Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park
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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.
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.
I saw the Whirligig Park on Atlas Obscura https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/whirligig-park-formerly-acid-park and went a bit out of my way to visit today as I drove home from coastal Carolina. This public park is like nothing I've seen. According to legend, Vollis Simpson's daughter was driving home late at night and was killed in a car crash. Simpson started to memorialize her death with reflector-covered windmills. Except, she never died and remains alive and well. The park was simply the creation of Vollis Simpson who referred to his creation as "whirligigs." They were not created in memorial, but as public art for drivers to enjoy. While Vollis Simpson never called himself an artist,the thousands of people who have visited his astounding whirligig field in Wilson County, North Carolina, certainly do. Towering fifty feet or more above ground, and extending nearly as far outwards into space, the more than thirty monumental whirligigs erected in his field demonstrate the power of individual vision coupled with a traditional art form. Stop by, check it out, take some pictures, enjoy the clever creations. [Review 15523 overall, 1027 of 2021, number 3063 in North Carolina.]
Wow! Awesome outdoor art installation with a brewery across the street. I've never seen anything like this! Try to visit on a breezy day so you can see the whirligigs in motion. There are picnic tables and benches so you can sit and relax.
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
The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is two acres in Downtown Wilson and has 30 large (40-50 ft) colorful kinetic whirligigs created by Mr. Simpson. Photos do not give these whirligigs justice as they cannot capture all the intricate moving parts that make them mesmerizing to watch. The whirligigs were created reusing materials from street signs to wheels to old equipment to reflectors to others odds and ends. It would be neat to see the park at night with the reflectors. The whirligigs move using wind power and one movement can make another part move. This was a great park to social distance and enjoy the folk art and creativity and ingenuity of Vollis Simpson. Besides the whirligigs, the park has an amphitheater and a pavilion, numerous benches and tables to sit and relax or maybe have a picnic. In past years there has been a farmers' market weekly and concerts but not sure if either is happening with COVID 19. There is also a small building with restrooms. (these were closed because of COVID 19)
Great place to bring your family. Restaurants nearby for lunch or dinner stop. Unique and whimsical experience.
This park in Downtown Wilson was created with wind sculptures (Whirligigs) donated by the creator who had previously built and kept them on his land outside the city. The whirligigs vary in size but most are large and some are 50 ft or so tall. They all are brightly painted and spin, twirl, and move in different ways powered solely by the wind. We visited on a somewhat calm day in December but there was enough of a breeze higher up to keep many of the sculptures moving. I'd like to visit during a hurricane to see all of these majestic creations moving at a good speed! The park itself had a trailer with bathrooms (spotless the day we visited) and some benches. Other than the whirligigs themselves, there isn't much else here. During the warmer months there seems to be events such as live music etc held at the park. The neighborhood surrounding the park contains old tobacco warehouses, some of which have been repurposed for new businesses as part of the ongoing effort to revitalize the old downtown Wilson area. There are no admission charges to see the park. It's worth a visit to see this unique form of folk art. Check it out.
We took a ride out to Wilson on Sunday to check the Vollis Whirligig Park. The park is located in a green space in downtown Wilson. The downtown area of Wilson is an historic district. I believe the location was once a large tobacco auction house named the Watson Building. It's a really cool display that's been here since 2017 when the park opened. There are thirty whirligig's here, some are relatively simple and some are very intricate. It was windy day so you they were moving and spinning during the time when we were here which was approximately thirty minutes. I'm told that coming here at night when there is an event in the green space gives you a different experience. The whirligig displays are illuminated and many of them are brightly painted and have reflectors on the moving pieces. The downtown area of Wilson is in the midst of a revitalization of sorts. In addition to this there are a some retail stores, galleries, bars and restaurants. Unfortunately most were closed because we were here on a Sunday. This is definitely a nice day trip destination.
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.
This is a unique park occupying a block in downtown Wilson. The whirligigs are made from essentially junk, mostly metal parts. Many have windmills that power and make parts spin or move. There are many whirligigs, and some are very tall. Several of the NC I95 rest areas have smaller whirligigs which I suspect the artist produced. We were there during COVID, and many of nearby businesses were closed. Anyone traveling on I95 with a couple hours to spend might enjoy a visit to the park.
