Wilson is packed with recreation for every interest. Paddle on Lake Wilson, tee off at one of several golf courses, bowl a strike, or catch the upcoming debut of the Wilson Warbirds, a Minor League Baseball Single-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, at the new Wilson Sports + Entertainment Complex (WiSE) in April 2026. The county also offers more than 30 public parks, three recreation centers, a 10-screen movie theater, four reservoirs for boating and fishing, over 30 tennis courts, 26 pickleball courts, two public swimming pools—including a year-round dome facility—and the J. Burt Gillette Athletic Complex for soccer and other sports.
Natural beauty is never far away, with bike trails, birding trails, rose gardens, and preserved green spaces reflecting Wilson's agricultural heritage. The city's reservoirs not only provide drinking water but also serve as popular destinations for boating, fishing, and kayaking.
Youth sports thrive through local schools as well as community organizations, such as the Wilson Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) and the Wilson County Youth Athletic Association (WCYAA). The City of Wilson's Parks & Recreation Department further offers programs and leagues for residents of all ages.
The J. Burt Gillette Athletic Complex, opened in 2005 and expanded in 2009, spans 113 acres and includes regulation-size soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, and walking trails. Its Musco lighting meets NCAA specifications, making it one of North Carolina's premier tournament venues. The Complex also has a spacious field house with full bathrooms and a concession area.
Discover everything Wilson has to offer at the Wilson County Tourism Development Authority!