Last Updated on July 3, 2025
Do you have the skills to weave a basket or build a cornhusk doll? Have you ever heard of a Flying Merkel? What does Appalachian heritage have to do with mini golf?
You already live like a local. Want to understand the area’s history like one, too? Here is a list of the active museums in Haywood County where learning comes alive. Choose your favorite or visit them all!
Museum of Haywood County History at the Shook-Smathers House
The Museum of Haywood County History (MHCH) is your go-to spot for the many stories, artifacts, and historical landscapes of Haywood County and its communities. Located at the historic Shook-Smathers house, one of the primary objectives of the museum is to preserve the contributions of the Shook and Smathers families. However, the site also hosts the Haywood County Historical & Genealogical Society, making it a wonderful place to learn about the rich culture of the region as a whole. The museum is hosting a Pioneer Heritage Festival in July 2025 that will feature live demos (blacksmithing, broom making, and more), family events like butter churning and corn shelling, and a variety of exhibits.
Visit the museum for scheduled one-hour guided tours led by trained volunteer docents, available by appointment only. The museum is open from the first weekend in April to the last weekend in October.
178 Morgan Street, Clyde | (828) 564-1044 | nchchgs.org/mhch
The Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts
Built in 1875, the grand Shelton House in Waynesville today houses the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts. Founded in 1977, the Shelton House Museum works to preserve its historic property and grounds while showcasing regional heritage crafts and history. Enjoy a guided tour in the Charleston-style farmhouse with a double veranda. Then head inside for a variety of exhibits of 19th century crafts originating in the region, including pottery, quilts, baskets, and woodworking. You can view agricultural exhibits and items of today’s crafters and artisans, as well. The museum is also the first site on the Haywood County Quilt Trails.
The museum and barn are open May–October, but the grounds of the Shelton House are open to enjoy all year. Visiting off-season? Check their calendar for upcoming year-round events on the property.
49 Shelton Street, Waynesville | (828) 452-1551 | sheltonhouse.org
Red Barn Mountain Museum & Garden Center
The Red Barn Mountain Museum is a donation-based center that shares the history of rural mountain life in the Haywood County area. Though it flies under the radar in museum circuits, visitors love its many exhibits and interpretation of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia—including from families of museum volunteers. Plan to spend some time at the center, if not to weave your way through the exhibits in detail, then to play a round of miniature golf at their indoor course. Be sure to stop by the gift shop, ice cream shop, and garden center before you go.
The Red Barn Garden Center has been serving Haywood County for more than 50 years. The center is open year round, and museum admission is donation based.
1856 Dellwood Road, Waynesville | (828) 926-1901 | facebook.com
Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum
From spring to autumn, motorcyclists from around the country pack Maggie Valley to motor along the gentle curves gliding through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many make an annual trek through the area just to visit the Wheels Through Time Museum. The museum features one of the world’s premier collections of rare American motorcycles, memorabilia, and unique “one-off” American automobiles—many still in running condition. Explore more than 375 rare machines of 25 makes including Crocker, Excelsior, Flying Merkel, Harley-Davidson, Henderson, Indian, Pope, Yale, and more. Many visitors consider the displays equally as interesting as the machines within them.
The Wheels Through Time museum is open seasonally. Check their website for their schedule and hours. Or join their email list for information on how to participate in their annual bike raffle.
62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley | (828) 926-6266 | wheelsthroughtime.com
Other nearby museums
Haywood County and its seat of Waynesville are located in the heart of Western North Carolina, just a short drive from the many amenities of nearby towns and cities, including Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, Sylva, Cherokee, and Highlands-Cashiers. Many heritage, art, and cultural museums dot the region. A few highlights west of Waynesville include:
- American Museum of the House Cat, Sylva, wnccatmuseum.org
- Appalachian Women’s Museum, Dillsboro, appwomen.org
- The Elvis Museum, Whittier
- Museum of the Cherokee People, Cherokee, motcp.org
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Cherokee, visitcherokeenc.com
Learn every day in Haywood County
Haywood County consists of four unique mountain towns: Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville, as well as an assortment of unique mountain communities. Whatever your interests, there is something to look forward to every month of the year. With regular musical events, art exhibits, and much more, Haywood County has active local arts organizations that bring a variety of events to the area. And throughout the county, you will find an array of places and events that are of great significance.
From outdoor adventures to cozy spots downtown, Haywood County towns welcome people from many different backgrounds to visit and stay for life.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find a great home in Haywood County, NC!