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.
Such a neat little park full of whimsy and art. Vollis was a highly creative and innovative man who created fun windmills that are colorful and fun and made with many different elements from street signs to reflectors to small metal gadgets. Loved visiting here although there's honestly not much more around this area. It looks like they're creating a whirligig station in the area but nothing was open yet.
2 years ago
We came here based on a friend's recommendation. My toddlers loved looking at the whirligigs and we went on a sunny and slightly windy day. We parked on the street and there is seating and a green area in the middle. We didn't explore beyond but heard music coming from a nearby restaurant. We also stopped at the Wawa (it's a Jersey thing and is nearby). read more
6 months ago
3 years ago
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. read more
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. read more
I saw the Whirligig Park on Atlas Obscura https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/whirligig-park-formerly-acid-park and went a bit out of my way to visit today as I drove home from coastal Carolina. This public park is like nothing I've seen. According to legend, Vollis Simpson's daughter was driving home late at night and was killed in a car crash. Simpson started to memorialize her death with reflector-covered windmills. Except, she never died and remains alive and well. The park was simply the creation of Vollis Simpson who referred to his creation as "whirligigs." They were not created in memorial, but as public art for drivers to enjoy. While Vollis Simpson never called himself an artist,the thousands of people who have visited his astounding whirligig field in Wilson County, North Carolina, certainly do. Towering fifty feet or more above ground, and extending nearly as far outwards into space, the more than thirty monumental whirligigs erected in his field demonstrate the power of individual vision coupled with a traditional art form. Stop by, check it out, take some pictures, enjoy the clever creations. [Review 15523 overall, 1027 of 2021, number 3063 in North Carolina.] read more
4 years ago
1 year ago
Wow! Awesome outdoor art installation with a brewery across the street. I've never seen anything like this! Try to visit on a breezy day so you can see the whirligigs in motion. There are picnic tables and benches so you can sit and relax. read more
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 read more
6 years ago
The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is two acres in Downtown Wilson and has 30 large (40-50 ft) colorful kinetic whirligigs created by Mr. Simpson. Photos do not give these whirligigs justice as they cannot capture all the intricate moving parts that make them mesmerizing to watch. The whirligigs were created reusing materials from street signs to wheels to old equipment to reflectors to others odds and ends. It would be neat to see the park at night with the reflectors. The whirligigs move using wind power and one movement can make another part move. This was a great park to social distance and enjoy the folk art and creativity and ingenuity of Vollis Simpson. Besides the whirligigs, the park has an amphitheater and a pavilion, numerous benches and tables to sit and relax or maybe have a picnic. In past years there has been a farmers' market weekly and concerts but not sure if either is happening with COVID 19. There is also a small building with restrooms. (these were closed because of COVID 19) read more
3 years ago
Great place to bring your family. Restaurants nearby for lunch or dinner stop. Unique and whimsical experience. read more
This park in Downtown Wilson was created with wind sculptures (Whirligigs) donated by the creator who had previously built and kept them on his land outside the city. The whirligigs vary in size but most are large and some are 50 ft or so tall. They all are brightly painted and spin, twirl, and move in different ways powered solely by the wind. We visited on a somewhat calm day in December but there was enough of a breeze higher up to keep many of the sculptures moving. I'd like to visit during a hurricane to see all of these majestic creations moving at a good speed! The park itself had a trailer with bathrooms (spotless the day we visited) and some benches. Other than the whirligigs themselves, there isn't much else here. During the warmer months there seems to be events such as live music etc held at the park. The neighborhood surrounding the park contains old tobacco warehouses, some of which have been repurposed for new businesses as part of the ongoing effort to revitalize the old downtown Wilson area. There are no admission charges to see the park. It's worth a visit to see this unique form of folk art. Check it out. read more
