IS THE MUSEUM OPEN YEAR-ROUND?
Because the museum consists of authentic, historic 18th and 19th century log cabins which had only fire places for minimal heating (and it gets quite cold here in the mountains) the museum is closed during the winter and early spring months. Please sign up for our newsletter for event dates and information.
While the museum is not open for tours during the winter months, we do have events that are open to the public! Check our Event Page HERE.
WHERE IS THE MUSEUM? WE ARE AT THE DANIEL BOONE PARK AND ALL WE SEE ARE CABINS.
You are in the right spot! The museum is on Horn in the West Drive off of Hwy 321 at the top of the large Horn in the West Outdoor Drama parking lot. Hickory Ridge is unique in that it isn’t one large building, like other museums, but a series of six historic cabins, complete with artifacts and furnishing. Each cabin portrays an aspect of life in 18th century high country. You will be guided through each cabin by a historic interpreter in period attire.
ARE THE ARTIFACTS IN THE CABINS ORIGINAL?
Most of the artifacts in our cabins are reproductions. However, there are some that are original to the time period.
DID DANIEL BOONE LIVE HERE?
The town of Boone took its name from the famous pioneer and explorer, who on several occasions camped at a site generally agreed to be within the present town limits. However, our 18th century Tatum Cabin is representative of one like Daniel and Rebecca would have lived in.
DID DANIEL BOONE WEAR A COONSKIN HAT?
Nope! It is well-documented that he was not fond of fur hats and preferred a wide brim felt hat.
ARE THE HISTORIC INTERPRETERS ALSO IN THE OUTDOOR DRAMA HORN IN THE WEST?
Sometimes! Even though our Hickory Ridge interpreters and volunteers wear “costumes”, called period clothing, they are historic professionals, college and graduate students in history, history buffs, and hobbyists. The performers in Horn in the West are professional actors, dancers, and singers whose full-time summer job is the drama.
WERE THESE CABINS ORIGINALLY HERE?
All of the cabins are local to the high country but were carefully moved to this site for preservation.
WHEN IS THE MUSEUM OPEN?
The museum is open from early April to mid-November, Tuesdays through Saturdays with the hours subject to change depending on the season. Please check the website when you plan your trip! You are welcome to call the office before planning your trip to confirm hours.
CAN I WALK AROUND THE MUSEUM WITHOUT A TOUR?
During regular museum hours of operation you cannot. The only way, and the best way, to get the most of your museum visit is with a tour led by one of our historic interpreters. When the museum is closed you may walk around the park grounds. However, the cabins will be closed.
IF I BUY A TICKET FOR HORN IN THE WEST DOES THAT GET ME INTO THE MUSEUM FOR FREE?
With regular admission, it does not. With a V.I.P. package, yes! You can purchase your V.I.P. ticket HERE.
IS THE MUSEUM ACCESIBLE FOR PEOPLE WITH ACCESIBILITY NEEDS?
Because the museum consists of six cabins placed throughout a hilly wooded park, it is difficult for a wheelchair or walking aid to negotiate, but not impossible. A helping hand is necessary to traverse the steeper spaces and small porch lips.
CAN I TAKE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS IN THE CABINS?
Yes! Please be courteous with phone usage. For example, do not hold your phone above your head so that the guest behind you will have a blocked view. Our demonstrators and interpreters are used to videos and photos being taken, but please ask before taking a photo with them. Many areas are off-limits to guests due to safety (open fire, sharp objects, etc.) and the demonstrators will need to rope that area off and move to a new location before taking a photo with you.
ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, STUDENTS, MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, HOMESCHOOLERS, ETC.?
We deeply respect and appreciate the service of our military, fire, and law enforcement personnel. While we currently don't offer specific discounts for these groups, we have ensured that our regular admission prices are affordable for everyone, with tickets priced at just $8 for adults and $5 for children.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED?
Our museum is a series of six cabins that you walk outside to get to in a park setting, so well-behaved dogs are welcomed, as long as they are cleaned up after! We do not provide doggie bags or cleanup, so please bring your own and be courteous of other guests. There is a park across from the parking lot that is great for a long walk with a pup!
DO YOU PROVIDE SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS?
We do not offer Sign Language interpreters at this time. If you would like to volunteer as an interpreter, please contact our office!
IS SMOKING PERMITTED?
Smoking is not permitted on the museum grounds. There are smoking stations available outside of the museum property. We are in the heart of the mountains surrounded by beautiful trees and dry brush, so please be conscious of your own flames.
DO YOU HAVE AN ATM ON SITE?
We do not have an ATM on our grounds. However, there are many locations nearby in Boone. Donations to the Southern Appalachian Historical Association can be made digitally HERE.
HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION?
Send us a message HERE!
