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List of museums in North Carolina facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Welcome to a list of awesome museums in North Carolina! Museums are special places where cool stuff from the past, amazing art, science discoveries, and important history are kept safe. They let everyone come and see these collections. This list doesn't include museums that are only online.

Transylvania Heritage Museum || Brevard|| Transylvania || Western || Local history || Learn about the history of Transylvania County.

Name Town/City County Region Type Summary
82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum Fort Bragg Cumberland Fayetteville metro area Military See the history of the 82nd Airborne Division and cool old military aircraft.
Ackland Art Museum Chapel Hill Orange The Triangle Art This museum is part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It has art from Asia, drawings, prints, photos, European masterpieces, and modern art.
Airborne & Special Operations Museum Fayetteville Cumberland Fayetteville metro area Military Learn about the brave actions of Airborne and Special Operations soldiers.
Andy Griffith Museum Mount Airy Surry Foothills Biographical Check out items from actor Andy Griffith and his famous Andy Griffith Show.
Antique Car Museum at Grovewood Village Asheville Buncombe Western Automotive This museum is in historic Grovewood Village. It has old cars, horse-drawn wagons, and even a fire truck.
Asheville Art Museum Asheville Buncombe Western Art This museum focuses on American art from the 1900s and 2000s, especially art important to Western North Carolina.
Asheville Museum of Science Asheville Buncombe Western Natural history Explore minerals, fossils, astronomy, and geology. It used to be called the Colburn Earth Science Museum.
Asheville Pinball Museum Asheville Buncombe Western Pinball Play and learn about the history of pinball machines!
Aurora Fossil Museum Aurora Beaufort Inner Banks Natural history See fossils from the area, shark jaws, and old tools from Native Americans.
Ava Gardner Museum Smithfield Johnston Inner Banks Biographical Discover the life of famous actress Ava Gardner.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Art This museum shows modern art from Europe and America from the mid-1900s. The building was designed by Mario Botta.
Bennett Place State Historic Site Durham Durham The Triangle Civil War This is where the largest group of Confederate soldiers surrendered during the American Civil War. It has a reconstructed farmhouse and exhibits.
Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site Princeton Johnston The Triangle Civil War This site shows where the Battle of Bentonville happened. It has battle displays and a historic field hospital.
Billy Graham Library Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Biographical Learn about the life and work of Christian speaker Billy Graham.
Biltmore Estate Asheville Buncombe Western Historic house This is a huge French Renaissance-style castle with amazing art and beautiful gardens.
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center Asheville Buncombe Western Art This museum has art galleries, a research center, and a performance space.
Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Blowing Rock Watauga Western Multiple Explore art, culture, and history from the Blowing Rock area.
Cape Fear Museum Wilmington New Hanover Lower Cape Fear Multiple Learn about the history, nature, and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear region.
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Flat Rock Henderson Western Biographical Visit the home of the famous poet and writer Carl Sandburg.
Carolina Basketball Museum Chapel Hill Orange The Triangle Sports This museum is part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and celebrates basketball history.
Carolinas Aviation Museum Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Aviation See over 50 aircraft, including a flying Piedmont DC3 plane.
Catawba Science Center Hickory Catawba Western Science This is a fun place for science discoveries!
Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum Sedalia Guilford Piedmont Triad African American This used to be a school. It shows how African Americans helped shape education in North Carolina.
Charlotte Museum of History Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Multiple This museum tells the story of local history and includes the 1774 Hezekiah Alexander House with guides in old-fashioned clothes.
Charlotte Nature Museum Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Natural history Run by Discovery Place, this museum has interactive nature exhibits and live animals.
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Rodanthe Dare Outer Banks Maritime See two old life-saving stations and other historic buildings.
Children's Museum of Alamance County Graham Alamance Piedmont Triad Children's A museum just for kids in Alamance County!
Children's Museum of Wilmington Wilmington New Hanover Lower Cape Fear Children's A fun place for kids to play and learn in Wilmington.
Children's Museum of Winston-Salem Winston-Salem Forsyth Piedmont Triad Children's This museum helps children learn about books, building, and animals.
City of Raleigh Museum Raleigh Wake The Triangle Local history Discover the history of Raleigh, North Carolina's capital city.
Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh Raleigh Wake The Triangle Art This gallery shows modern art and design using different types of media.
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Harkers Island Carteret Crystal Coast Multiple See duck decoys, learn local history, and explore the nature of the area.
Country Doctor Museum Bailey Nash The Triangle Medical Learn about how doctors used to provide healthcare in rural areas of the United States.
Cowan Museum of History and Science Kenansville Duplin Piedmont Multiple This museum has old farm tools, rocks, local history, and a park with historic village buildings.
Cradle of Forestry Brevard Transylvania Western Multiple Learn about nature, conservation, and forestry. It has nature trails with historic forestry buildings and a discovery center.
CSS Neuse State Historic Site Kinston Lenoir Inner Banks Military See the remains of the Confederate ironclad ship, the CSS Neuse.
Curb Museum for Music and Motorsports Kannapolis Cabarrus Metro Charlotte Multiple This museum has items from Curb musicians, the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and NASCAR race cars and memorabilia.
Discovery Place Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Science A fantastic science museum with lots of hands-on exhibits!
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Children's A special Discovery Place museum designed just for kids.
Duke Homestead State Historic Site Durham Durham The Triangle Open air Explore an 1850s home, factories, a tobacco farm, and a museum.
Earl Scruggs Center Shelby Cleveland Metro Charlotte Biographical Learn about the life of musician Earl Scruggs and the history and culture of the American South.
Eastern Carolina Village & Farm Museum Greenville Pitt Inner Banks Open air This museum shows buildings and farm history from 1840 to 1940.
EnergyExplorium Huntersville Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Science Located at the McGuire Nuclear Station, this museum has exhibits about electricity.
Fascinate-U Children's Museum Fayetteville Cumberland Fayetteville metro area Children's A hands-on children's museum in Fayetteville.
Folk Art Center Asheville Buncombe Western Art See Appalachian folk art, crafts, and learn about the culture. It's run by the Southern Highland Craft Guild.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site Wilmington New Hanover Lower Cape Fear Military Visit a restored fort and museum from the Civil War era.
Fort Macon State Park Beaufort Carteret Crystal Coast Military Explore a restored fort and museum.
Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum Franklin Macon Western Natural history See gems, minerals, fossils, and Native American artifacts in a former jail.
Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center Frisco Dare Outer Banks Multiple This museum has Native American artifacts, art, culture, and natural history displays.
Gaston County Museum Dallas Gaston Metro Charlotte Multiple Learn about art, transportation, textiles, and visit a historic hotel.
General William C. Lee Airborne Museum Dunn Harnett The Triangle Biographical This was the home of General William C. Lee. It tells his military story.
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park Gold Hill Township Rowan Piedmont Mining Explore the Assay Museum, an old jail, and mine shafts from a historic gold mining area.
Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum Linville Avery Western Natural history Learn about the animals, plants, and geology of Grandfather Mountain.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum Hatteras Dare Outer Banks Maritime Discover the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks.
Green Hill Center Greensboro Guilford Piedmont Triad Art This visual arts center has exhibitions of modern art and a family gallery.
Greensboro Children's Museum Greensboro Guilford Piedmont Triad Children's A fun and interactive museum for children in Greensboro.
Greensboro Historical Museum Greensboro Guilford Piedmont Triad Local history Learn about famous people like O. Henry and First Lady Dolley Madison, the Greensboro Sit-ins, and see historic homes.
Greensboro Science Center Greensboro Guilford Piedmont Triad Natural history This museum has natural history and science exhibits, a zoo, and an aquarium.
Greenville Museum of Art Greenville Pitt Inner Banks Art This museum focuses on art by North Carolina artists and American landscape artists.
Gregg Museum of Art & Design Raleigh Wake The Triangle Art Part of North Carolina State University, this museum has textiles, ceramics, folk art, paintings, and more from around the world.
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park Greensboro Guilford Piedmont Triad Military Visit a Revolutionary War battlefield and its museum.
Hands On! Hendersonville Henderson Western Children's A hands-on museum for kids in Western North Carolina.
Harvey B. Gantt Center Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Art See art by African American artists. It's located in the Levine Center for the Arts.
