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
Volunteer Debbie spins yarn in the 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 prepares a meal in Tatum Cabin
Museum Director Marrena explains traditional rope beds in Tatum Cabin
