Wilson Park is the original park in Fayetteville. It is the first, the oldest, and still one of the most popular parks in the area.
It is absolutely gorgeous and is one of the most beloved green spaces in the city.
If you are visiting Northwest Arkansas then a stop at Wilson Park is something that we highly recommend.
Here is a list of more family friendly activities in NWA!
All About Wilson Park
Located on 23 acres right in the heart of the city Wilson Park features a swimming pool, beautiful gardens, a spring-fed pond, the popular “Castle” playground, and much more.
The Castle at Wilson Park
Let’s start with the “castle” as this is one of the most well-known and photographed spots in Fayetteville.
The castle is located at 675 N Park Ave in Fayetteville, Arkansas. There was plenty of parking on the day we visited.
The castle is a magical play-area that seems like something out of a fairy-tale. What a great place for kids to expand their imaginations!
The artist Frank Williams conceived of the idea for the castle and it was completed in 1981. He originally named it Seven Points but locals began calling it The Castle and that is name that has stuck.
Since then another local artist, Eugene Sargent, has continued to add elements to both the park and the castle. He added the creature that slithers down one of the original castle walls as a way to reinforce the wall.
The beautiful benches that look like flowers are also his.
One of my favorite things about this spot are the ceramic tiles and shells and stones that are embedded into the concrete that add bits of color and whimsy to the structure.
There is also a spring in the playground with a little bridge crossing over it.
Quick History of Wilson Park
This spring near the castle is a major part of the park’s history as it used to flow into Trent’s pond. The pond was once a gathering place for locals.
It was the swimming hole, boating area, and picnic spot for Fayetteville back in the early 1900’s and was all privately owned by a man named A.L. Trent.
In the late 1920’s a private group formed of local stock holders purchased the property.
They had said that they would preserve the pond, but…they did not. They destroyed it when building the swimming pool and cabins for tourists trying to find a place to escape the summer heat.
For the next 15 years the park was privately owned. But finally, in 1944, the city of Fayetteville bought the park.
The Wilson family owned a nearby pasture that had often been rented to use as a parking area for the park.
In the summer of 1945 Charles Morrow Wilson who was an internationally known author, offered to sell part and gift part of the pasture to the city on the condition that the park be renamed in memory of his mother Mattie Wilson.
Even so, it took Fayetteville over 20 years to finally, officially rename the park!
Learn more about the history of Wilson Park here.
The Park Today
There are plenty of things to do in Wilson Park today!
That spring-fed pond where folks swam and picnicked is now a softball diamond .
For water fun, there is also a nice pool, the Wilson Park Pool, and a splash pad. One interesting thing to know is that Scull Creek, part of the spring and pond still flows under the new pool.
In addition to the castle you can find two newer playgrounds on the west side of the park. One for toddlers and one for older kids. They also have an area for outdoor musical instruments such as xylophones and drums .
Besides the baseball diamond there are plenty more courts and sports fields.
You will also find a nice pave loop that winds around the park shaded by old trees and gorgeous gardens and flower beds.
Wilson Park is also a great stop for bikers as it sits right on the Razorback Greenway.
As you can see Wilson Park truly has something for everyone! Whether you are chasing kids or mindlessly relaxing or playing a sport you can do it here.
In our opinion this is a park that feels timeless. It is part city green space, part art installation, part gathering place, and entirely Fayetteville.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
