exhibits with wildlife displays. Interactive activities include a snowboard machine and a climbing wall; visitors can also see turtles, lizards and a 15-foot-long python. The North Carolina Baseball Museum covers a different subject: it spans more than 3,300 square feet and honors more than 400 people born in North Carolina who played Major League Baseball.

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 offerings may vary from year to year. A different seasonal option is a visit to the Wilson Farmers and Artisan Market, which is held Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon from April through August. Vendors offer locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as handmade goods. Check the current season’s dates before your trip. Parker’s Barbecue adds to Wilson’s culinary character with classic whole-hog barbecue and a tangy vinegar-and-pepper sauce, served there since 1946.

Getting There and Choosing a Place to Stay

The Piedmont and Carolinian train services connect Wilson with Charlotte and Raleigh. If you plan to arrive by train, check the current schedule before you travel. When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to focus on the experiences you want: art and events, nature and water, or sports will lead to different travel plans. Consider which destinations matter most to you and factor in their specific locations when choosing where to stay. For a separate look at the town itself, you can also explore Wilson.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Robeson County, Watauga, Edgecombe County, Chatham County, Ashe County, Transylvania County, Catawba.

For a broader travel overview: North Carolina.