Mountain Gateway Museum

A sister Museum of the NC Museum of History, Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center at 102 Water Street is free to the general public. The Museum successfully promotes and preserves the area's history and heritage by showcasing mountain lifestyle and history from the earliest original inhabitants through the settlement period and into the twentieth century. Museum highlights include an introductory video presentation, self-guided tours, living history exhibits, collections of photographs, tools, and housewares. Musical programs, special events, and festivals including the annual Pioneer Day festival held each April. The site also houses two 1800s log cabins, an outdoor amphitheater and a picnic area along the banks of Mill Creek. The museum grounds are now a public access point for trout fishermen during the delayed harvest season. In addition to the new access site, the museum is participating in the North Carolina Wildlife Commission's new Tackle Loaner Program.Program details are online at the NC Wildlife Commission website

Exit 73 off I-40, north on Catawba Avenue to Water Street.