WNC museums
Although the rich history and culture of Western North Carolina is alive and thriving through the hands of our local artisans and performers, there are also numerous museums here preserving and perpetuating the heritage of Southern Appalachia. These buildings each pay homage to the crafts, sounds, and deeply held traditions of these ancient mountains and its people.
• American Museum of The House Cat Over 5,000 items dedicated to entire history of the house cat, here and abroad.
5063 U.S. 441, Sylva • 828.421.0275 or 828.506.1236 • www.facebook.com/americanmuseumofthehousecat
• Andrews Art Museum Exhibits and galleries featuring local and regional artists.
Corner of Chestnut and Third streets, Andrews • 828.360.5071 • www.andrewsvalleyarts.com
• Appalachian Rivers Aquarium Exhibits regional species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and hellbenders.
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117 Island Street • 828-488-7857 • flyfishingmuseum.org/aquarium
• Canton Area Historical Museum Displays focusing on the cultural history of Canton and Haywood County.
36 Park Street, Canton • 828.646.3412 • www.cantonnc.com
• Cherokee County Historical Museum Artifacts and exhibits showcasing the Cherokee Indians, local history and artisans.
87 Peachtree Street, Murphy • 828.837.6792 • www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov
• Clay County Historical & Arts Council Museum Displays exhibiting the history, art and people of the area.
21 Davis Loop, Hayesville • 828.389.6814 • www.clayhistoryarts.org
• Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians Showcasing the history of fly fishing in the Southeast.
210 Main Street, Bryson City • 828.488.3681 • www.flyfishingmuseum.org
• Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum Extensive exhibits on the region’s gems and minerals.
25 Phillips Street, Franklin • 828.369.7831 • www.fgmm.org
• Glenville Historical Museum Showcasing the history and culture of Glenville and greater Western North Carolina with exhibits and displays.
4735 N.C. 107 North, Glenville • 828.743.1658
• Graham County Museum of Prehistoric Relics A collection of prehistoric artifacts from North, South and Central America.
3204 Fontana Road, Fontana Dam • 828.479.3677 • www.thehikeinn.com
• Highlands Museum & Historical Village A village composed of several restored buildings, with historical exhibits in the museum.
524 North 4th Street, Highlands • 828.787.1050 • www.highlandshistory.com
• John W. Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center Local and regional art, with historical exhibits.
199 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee • 828.227.2787 • www.wcu.edu/bardo-arts-center
• Junaluska Memorial & Museum Displays dedicated to preserving Cherokee Indian history and culture.
1 Junaluska Drive, Robbinsville • 828.479.4727
• Macon County Historical Society & Museum Antiques and artifacts showcasing the history of Macon and Western North Carolina.
36 West Main Street, Franklin • 828.524.9758 • www.maconnchistorical.org
• Mountain Farm Museum Collection of historical log buildings and artifacts.
150 U.S. 441 North, Oconaluftee Visitor Center • 423.436.1200 • www.nps.gov/grsm
• Mountain Heritage Center Extensive displays of Western North Carolina and Southern Appalachian history.
150 H.F. Robinson Building, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee • 828.227.7129 • www.wcu.edu
• Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Exhibits presenting one of the finest collections of its kind in the world.
472 Chestnut Street, Highlands • 828.526.3415 • www.ashevilleguidebook.com
• Museum of the Cherokee Indian Large exhibits showcasing the extensive and intricate tribe history.
589 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee • 828.497.3481 • www.cherokeemuseum.org
• Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts Featuring unique works from some of the state’s most acclaimed artisans.
49 Shelton Street, Waynesville • 828.452.1551 • www.sheltonhouse.org
• Ruby City Gems Museum Thousands of gem and mineral specimens on display.
131 East Main Street, Franklin • 828.524.3967 • www.rubycity.com
• Scottish Tartans Museum Exhibit on Scottish history and culture abroad and in Western North Carolina.
86 East Main Street, Franklin • 828.524.7472 • www.scottishtartans.org
• Smoky Mountain Trains Museum Collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars, accessories, plus large operating layout.
100 Greenlee Street, Bryson City • 800.872.4681, x215 • gsmr.com
• Wheels Through Time Museum Rare and extensive collection of vintage motorcycles and classic automobiles.
62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley • 828.926.6266 • www.wheelsthroughtime.com
• World Methodist Museum Artifacts and memorabilia celebrating founder John Wesley and the worldwide religion.
575 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska • 828.456.9432 • www.worldmethodistcouncil.org
