Tours and Events at Hickory Ridge History Museum
The mission of the Southern Appalachian Historical Association is to explore, preserve, and share the region’s rich cultural heritage. One of the ways we accomplish this mission is through school tours, guided tours, and museum events!
SCHOOL TOURS:
Experience history come to life with our school tours at the Hickory Ridge History Museum! Open to all schools, our tours offer an immersive journey into the past. Students can participate in hands-on activities such as crafting cornshuck dolls, dipping candles, and more. Reach out to us for pricing details and to schedule an adventure your students won't forget!
MUSEUM TOURS:
Hickory Ridge History Museum is a look back at Watauga County history. Our six 18th & 19th century cabins reflect our High Country heritage. Guests learn about and have the amazing opportunity to see how people lived in the 18th century, including the town of Boone's namesake, Daniel Boone.
MID-APRIL THROUGH MID-NOVEMBER:
The museum is open for GUIDED TOURS Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:00 AM, with the last tour time at 3:00 PM. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. On Saturdays the museum is open for SELF-GUIDED TOURS at 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON SUNDAYS & MONDAYS.
During the Horn in the West season, the museum is open from 5-7:30 pm for self-guided tours. Volunteers are in each cabin demonstrating a skill or lifestyle and are available for questions, photos, and more.
ADMISSION IS $8 FOR ADULTS AND $5 FOR CHILDREN 5 - 12. The museum is non-profit. Every penny goes directly back into the renovations, updates, and more!
For information about museum events call 828-264-2120 or email horninthewesthickoryridge@gmail.com.
“Keeping the Old Ways Alive”
The Hickory Ridge History Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of early mountain settlers.
Read the entire article at Compelling Story and enjoy the beautiful photos by clicking the button below!
Help us keep the mission alive by donating today!
Every donation makes a difference!
Become a sustaining member OR contribute a one-time donation. All donations are tax-deductible.
EVENTS
Fourth Annual Fiber Frolic at Hickory Ridge History Museum
Join us for the fourth annual Fiber Frolic on May 10th from 11 am to 4 pm!
This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages and is completely FREE to attend.
Get ready for a day filled with fiber fun, including exciting activities like spinning demonstrations, wool carding, and more.
Whether you're a seasoned fiber enthusiast or just curious to learn more, the Fiber Frolic is the perfect opportunity to come together with fellow fiber lovers and celebrate all things fiber.
We can't wait to see you there!
Storytelling with Orville Hicks & Tall Tale Contest
Step into the beautiful tradition of Appalachian storytelling with a special evening featuring legendary storyteller Orville Hicks! Known for his mesmerizing way with words and deep roots in mountain folklore, Orville will share classic Jack Tales and other local legends that have been passed down for generations.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Following Orville’s performance, we’re hosting a Tall Tale Contest, where YOU can take the stage. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or just want to try your hand at spinning a wild yarn, this is your chance to showcase your creativity. The taller the tale, the better!
📢 Calling All Storytellers!
Want to enter the Tall Tale Contest? Sign-ups will be available at the event, or you can pre-register by emailing horninthewesthickoryridge@gmail.com. Just $10 to enter. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place!
Gather your friends, bring your best stories, and join us for an unforgettable day celebrating the art of storytelling. Huzzah!
Dan’l Boone Day at Hickory Ridge History Museum
📅 Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
⏰ Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
📍 Location: Hickory Ridge History Museum, Boone, NC
Step back in time and celebrate National Daniel Boone Day in the town that bears his name! Join us at Hickory Ridge History Museum for a day filled with hands-on history, living historical interpreters, and colonial craft demonstrations that bring the 18th century to life.
🔹 Experience life on the frontier with:
🔸 Guided tours of the museum’s six historic cabins
🔸 Traditional blacksmithing, hearth cooking, and wool spinning
🔸 Live 18th-century music and entertainment
🔸 Tomahawk throwing - test your frontier skills!
🔸 Square dancing lessons at the Tatum Cabin
Perfect for history lovers of all ages, Dan’l Boone Day offers a unique opportunity to learn about Boone’s legacy, Appalachian traditions, and the daily life of early settlers.
🎟️ Admission: Included with museum entry. Donations are welcome to support our educational programming.
Gather your family, step into history, and celebrate the legendary Daniel Boone in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains!
