If you’re planning a trip to Wilson, there are plenty of things to do. You can visit Barton College, see the beautiful Lake Wilson, and smell fragrant flowers.
You can also visit the Imagination Station Science Museum, which is an ideal place for kids of all ages to learn and engage with fun exhibits. Or you can check out Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, which has incredible man-made moving structures.
Barton College
Barton College is a four-year college with a focus on academic excellence. It's located in Wilson, North Carolina and is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Students enjoy the benefits of a smaller campus with many clubs and organizations to engage in. This makes it easy for them to meet new people, build self-esteem and face responsibility while earning their degree.
The campus is also home to a variety of sports teams and activities, including a gymnasium, a swimming pool and intramurals. The college is located less than an hour from Raleigh and offers a comfortable lifestyle for students.
The Freeman Round House Museum and African American Museum
The Freeman Round House Museum and African American Museum is a great place to learn about Wilson’s past. It’s home to a number of interesting and unique exhibits, including an art gallery that showcases works from local artists.
The museum is also home to a popular summer concert series, which is aimed at educating visitors about local music. Located on the grounds of the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House, the museum is a wonderful spot to enjoy a summer evening in Wilson.
Founded in 2001, the Freeman Round House Museum is one of the most unique places in North Carolina to learn about Black history. Its collection of artifacts is an excellent way to explore the culture and traditions that have shaped Wilson’s community from slavery through today.
The North Carolina Baseball Museum
If you love baseball, the North Carolina Baseball Museum in Wilson is a must-visit. This 3328 square foot museum inside Fleming Stadium is a treasure trove of baseball history and memorabilia.
The museum is run by volunteers who are passionate about North Carolina’s baseball history and memorabilia. This museum is a hidden gem for all baseball fans and kids alike!
It is home to showcases for many North Carolina baseball players such as Luke Appling, Rick Ferrell, Jim “Catfish” Hunter and Gaylord Perry. It also features Hall of Fame inductees such as Enos Slaughter and Hoyt Wilheim.
You can also visit the Freeman Round House Museum and African American Museum if you’d like to learn more about the history of Wilson and the African-American community. It was established in 2001 to shed light on African-American culture, traditions and contributions.
Whirligig Park
Wilson has a lot of great things to do, and one of the most unique attractions is Whirligig Park. This whimsical landscape of intricate whirling whirligigs was created by WWII veteran Vollis Simpson.
These large, kinetic sculptures are internationally celebrated. They’ve become part of North Carolina’s official folk art and are now exhibited in many museums around the country.
Despite their incredible beauty, these sculptures also require a significant amount of conservation attention. As these pieces are typically exhibited outside, they need to be kept in good condition.
The Wilson Arts Center
If you're looking for something different to do while visiting Wilson, the Wilson Arts Center is the place to go. This amazing building is home to many performance art and visual art exhibitions, and they also offer classes for those who want to learn a new skill.
The best part about the Wilson Arts Center is that it's free to visit! The exhibitions rotate every two months with an opening reception on Thursday evenings.
Another amazing thing about the Wilson Arts Center is that they've partnered with Brewmasters, a local restaurant that specializes in craft beer. The staff is friendly and the food is delicious. This is a great way to spend a day in Wilson with the family!