Hickory Aviation Museum Hickory Catawba Western Aviation See historic military aircraft, weapons, flight suits, and models.
Hickory Museum of Art Hickory Catawba Western Art This museum has American art, including paintings, modern art, folk art, and pottery.
Hiddenite Center Hiddenite Alexander Western Multiple Visit the Victorian Lucas Mansion, an art gallery, a doll collection, and see local gems and minerals.
High Point Museum High Point Guilford Piedmont Triad Multiple This museum covers local history, the furniture industry, and includes historic homes and a blacksmith shop.
Historic Bath Bath Beaufort Inner Banks Open air Take guided tours of historic homes like the Palmer-Marsh House.
Historic Edenton Edenton Chowan Inner Banks Open air Tour several 18th-century historic homes and buildings, including the James Iredell House and Cupola House.
Historic Bethabara Park Winston-Salem Forsyth Piedmont Triad Open air This is the site of the first settlement by the Moravian Church in 1753.
Historic Halifax State Historic Site Halifax Halifax Inner Banks Open air Visit a museum, several 18th and 19th-century historic houses, a tavern, and an old jail.
Historic Hope Plantation Windsor Bertie Inner Banks Historic house See the 1803 Hope Mansion and the 1763 King-Bazemore House.
Historic Johnson Farm Hendersonville Henderson Western Farm This farm has a farmhouse, boarding house, barn loft museum, and animals. It's a heritage education center.
Historic Latta Plantation Huntersville Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Living Explore an 1800 cotton plantation and a living history farm.
Historic Oak View Raleigh Wake The Triangle Farm This farm has an agriculture exhibit, an 1855 farmhouse, a barn, and a cotton gin from the early 1900s.
Historic Rosedale Plantation Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Historic house Tour a 13-room old plantation house and its gardens.
Historic Stagville Durham Durham The Triangle Open air See an 18th-century plantation house, slave cabins, a farmer's house, and a visitor center.
Historic Yates Mill County Park Raleigh Wake The Triangle Mill Learn about the history of a gristmill and the park's nature and culture.
Horne Creek Living Historical Farm Pinnacle Stokes Foothills Farm Experience farm life as it was between 1900 and 1910.
House of Flags Museum Columbus Polk Western History See historic American flags, military flags, and flags from the Revolutionary War.
Imperial Center for the Arts & Sciences Rocky Mount Nash The Triangle Multiple This center includes the Maria V. Howard Arts Center and the Rocky Mount Children's Museum and Science Center.
Ingram Planetarium Sunset Beach Brunswick Lower Cape Fear Science Enjoy planetarium shows and science exhibits.
International Civil Rights Center and Museum Greensboro Guilford Piedmont Triad History Learn about the history of the American civil rights movement.
Iredell Museums Statesville Iredell Metro Charlotte Multiple This museum has three locations: an art gallery, a homestead with cabins and living history, and a children's museum called Kids@Play.
JAARS Museum of the Alphabet Waxhaw Union Metro Charlotte History Discover the history of how alphabets and written languages developed.
Jockey's Ridge State Park Nags Head Dare Outer Banks Natural history Visit the visitor center museum at this state park with huge sand dunes.
John Blue Complex Laurinburg Scotland Sandhills Multiple This complex includes the 1890s John Blue House, a sawmill, old cabins, a general store, a small railroad, and a cotton gin.
Johnston County Heritage Center Smithfield Johnston Inner Banks Local history See exhibits about local history in the Holding-Richardson Exhibit Hall.
Junaluska Museum and Memorial Site Robbinsville Graham Western Native American Located at the burial site of Cherokee Warrior Junaluska, this museum explores Cherokee history and culture.
KidSenses Rutherfordton Rutherford Western Children's A fun children's museum for hands-on learning.
Kidzu Children's Museum Chapel Hill Orange The Triangle Children's This museum has interactive exhibits for young children.
Kings Mountain Historical Museum Kings Mountain Gaston Metro Charlotte Local history Learn about the history of Kings Mountain.
Korner's Folly Kernersville Forsyth Piedmont Triad Historic house Explore this very unusual and historic mansion.
Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum Lake Waccamaw Columbus Lower Cape Fear Local history Discover the local history of Lake Waccamaw.
Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum Raleigh Wake The Triangle Transportation See Harley-Davidson drag racing motorcycles and cool memorabilia.
Level 256 Classic Arcade Bar Asheville Buncombe Western Video Game See video game consoles from the 1970s to today.
Levine Museum of the New South Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte History Learn about Southern and regional history and culture since the Civil War.
Linbrook Heritage Estate Trinity Randolph Piedmont Triad Multiple Tour the modern Linbrook Hall mansion, the Neal Agricultural and Industrial Museum, and an early 1900s farmhouse.
Lundy-Fetterman Museum Buies Creek Harnett The Triangle Natural history Part of Campbell University, this museum has mounted animals, seashells, and university items.
Marbles Kids Museum Raleigh Wake The Triangle Children's This museum is full of fun and interactive exhibits for kids. It used to be called Exploris Museum.
McColl Center for Art + Innovation Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Art This center includes a gallery for modern crafts.
Memory Lane Museum Mooresville Iredell Metro Charlotte Automotive See old NASCAR and vintage race cars, antique toys, and movie cars.
Mineral and Lapidary Museum Hendersonville Henderson Western Natural history Explore minerals, rocks, fossils, and Native American artifacts.
Mint Museum Randolph Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Art Located in a building that used to be a U.S. mint, this museum has art from ancient Americas, ceramics, fashion, and European and African art.
Mint Museum Uptown Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Art Located in the Levine Center for the Arts, this museum features crafts, design, and American, modern, and European art.
Missiles and More Museum Topsail Beach Pender Lower Cape Fear Local history Learn about Operation Bumblebee, Camp Davis, pirates, Native Americans, and the V-22 Osprey aircraft.
Moogseum Asheville Buncombe Western Biographical This small museum is dedicated to the history and legacy of synthesizer inventor Bob Moog.
Moores Creek National Battlefield Wilmington Pender Lower Cape Fear Military Visit a Revolutionary War battlefield and its museum.
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Chapel Hill Orange The Triangle Science This planetarium and science center is part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Morrow Mountain State Park Albemarle Stanly Metro Charlotte Local history This park has a museum about local culture and nature, and a restored historic house.
Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill Cherokee Swain Western Open air See reconstructed log farm buildings from the late 1800s and a historic corn mill.
Mountain Heritage Center Cullowhee Jackson Western Local history Part of Western Carolina University, this museum explores the nature and culture of the southern Appalachian region.
Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center Old Fort McDowell Western Local history This museum is a branch of the North Carolina Museum of History and focuses on the culture and heritage of the southern Appalachians.
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History Mount Airy Surry Foothills Local history Learn about Native Americans, pioneers, home life, and famous people like Andy Griffith.
Mount Mitchell State Park Burnsville Yancey Western Multiple This park has exhibits about its nature, culture, and history.
Murray's Mill Newton Catawba The Triangle Mill This historic mill is operated by the Catawba County Historical Association.
Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Highlands Macon Western Art See beautiful cut and engraved glass, mostly from the American Brilliant Period (1876-1916).
Museum of American Pottery Creedmoor Granville The Triangle Art Located at Cedar Creek Gallery, this museum features pottery by local artists.
Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University Winston-Salem Forsyth Piedmont Triad Anthropology See artifacts and art from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Museum of Ashe County History Jefferson Ashe Western Local history This museum is in the historic former county courthouse.
Museum of Coastal Carolina Ocean Isle Beach Brunswick Lower Cape Fear Natural history Learn about the nature, environment, and culture of the Coastal Carolina region.
Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts Winston-Salem Forsyth Piedmont Triad Decorative arts This museum is part of Old Salem Museums & Gardens.
Museum of Life and Science Durham Durham The Triangle Science This museum has science and natural history exhibits, including dinosaurs, animals, and more.
Museum of North Carolina Minerals Spruce Pine Mitchell Western Natural history See minerals and gems found in the area and state.
Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery Seagrove Randolph Piedmont Triad Art This museum shows pottery from the surrounding area.
Museum of the Albemarle Elizabeth City Pasquotank Inner Banks Local history This is a regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History.
Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex Fayetteville Cumberland Fayetteville metro area Local history This museum is a branch of the North Carolina Museum of History. It also has the 1897 Poe House.