July 4th Weekend Continental Encampment & Festival
📅 Dates: July 5–6, 2025 - EXACT SCHEDULE TBA
📍 Location: Hickory Ridge History Museum, Boone, NC
Step into the past this Independence Day weekend at Hickory Ridge History Museum, where history comes to life with a Continental Encampment, living history demonstrations, and patriotic traditions honoring America’s founding.
Featured Events:
🔹 Continental Encampment – Meet colonial militia reenactors, explore their camp, and learn about life as a patriot soldier
🔹 Reading of the Declaration of Independence – Join in the tradition of hearing our nation’s founding document, with enthusiastic cries of “Huzzah!” after each passage
🔹 Colonial Demonstrations – Watch blacksmithing, spinning, cooking, and other frontier skills in action
🔹 Patriotic Music & Storytelling – Hear tales of the Revolution and enjoy live period music throughout the day
🔹 Family-Friendly Activities – Engage in hands-on history with games, crafts, and interactive experiences
🔸 Continental Army Drills & Reenactments – Witness demonstrations of military formations, musket drills, and camp life
🔸 Tomahawk Throwing & Colonial Games – Try your hand at frontier skills just like settlers and soldiers
🔸 Historic Cabins Open for Tours – Explore the six cabins of Hickory Ridge and step into the daily lives of early pioneers
Bring your families, wear your best colonial attire if you like, and celebrate our nation’s history!
2025 Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival
Join Us for a Day of Autumn Delight at the Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival! See the FULL EVENT DETAILS HERE.
📅 Date: September 27, 2025
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Location: 591 Horn in the West Dr., Boone, NC 28607
Step into the beauty of fall at our Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival! This family-friendly event, free to the public, offers a wonderful array of activities and experiences for all ages.
🍏 Apple Butter Making & 18th-Century Demonstrations: Take a walk through history and learn about the rich traditions of the past with live demonstrations of apple butter making and demonstrations like weaving, spinning, blacksmithing, and more!
🎨 Maker and Food Vendors: Explore a marketplace of creativity and flavor with local artisans showcasing their crafts and delectable treats. It's the perfect opportunity to discover unique treasures and savor delicious bites! Get ahead on your holiday shopping!
🎶 Live Music and Storytelling: Enjoy local and traditional Appalachian musicians and storytellers live and in-person! Mary Greene, Orville Hicks, Diandra Patterson, and more!
🪓 Hatchet Throwing (Paid Activity): Test your aim and have a blast with our hatchet-throwing activity. Suitable for ages 14+. It's a fun and exciting way for older kids to burn off energy and challenge their skills. And of course, it's just plain fun for adults!
🎃 Pumpkin Painting (Paid Activity): Unleash your inner artist and transform pumpkins into works of art at our painting station. A wonderful activity for all ages!
👻 Kid's Costume Contest (Paid Activity): Dress to impress and participate in our costume contest! Prizes await the most creative and spooktacular outfits.
🐾 Pet Costume Contest (Paid Activity): Don't forget your furry friends! Show off their best costumes and compete for fantastic prizes in our pet costume contest. Win a $50 Mast General Store gift card!
🎁 Raffles: Enter our 50/50 raffle for a chance to win a cash prize. Who doesn't love that?!
And SO MUCH MORE Fall Goodness! Mark your calendar for a day filled with autumnal magic, laughter, and community spirit. The Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival is an experience you won't want to miss!
🌟 Admission: Free to the Public
For questions, contact us at horninthewesthickoryridge@gmail.com.
CANCELED - Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival
Due to the ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, the Fall Festival has been canceled. Our focus is on supporting and healing our community during this challenging time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you in the future.
To help us navigate this difficult period, we encourage you to consider becoming a member or making a recurring donation to SAHA. Even a small monthly contribution, as low as $5, can make a significant difference. Your support is crucial to our continued operation and our ability to serve our community.
Join Us for a Day of Autumn Delight at the Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival! See the FULL EVENT DETAILS HERE.
📅 Date: October 12, 2024 CANCELED
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: 591 Horn in the West Dr., Boone, NC 28607
Step into the beauty of fall at our Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival! This family-friendly event, free to the public, offers a wonderful array of activities and experiences for all ages.
🍏 Apple Butter Making & 18th-Century Demonstrations: Take a walk through history and learn about the rich traditions of the past with live demonstrations of apple butter making and demonstrations like weaving, spinning, blacksmithing, and more!
