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Wilson, North Carolina: Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Address:
301 S. Goldsboro St., Wilson, NC
Directions:
I-95 exit 121. Drive east on US Hwy 264 ALT/Raleigh Rd Pkwy W. for six miles into town. Turn left at the stoplight onto Goldsboro St. SW. You'll quickly see the whirligigs on the right.
Hours:
Daily 5 AM - midnight. Lit at night. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
252-243-8440
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park.

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

Public park features 30 giant restored whirligigs, folk art of the late Vollis Simpson, who built them in nearby Lucama. Some are 60 feet high.

Roadsideamerica.com Report... [04/15/2018]

Visitor Tips and News About Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park.

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

We enjoyed this visit. Our expectation was a grass park, however, it is a concrete park. Dogs are welcome. A visitor museum and gift shop is across the street. Museum is also dog-friendly.

[Suzanne, 03/10/2024]

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park.

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

This is a spectacular collection of wind-powered kinetic sculptures made from castoff highway and commercial signage, arranged in a large outdoor plaza with a small, nearby eponymous museum. All of the whirligigs have been beautifully restored. They're covered with reflectors and illuminated at night, so visiting after dark is recommended.

Try to see these things on a breezy day; the place comes alive! This is an amusement park for the eyes.

[Roberta Nordheim-Wallace, 04/06/2022]

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park.

Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

As of Spring 2021 the park is filled with beautiful flowers, and all the whirligigs are whirling. The brewpub and food trucks (on Wednesday?) made for a delightful evening dinner at the picnic tables under cover.

[Dennis & Maureen Jackson, 05/29/2021]
Whirligig Park

The Whirligig Park is now open with the refurbished whirligigs. It's especially great on a windy day. They also have a Whirligig Festival once a year.

[Tracy, 07/03/2020]

Nearby Offbeat Places

World's Tallest Replica of the Cape Hatteras LighthouseWorld's Tallest Replica of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Wilson, NC - < 1 mi.
Muffler Man - White's Tire #2Muffler Man - White's Tire #2, Wilson, NC - < 1 mi.
Freeman Round House and African American MuseumFreeman Round House and African American Museum, Wilson, NC - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Big Digestive System, Kinston, NC - 37 mi.

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