Museum of the Cherokee Indian Cherokee Swain Western Native American Learn about the history and culture of the Cherokee people.
Museum of the Southeast American Indian Pembroke Robeson Piedmont Native American Part of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, this museum focuses on American Indian history, culture, and art.
NASCAR Hall of Fame Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Sports Discover the history and heritage of NASCAR racing.
Nasher Museum of Art Durham Durham The Triangle Art Part of Duke University, this museum has art from medieval times, the Americas, ancient times, and modern art.
National Railroad Museum and Hall of Fame Hamlet Richmond Sandhills Railroad See railroad artifacts and a model train layout.
NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures Spencer Rowan Metro Charlotte Toy This museum has dolls, Tinker Toys, model trains, dollhouses, and more.
New Bern Firemen's Museum New Bern Craven Inner Banks Firefighting Learn about the history of firefighting in New Bern.
New Hope Valley Railway New Hill Wake The Triangle Railroad Ride a heritage railway and visit the North Carolina Railway Museum.
Neuseway Nature Park Kinston Lenoir Inner Banks Multiple This park includes the Neuse Planetarium, a Health & Science Museum, and a Nature Center.
North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame Mooresville Iredell Metro Charlotte Automotive See over 40 race cars dedicated to all kinds of auto racing.
North Carolina Aviation Museum Asheboro Randolph Piedmont Triad Aviation See restored aircraft, models, uniforms, and aviation memorabilia.
North Carolina Baseball Museum Wilson Wilson Inner Banks Sports Located at Fleming Stadium, this museum celebrates North Carolina baseball history.
North Carolina Central University Art Museum Durham Durham The Triangle Art Part of North Carolina Central University, this museum focuses on African-American and African art.
North Carolina Estuarium Washington Beaufort Inner Banks Natural history Learn about the ecology of North Carolina's estuaries (where rivers meet the sea).
North Carolina Maritime Museum Beaufort Carteret Crystal Coast Maritime This is a regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History.
North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport Southport Brunswick Lower Cape Fear Maritime Another regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History.
North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island Roanoke Island Dare Outer Banks Maritime Also known as Roanoke Island Maritime Museum, this is another branch of the North Carolina Museum of History.
North Carolina Museum of Art Raleigh Wake The Triangle Art This museum has a huge collection, including European paintings, Egyptian art, ancient Greek and Roman art, American art, and modern art from around the world.
North Carolina Museum of History Raleigh Wake The Triangle History Explore the state's military history, decorative arts, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, transportation, and changing exhibits on state history.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh Wake The Triangle Natural history Learn about dinosaurs, health, animals, fish, habitats, water, minerals, and weather. It also has live animals!
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville Whiteville Columbus Piedmont Natural history This museum focuses on the nature and culture of our forests and forestry. It used to be called the North Carolina Museum of Forestry.
North Carolina Pottery Center Seagrove Randolph Piedmont Triad Art Learn about pottery in North Carolina.
North Carolina School for the Deaf Historical Museum Morganton Burke Western Education Discover the history of this school for the deaf.
North Carolina Transportation Museum Spencer Rowan Metro Charlotte Transportation See exhibits on railroads, aviation, and automobiles.
Oak Island Light Caswell Beach Brunswick Lower Cape Fear Maritime You can climb this lighthouse for a tour!
Oconaluftee Indian Village Cherokee Swain Western Native American This is a replica of an 18th-century Eastern Cherokee community.
Ocracoke Museum Ocracoke Hyde Outer Banks Multiple Run by the Ocracoke Preservation Society, this museum has local history, old-fashioned displays, art, duck decoys, and boat models.
Old Baldy Lighthouse & Smith Island Museum of History Bald Head Island Brunswick Lower Cape Fear Maritime See a reconstructed lighthouse keeper's home, a local history museum, and tour the lighthouse.
Old Bridge Preservation Society Museum Sunset Beach Brunswick Lower Cape Fear Transportation This museum has a preserved swing bridge and tells the story of its history and local transportation.
Old Fort Railroad Museum Old Fort McDowell Western Railroad This historic depot has railroad displays and a visitor center.