We took a ride out to Wilson on Sunday to check the Vollis Whirligig Park. The park is located in a green space in downtown Wilson. The downtown area of Wilson is an historic district. I believe the location was once a large tobacco auction house named the Watson Building. It's a really cool display that's been here since 2017 when the park opened. There are thirty whirligig's here, some are relatively simple and some are very intricate. It was windy day so you they were moving and spinning during the time when we were here which was approximately thirty minutes. I'm told that coming here at night when there is an event in the green space gives you a different experience. The whirligig displays are illuminated and many of them are brightly painted and have reflectors on the moving pieces. The downtown area of Wilson is in the midst of a revitalization of sorts. In addition to this there are a some retail stores, galleries, bars and restaurants. Unfortunately most were closed because we were here on a Sunday. This is definitely a nice day trip destination. read more
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. read more
This is a unique park occupying a block in downtown Wilson. The whirligigs are made from essentially junk, mostly metal parts. Many have windmills that power and make parts spin or move. There are many whirligigs, and some are very tall. Several of the NC I95 rest areas have smaller whirligigs which I suspect the artist produced. We were there during COVID, and many of nearby businesses were closed. Anyone traveling on I95 with a couple hours to spend might enjoy a visit to the park. read more
3 years ago
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. read more
8 years ago
Such a neat little park full of whimsy and art. Vollis was a highly creative and innovative man who created fun windmills that are colorful and fun and made with many different elements from street signs to reflectors to small metal gadgets. Loved visiting here although there's honestly not much more around this area. It looks like they're creating a whirligig station in the area but nothing was open yet. read more
What in the world is a whirligig? It's like a huge erector set of spinning scrap metal made into different works of art. In fact, it was built entirely from scrap metal by a farmer in this sleepy little town of Wilson. It's about an hour drive from Wake Forest, and not much else to do in the town, but a fun different type of thing to do and they sometimes have music and art festivals and craft fairs going on. Be sure to check the web site for listings. There is a big field which is great for frisbee or just letting the kids run around. The whirligigs are very unique, never seen anything quite like it before. There are clean restrooms on site. Just know that it is in direct sun and wouldn't be much fun in rainy weather. But a nice place to visit, though you won't spend too long unless festival is happening. read more
What a happy, happy place! This whimsical little park bursting with color emerges among the ghosttown-like streets of downtown Wilson, NC like an unexpected oasis in a desert. Our family discovered it quite by chance as we were exploring the city the day after our nearby away basketball game. Somewhat deflated after viewing the remnants of what once was obviously another bustling and architecturally beautiful American downtown, we simply sought the most direct route back to I-95 when POW, we almost literally, ran onto it. So glad we did! I agree with fellow Yelper Chris K in that, it too made me "feel like a kid at a carnival" again gazing awestruck at the rides overhead. Artist Vollis Simpson's creations are indeed Dr. Seuss like and I could have stared at them for hours. Each one, a unique creation in itself, performs its own distinct dance in the wind and creates a wind chime like cacophony throughout the park. Adults and children alike wandered around awestruck. It's effect is amplified when contrasted with the drab, lifeless surroundings of this once lively town. Hopefully, it will be appreciated and supported by the those who live in the area and lead to revitalization of this beautiful downtown. It is certainly a Gotta Try in my book! read more
What a wonderful way to celebrate one man's creativity and whimsy than to display his unique art. It's easy to let time just slip away while watching in wonder as the colorful whirligigs spin and turn in the breeze or even some stiff winds. I felt like a kid at a carnival without riding the rides! The size of them are astounding while walking next to them throughout the park. I wish I could have talked with Vollis to understand not only how they were built, but how he managed to construct them once they were finished. Maybe I'll get lucky some day and run into family or friends who knew him to find out more. I don't know of any other park that's as much fun to go to! I look forward to returning and just sitting on one of the benches or bring lunch to sit at a picnic table and watch the playfulness of the whirligigs once again. Wilson, you're one lucky town with this gem that's a feast for the eyes for the child inside everyone of us! read more
