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March 2024 by Gilbert G.
If you enjoy modern art and sculpture, the whirligig block in Wilson, NC is a great stop! It's an unusual place that showcases the work of a local resident who built sculptures from repurposed materials and scrap parts. On a windy day, you can experience the magic of the whirligigs. Another plus is that it's free and a great value. One minus is that the local area does not offer any quick refreshments that are easy to access. Also, parking was a challenge - but turnover is fairly rapid as most visitors do not seem to spending a long time (just take a few photos). We did the 5-minute stop with a quick photo. I enjoyed this outdoor museum, but my wife and two teenage sons found it to be rather boring and wanted to resume our roadtrip south bound on I-95 as soon as possible.
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September 2023 by Paul M.
This is a weird park you may be able to drive to on the way to a NC Beach. It is worth a visit! It's fascinating and fun to look at on a pleasant day. There is a pleasant town square with shops nearby and also a happy visitor's center.
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June 2023 by Jeni S.
Wow... amazing and unique and intriguing and entertaining... what an amazing and nifty find in this little town - only a few miles off of I-95. Worth a visit - for families and folks of all ages.
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June 2023 by Holly P.
The level of creativity, engineering, and massive designs will intrigue all ages from the first moment you arrive. As the wind blows each has multiple moving parts that capture you and draw you in. Mr. Simpson took items others considered no longer important and created masterpieces of art. His ability to design and build the whirligigs of this size is hard to imagine. The park has 30 on display. There are sidewalks that connect each of them with a nice green spot. The park itself hosts numerous events throughout the year to add to the wonder of his work. Their calendar of events is listed on their website wilson whirligig park.org. The best part of this, it is FREE! The park is mentioned in visitnc.com. Whether you are on I-95 passing through or this is your destination, you will not be disappointed with your time spent walking through the park. The part is about 5 to 6 miles or 10 minutes from I-95. There is a museum with a gift shop that provides additional background on Vollis Simpson and how the park was created. The park demonstrates - Don't Be Afraid To Dream Big - from both the creator of the whirligigs to the people/community who worked to build this park.
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May 2023 by Kim W.
Always love coming home and enjoying the whirligigs. I grew up driving out to the country and being amazed at Mr. Simpson's talent...whirligigs were all over his property. I'm grateful that his talent has been recognized in Wilson as well as the Smithsonian.
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April 2023 by Virginia B.
I brought folks from Cary and California to see this park and everyone really enjoyed it. Still very clean, very well kept. This trip was better because the wind was blowing, and gusting pretty good at times, so the whirlygigs were really spinning fast!! It is great to see them just barely move, but wow, when they are really going fast there is so much more movement. If you are coming in from out of town, plan a trip on a day when it is going to be windy!!
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November 2022 by Mike B.
This place is 100% as advertised. It's Americana at its best. It's bright, it's colouring, it moves around, it makes noise. It's a real spectacle. The substance behind it is art, I suppose. I find myself wondering what the locals think of all the people who drive into their town to see this one location and then leave. I find myself wondering what the noise of the whiligigs are like for them, as well. It's a real thing to behold, and it's worth a detour to check it out. However, be warned - in the summer it is hot. Very hot. And there is no shade. But there is concrete. Which gets hot. Very hot. Skin on the ground can burn here, so be careful when kneeling down to take those all-encompassing photos.
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October 2022 by Kellie B.
Totally worth a detour! Incredible work by Vollis Simpson. Most of these whirlgigs are huge in scale! We blew it by not going at night as well when they're all lit up. The museum across the street is great too. Very informative with some small (and 1 huge) works by Mr. Simpson. We really didn't have expectations for DT Wilson and were really impressed by the effort to make it an art center. Apparently $3 million in tourism a year has been coming in since the park was built. Not bad, and sure to increase with more galleries and restaurants opening up. Go check it out!!
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July 2022 by Danielle D.
A must see if you come to Wilson, NC! The beauty in this art work is simply amazing. The whirly gigs move and are beautiful to watch. Definitely will be back the next time we are in the area.
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June 2022 by Mark L.
If you love odd America, this is phenomenal. The architect behind this windmill park spent 35+ years creating his masterpiece. Now surrounded by a museum, brewery, pizzeria, restaurant and amphitheater, this is a breathing part of history and the future and takes you back to a time of childhood innocence. The structures are truly amazing
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May 2022 by Nick B.
very special peaceful place a wonderful park for family an couples has a variety of different things to see very good view an has a lot of sight seeing around the park an wonderful family getaway to view th city of wilson!!
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March 2022 by Dennis Johnson
Awesome place to learn about Wilson! Great information to share and places to visit.
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February 2022 by Sue P.
Amazing artwork open to the public. We were there on a breezy day so we got to see the art in motion. There was a photo exhibit happening all over downtown so we enjoyed walking around seeing the photos and artistic flair all over. Beautiful little downtown and everyone we met was very friendly.
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December 2021 by Andy H.
We just attended our first event at the park...the Christmas laser light show. Fantastic. The organization to get so many people in and out so quickly was top notch. The event was perfectly done and a great time for all the family. We were all so impressed with the staff direction and hospitality, smiling and helpful. Kudos to everyone at the park for a really delightful night. We will be back!
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August 2021 by Rhonda T.
What a delightful stop! If you are going to be anywhere near Wilson, NC, you absolutely must stop! It's free to just walk around and enjoy the wonderful whirligigs! They are amazing to watch and fun to learn about Vollis Simpson. Additionally, kudos to the city of Wilson to provide air conditioned, multi-stalled portable restrooms! There is also a farmer's market on Saturday mornings. My only regret is not being able to stay until after sunset to see the whirligigs lighted up! But, we did so enjoy the sparkle of the sunshine and windy day. There is also a museum that will be included on my next visit.