Old Rock School Railway Museum Valdese Burke Western Railroad Also known as the Piedmont & Western Railroad Museum, it has model train layouts and railroad items.
Old Salem Museums & Gardens Winston-Salem Forsyth Piedmont Triad Living Explore an 18th and 19th-century Moravian village.
Old Salem Toy Museum Winston-Salem Forsyth Piedmont Triad Toy Part of Old Salem, this museum has toys, dolls, teddy bears, puppets, and dollhouses.
Onslow County Museum Richlands Onslow Inner Banks Local history This museum features local fossils.
Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education Corolla Currituck Outer Banks Natural history Learn about coastal North Carolina's wildlife, nature, and culture.
Page-Walker Arts & History Center Cary Wake The Triangle Multiple This center has local history and changing art exhibits.
Palmer-Marsh House Bath Beaufort Inner Banks Historic house Visit this historic home built in 1744.
Penderlea Homestead Museum Burgaw Pender Lower Cape Fear Historic house Explore a homestead community farm from the Great Depression era.
Person County Museum of History Roxboro Person Piedmont Open air This complex includes a local history museum, an old academy, a general store, and a doctor's office.
Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education Pisgah Forest Transylvania Western Natural history Learn about mountain wildlife, habitats, and freshwater fish.
Poplar Grove Plantation Wilmington Pender Lower Cape Fear Historic house Tour a 19th-century plantation home and its buildings.
Port Discover Elizabeth City Pasquotank Inner Banks Science A science museum for discovery in Elizabeth City.
Port O' Plymouth Museum Plymouth Washington Inner Banks Civil War Located in a restored depot, this museum has Civil War military artifacts.
President James K. Polk State Historic Site Pineville Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte Biographical Visit a visitor center with exhibits about James K. Polk and reconstructed log houses from the early 1800s.
Presidential Culinary Museum Grover Cleveland Metro Charlotte History See items from White House chefs.
Raeford-Hoke Museum Raeford Hoke Sandhills Local history Located in the McLauchlin-McFadyen House, it also has an emergency service museum, a dollhouse, and a country store.
Raleigh Fire Museum Raleigh Wake The Triangle Firefighting This museum is open on the second Saturday of each month.
Rankin Museum of American Heritage Ellerbe Richmond Sandhills Multiple Explore natural history, paleontology, local history, and Native American artifacts.
Reed Gold Mine Midland Cabarrus Metro Charlotte Mining Visit a gold mining museum and explore old tunnels.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art Winston-Salem Forsyth Piedmont Triad Art See American art from colonial times to today.
Richard Childress Racing Museum Welcome Davidson Piedmont Triad Automotive See over 50 cars from Richard Childress Racing.
Richard Petty Museum Randleman Randolph Piedmont Automotive Learn about race car driver Richard Petty and see vintage cars.
Roanoke Canal Museum Roanoke Rapids Halifax Inner Banks Transportation Discover the history of the Roanoke River Valley and the Roanoke Canal.
Roanoke/Cashie River Center Windsor Bertie Inner Banks Natural history Learn about wildlife, migratory birds, and traditional fisheries.
Roanoke Island Festival Park Manteo Dare Outer Banks Multiple This park has a museum ship, a colonial and Native American living history site, and local history exhibits.
Robeson County History Museum Lumberton Robeson Piedmont Local history Learn about the history of Robeson County.
Rowan Museum Salisbury Rowan Metro Charlotte History This museum includes local history in a historic courthouse, the Old Stone House, and the Utzman Chambers House.
Rural Heritage Museum Mars Hill Madison Western History Part of Mars Hill University, this museum explores Southern Appalachian mountain culture and history.
Rutherford County Farm Museum Forest City Rutherford Western Agriculture See antique farm and home equipment.
Sam Bass Gallery Concord Cabarrus Metro Charlotte Art See motorsports art by Sam Bass.
Sampson County History Museum Clinton Sampson Coastal Plain Local history Learn about the history of Sampson County.
Schiele Museum of Natural History Gastonia Gaston Metro Charlotte Natural history Explore natural history exhibits.
SciWorks Winston-Salem Forsyth Piedmont Triad Science This museum has science and natural history exhibits.