A one of a kind park! Downtown Wilson is lucky to have the late Vollis Simpson's, a North Carolinian artist, unique sculptures and we are lucky that we can see it at this great park. His wind-driven sculptures made up of thousands of pieces and parts, are quite the sight to see. The whirligigs have pieces of road signs, mirrors, fans, bicycles, and other moving parts. If you are in the Wilson area, you need to stop by the park. If you are not in the area, it's worth the drive to check it out! Where else will you find a whirligig park? Exactly. read more
3 years ago
I LOVE roadside attractions. I scour the internet before any road trip of considerable distance to find what we need to stop and see along the way. I convinced my boyfriend to go out of our way to visit this place after reading him the descriptions and showing him a few photos. He usually rolls with my off-beat suggestions just to humor me, but in this case he was actually truly impressed and happy we stopped. At the time (May 2016) the park was still under construction, with some of the whirligigs installed while others were still being put in place, and the whole area around the whirligigs still a construction zone/dirt. It is truly impressive to me that the artist was able to create these massive wind-mills with what others discarded. The movement and detail is gorgeous, and I truly admire anyone who is so passionate about a thing that they do it even in the face of derision or general lack of understanding from their peers and the general public. It looks like they're still fundraising for the park, although they've made some great gains! The whole area around it looks like it will be very cool (very revitalized urban warehouses turned into chic coffeehouses type of vibe), and I can't wait to come back once the dirt is a full-on park. read more
What an awesome green space in Wilson! It is a recreation of the artist's farm, with the green lawn representing the pond. The windmills, as Mr. Simpson referred to his whirligigs, are positioned as they once were on his farm. Whirligigs are North Carolina ingenuity and thrift designed into fully operating folk art moving with the breeze to the delight of kids of all ages. This park is an outdoor art museum. There is a stage area which can be great for outdoor concerts. New downtown neighbors are moving in! There's 217 Brew Works which is a craft beer and soda brewery with an outdoor dog-friendly patio overlooking the park. The Farmers Market and Whirligig Station hold promise as new tenants move in. Great things are in store for this brand new park. read more
4 years ago
The Whirligig Park is such a cool place to spend an afternoon!! There are about 30 whirligigs on display, it is absolutely breathtaking! They are beautiful, whimsical, and surprisingly detailed. We had a fantastic time walking around watching them in the wind. I can imagine that this park will be the site of events such as food truck rodeos. There is a local brewery on site. I'm looking forward to going back and grabbing a beer to sit outside and watch the whirligigs! I noticed there are lights installed in the ground to light up the art at night. Can't wait to see it all lite up at night! read more
7 years ago
Can not WAIT for the construction to be complete in 2018! Totally worth the detour off of I-95! If you like weird attractions this should be on your bucket list. Talking to the owner of 217 Brew Works across the street...he knew Vollis and told us that he was a WWII Veteran who served in the Army and these whiligigs were inspired from his service on the Pacific Theater. Very cool! Still under construction at the time of this writing, but with a farmer's market in the park and an amazing craft brewery across the street, this place will be a future Atlas Obscura attraction and there will whirligig souvenirs everywhere in Wilson. Amazing potential! Can't wait to see more! read more
4 years ago
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. read more
5 years ago
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. read more
The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is still under construction. It is located in downtown Wilson, NC. Mr Simpson's metal whirligigs have been designated as the official folk art of North Carolina. The park was created to preserve his art. The large metal whirligigs work in motion with the wind. They are really worth driving to downtown Wilson to see. They have his work in various locations in town. I actually learned about Mr. Simpson because one of his pieces is located at the I-95N North Carolina Welcome Station. The park will be nice when completed. I look forward to returning in the future. read more
7 years ago
Cool place to get some pictures. Want to come back at night. They have a small farmers market today. And some sprinklers going for the kids and young at heart. read more
5 years ago
7 years ago
Ever since this wondrous park opened two years ago, it created options for families to come together to gather and enjoy looking at these beautiful objects. I bring my sons out and we all have a great time. This year we came to The Whirligig Festival and made a day of it! Definitely will make this a new tradition for us. read more
6 years ago
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