Boone NC historic Cabin sits atop a small hill. This cabin is the tavern for Hickory Ridge Living History Museum. Visitors are encouraged to tour the cabins.

Hickory Ridge History Museum

Discover the unique history and culture of the Appalachian Mountains at Hickory Ridge Museum in Boone, NC. From historic cabins to traditional crafts, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of this stunning region!

Find out what life was like when the Western North Carolina high country was first being settled. Our educators and tour guides lead you in an immersive experience through our six historic cabins, complete with artifacts and furnishings. Created in 1980, Hickory Ridge History Museum strives to recreate the atmosphere of a small mountain community to show guests about the daily lives of our colonial ancestors. 

Staffed with historic interpreters in period clothing, Hickory Ridge History Museum's series of authentic, historic cabins give visitors a glimpse into the past and a feeling for the daily lives of early mountain settlers. 

Focused on the period of 1785 - 1805, the museum provides insight into the self sufficiency of our forefathers by highlighting the skills they possessed such as hearth side cooking, spinning, candle making, and blacksmithing. 

Admission Fees:

Hickory Ridge History Museum is a non-profit dedicated to bringing immersive education, friendly community, and family-friendly fun. Museum staff will guide your tour group on their journey to the various cabins. Often you will meet volunteer demonstrators with an extensive knowledge about their skill or craft, and all have a deep love for the museum.

With your support, we are able to continue bringing more opportunities, events, and more to the museum!

$8 for Adults, $5 for children ages 5 – 12, which may be paid when you enter through the gift shop. Special Events admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children ages 5 - 12.

All of the historic 18th and 19th century cabins at Hickory ridge originated in the High Country. They were donated to the Southern Appalachian Historical Association, moved to the Daniel Boone Park, and carefully reassembled. Each cabin represents a different aspect of life in the high country.

The museum is open for GUIDED TOURS Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:00 AM, with the last tour time at 3:00 PM. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. On Saturdays the museum is open for SELF-GUIDED TOURS at 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON SUNDAYS & MONDAYS.

During the Horn in the West season, the museum is open from 5-7:30 pm for self-guided tours. Volunteers are in each cabin demonstrating a skill or lifestyle and are available for questions, photos, and more.

The mission of the Southern Appalachian Historical Association is to explore, preserve, and share the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Tatum Cabin before the porch was added - Photo courtesy of Steve Canipe

Tatum Cabin before the porch was added - Photo courtesy of Steve Canipe

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Volunteer Debbie spins yarn in the Coffey Cabin

Volunteer Debbie spins yarn in the Coffey Cabin

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Volunteer Mike cleans his musket on the porch of Coffey Cabin

Volunteer Mike cleans his musket on the porch of Coffey Cabin

Volunteer Jane Campbell spins yarn while another volunteer weaves in the Coffey Cabin

Volunteer Jane Campbell spins yarn while another volunteer weaves in the Coffey Cabin

Volunteer prepares a meal in Tatum Cabin

Volunteer prepares a meal in Tatum Cabin

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Museum Director Marrena explains traditional rope beds in Tatum Cabin

Museum Director Marrena explains traditional rope beds in Tatum Cabin

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Hickory Ridge History Museum has been home to countless memories—where history comes to life, friendships are made, and traditions are passed down. Here are just a few stories from those who have experienced its magic firsthand.

  • "For me, I don’t need even a sentence to describe Hickory Ridge. Just one word: Home."

    Travis

  • "I was a dancer in Horn in the early 80’s. One evening, I believe after rehearsal, a few of the dancers went to the Tatum Cabin & danced (waltz) to the sound of Joe Shannon playing his hammer dulcimer. It’s one of my favorite memories. And all by firelight."

    Mark

  • "I was allowed to live in Tatum Cabin one summer. It was an adventure and a privilege I will never forget... and very romantic."

    Julia

  • "The Garden Club of Boone used to give tours and ran the gift shop (the Coffey Cabin) in the lower parking lot. I saw my first ever plank tapping dancing man on the porch of the Coffey cabin which was first down in that parking lot. They used to have artisans out there all the time. Everything was [made by] local crafters. Some were from the loom house across from the Daniel Boone Inn. They also gave tours of the Tatum cabin and I remember as a young child being very scared of that cabin -I don’t know why. But then I fell in love with it later on, spent many a night in there around the fire."

    Julie

  • "Hickory Ridge changed my life. Learning to weave, spin yarn, and share stories helped me land my dream job at Colonial Williamsburg. I’ll always cherish the nights by the fire, hearing the horn blow as the sun set."

    Jill

  • "My children at pioneer camp. Making candles. Cooking over a fire. Making moccasins. Playing toss the skillet. Also Chef Staub's Taste of History in the Blue Ridge. Now my granddaughter is experiencing the same."

    Jenny (Widow Howard in Horn in the West)

  • "I did interpretation my first summer with HITW in 2015. It was so much fun guiding tours, demonstrating shooting a long rifle, and working to engage every single member of each tour...especially the disinterested ones haha! My favorite was a teenager boy who obviously didn't want to be there, but I talked about what his role would've been on the frontier as the oldest boy in the family. He puffed right up. Loved it so much!"

    Claire