Scottish Heritage Center Laurinburg Scotland Sandhills Ethnic Part of St. Andrews University, this center has exhibits about Scottish settlement in North Carolina.
Scottish Tartans Museum Franklin Macon Western Ethnic Learn about the history of tartans, Scottish history, culture, and migration.
Second Ward Alumni House Museum Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte African American See items from Second Ward High School and other black communities in Charlotte.
Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr. Library and Museum Morganton Burke Western Biographical Learn about the life and work of Senator Sam J. Ervin Jr..
Shaw House Properties Southern Pines Moore Sandhills Historic house Run by the Moore County Historical Association, this includes the old Shaw House, Garner House, and Britt Sanders Cabin.
Shelton House Waynesville Haywood Western Historic house This house features decorative arts, handicrafts, and furniture made by North Carolina artists.
Smith-McDowell House Asheville Buncombe Western Historic house Tour this Victorian mansion and see history exhibits.
Smoky Mountain Trains Bryson City Swain Western Railroad See Lionel model train engines and a large model train layout.
Somerset Place Creswell Washington Inner Banks Open air Explore an 1830s old plantation and its buildings.
Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art Winston-Salem Forsyth Piedmont Triad Art This is a gallery for modern art.
Southern Appalachian Radio Museum Asheville Buncombe Western Technology See antique radios, equipment, and learn about radio history.
St. James Place Museum Robersonville Martin Inner Banks Decorative arts This museum has original furnishings, Southern folk art, antique duck decoys, and quilts.
Stone Mountain State Park Wilkesboro Wilkes Western Multiple This park has a Mountain Culture Exhibit and a historic homestead from the mid-1800s.
Stonewall Manor Rocky Mount Nash The Triangle Historic house Visit this old plantation home.
Swain County Heritage Museum Bryson City Swain Western Local history Located in the Swain County Courthouse.
Swannanoa Valley Museum Black Mountain Buncombe Western Local history Learn about the history of the Swannanoa Valley.
Tannenbaum Historic Park Greensboro Guilford Piedmont Triad Open air This park has a Colonial Heritage Center, an 1813 house, a restored barn, and a replica kitchen and blacksmith shop.
Tarkil Branch Farm's Homestead Museum Beulaville Duplin Piedmont Open air Explore a 19th-century homestead with an 1830s Dogtrot house, smokehouse, tobacco barn, and other historic buildings.
Teach's Hole Blackbeard Exhibit and Pirate Specialty Shop Ocracoke Hyde Outer Banks History This shop and exhibit teaches you about the famous pirate Blackbeard and other pirates.
Textile Heritage Center at Cooleemee Cooleemee Davie Piedmont Industry Learn about the history of the textile industry in the area. It also has a nearby Mill House Museum.
Textile Heritage Museum Glencoe Alamance Piedmont Industry This museum shows the history and machinery of the textile industry.
Things From Yesteryear Museum Pollocksville Lenoir Inner Banks History See antique appliances, cars, typewriters, cameras, and medical equipment.
Thomas Wolfe House Asheville Buncombe Western Historic house Visit the Victorian childhood home of author Thomas Wolfe.
Tobacco Farm Life Museum Kenly Johnston Inner Banks Agriculture Learn about farm life and tobacco farming.
Town Creek Indian Mound Mount Gilead Montgomery Sandhills Archaeology Explore a historic Pee Dee ceremonial mound with a visitor center and reconstructed temples.
Trail of Faith Valdese Burke Western Open air See fifteen outdoor exhibits and replicas that tell the history of the Waldensians, a Christian spiritual movement.
Tryon Palace Historic Site & Gardens New Bern Craven Inner Banks Historic house This is a modern reconstruction of the historical colonial governors' mansion of North Carolina.
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Boone Watauga Western Art This art center is run by Appalachian State University.
Twin County Museum and Hall of Fame Rocky Mount Nash The Triangle Local history Learn about the history, culture, and people of Nash and Edgecombe Counties.
USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial Wilmington New Hanover Lower Cape Fear Maritime Explore this World War II battleship.
Vance Birthplace Weaverville Buncombe Western Historic house See a reconstructed log house and farmstead from the late 1700s, where Governor Zebulon Baird Vance was born.
Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Wilson Wilson Inner Banks Art Visit this unique sculpture park and museum filled with amazing whirligigs.
Wake Forest Historical Museum Wake Forest Wake The Triangle Local history This museum includes the Calvin Jones House and tells the history of Wake Forest College and the local area.
Waldensian Heritage Museum Valdese Burke Western Religious Learn about the history of the Waldensians, a Christian spiritual movement.
Walter L. Stasavich Science and Nature Center Greenville Pitt Inner Banks Natural history Located in River Park North, this center has an aquarium, live animals, and wildlife displays.
Wayne County Museum Goldsboro Wayne Piedmont Local history Learn about the history of Wayne County.
Weatherspoon Art Museum Greensboro Guilford Piedmont Triad Art Part of University of North Carolina at Greensboro, this museum has modern and contemporary art.
Welcome Home Veterans Living Military Museum Mooresville Iredell Metro Charlotte Local history Located in Richard's Coffee Shop, this museum has photos, paintings, and items honoring veterans.
Wells Fargo History Museum Charlotte Mecklenburg Metro Charlotte History Learn about the company's history, gold mining, and see a 19th-century stagecoach.
Western North Carolina Air Museum Hendersonville Henderson Western Aviation See historic aircraft and aviation memorabilia.
West Point Mill Durham Durham The Triangle Mill This is a reconstructed working grist mill.
Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve Southern Pines Moore Sandhills Natural history Learn about the longleaf pine forest, its geology, plants, animals, and the use of controlled fires.
Whalehead Club Corolla Currituck Outer Banks Historic house Tour this beautiful 1925 Art Nouveau mansion.
Wheels Through Time Museum Maggie Valley Haywood Western Motorcycle See over 300 historic American motorcycles.
Whippoorwill Academy and Village Ferguson Wilkes Western Open air This village includes the Tom Dooley Museum, a replica of Daniel Boone's cabin, an art gallery, and other historic buildings.
Wilkes Heritage Museum Wilkesboro Wilkes Western Multiple Tour the Old Wilkes Jail, a log house, and see exhibits about early settlement, military history, and transportation.
Wilmington Railroad Museum Wilmington New Hanover Lower Cape Fear Railroad Learn about railroad history in Wilmington.
World Methodist Museum Lake Junaluska Haywood Western Religious Learn about the history of the Wesleyan movement.
Wright Brothers National Memorial Kill Devil Hills Dare Outer Banks Aviation Visit the museum, the test site with outdoor displays, and the monument dedicated to the Wright Brothers.
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History Wrightsville Beach New Hanover Lower Cape Fear Local history Learn about the history of Wrightsville Beach.
YMI Cultural Center Asheville Buncombe Western African American This center celebrates African American culture.
Zachary-Tolbert House Cashiers Jackson Western Historic house This house features a collection of unique, hand-crafted furniture.

Museums That Are No Longer Open

Sometimes museums close down. Here are some museums in North Carolina that are no longer open:

  • Appalachian Cultural Museum, Boone (closed in 2006)
  • Chapel Hill Museum, Chapel Hill (closed in 2010)
  • Charlotte Trolley Museum, Charlotte
  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Education Center and Museum, Charlotte (closed in 2009)
  • Cleveland County Historical Museum, Shelby (closed in 2012, now the Earl Scruggs Center)
  • Doll & Miniature Museum of High Point (closed in 2012)
  • Fayetteville Museum of Art, Fayetteville (closed in 2010)
  • Grimes Mill, Salisbury (destroyed by fire in 2013)
  • Health Adventure, Asheville (closed in 2013)
  • LATIBAH Collard Green Museum, Charlotte (closed in 2015)
  • Latta House, Raleigh (destroyed by fire in 2007)
  • Maimy Etta Black Fine Arts Museum and Historical Society, Forest City (destroyed by fire in 2009)
  • Mountain Farm & Home Museum, Hendersonville
  • Sparta Teapot Museum of Craft and Design, Sparta (closed in 2010)

More Places to Explore

Helpful Websites

  • North Carolina Museums Council
  • North Carolina Exploring Cultural Heritage Online - Find listings and photos of NC museums.
  • Learn NC
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List of museums in North Carolina Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.