🎨 Maker and Food Vendors: Explore a marketplace of creativity and flavor with local artisans showcasing their crafts and delectable treats. It's the perfect opportunity to discover unique treasures and savor delicious bites! Get ahead on your holiday shopping!
🎶 Live Music and Storytelling: Enjoy local and traditional Appalachian musicians and storytellers live and in-person! Mary Greene, Orville Hicks, Diandra Patterson, and more!
🪓 Hatchet Throwing (Paid Activity): Test your aim and have a blast with our hatchet-throwing activity. Suitable for ages 14+. It's a fun and exciting way for older kids to burn off energy and challenge their skills. And of course, it's just plain fun for adults!
🎃 Pumpkin Painting (Paid Activity): Unleash your inner artist and transform pumpkins into works of art at our painting station. A wonderful activity for all ages!
👻 Kid's Costume Contest (Paid Activity): Dress to impress and participate in our costume contest! Prizes await the most creative and spooktacular outfits. Win FOUR tickets to Tweetsie Railroad!
🐾 Pet Costume Contest (Paid Activity): Don't forget your furry friends! Show off their best costumes and compete for fantastic prizes in our pet costume contest. Win a $50 Mast General Store gift card!
🎁 Raffles: Enter our 50/50 raffle for a chance to win a cash prize. Who doesn't love that?!
And SO MUCH MORE Fall Goodness! Mark your calendar for a day filled with autumnal magic, laughter, and community spirit. The Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival is an experience you won't want to miss!
🌟 Admission: Free to the Public
For questions, contact us at horninthewesthickoryridge@gmail.com.
CANCELED - Trail to Victory: The Story of Kings Mountain
DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE, TRAIL TO VICTORY IS CANCELED.
Trail to Victory: The Story of Kings Mountain invites you on an unforgettable journey through time. Step into the heart of the 1780 Kings Mountain Campaign and witness the pivotal events that shaped the American Revolution.
This immersive museum experience leads you into the heart of the harrowing events leading up to the October 7, 1780 battle, places you amidst the chaos of the conflict, and allows you to experience the battle's repercussions from the perspectives of both Patriots and British soldiers.
Join us for three museum tours on Saturday, October 5th, starting at 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM. Tickets are available day of at the Horn in the West Ticket Office.
Admission:
🎫Adults: $10
🎫Children (5-12): $7
Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness history come alive!
British Occupation of Hickory Ridge
Join us for an unforgettable day as we bring the British Occupation to life at the Hickory Ridge History Museum! From thrilling military marches to engaging demonstrations, experience the excitement and drama of the American Revolution.
Event Schedule:
10:00 AM: Museum Opens to Public
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Museum Self-Guided Tours
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Mutz Mag (Behind Coffey Cabin)
1:00 PM: British Forces March In
1:10 PM: Passes issued to Settlement Citizens (Tavern)
1:20 PM: British Pay is Issued (Tavern)
1:30 PM: Weapons Demo (British Camp)
2:00 PM: An Audience with Lord Charles Cornwallis (Behind Coffey Cabin)
3:00 PM: Trial of Patriot Spy (Behind Coffey Cabin)
4:00 PM: Skirmish
5:00 PM: An Audience with Lord Charles Cornwallis (Behind Coffey Cabin)
6:00 PM: Programming Ends for the Day
7:30 PM: Museum Closes to Public
🎟️ Tickets:
Adults: $10
Children (5-12): $7
Bring the whole family for a day of historical fun and adventure. Don't forget to explore the museum and enjoy our special programming throughout the day!
For more information, visit our website or contact us at horninthewesthickoryridge@gmail.com.
📅 Date: July 20, 2024
🕑 Time: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Hickory Ridge History Museum, 591 Horn in the West Dr., Boone, NC
Hickory Ridge Independence Day Celebration and Continental Army Encampment
Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with SAHA! Join us on June 29-30 for our Independence Celebration, featuring historical reenactments, live music, and more. Tickets available now!
Third Annual Fiber Frolic at Hickory Ridge History Museum
Join us for the third annual Fiber Frolic on May 11th from 11 am to 3 pm!
This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages and is completely FREE to attend.
Get ready for a day filled with fiber fun, including exciting activities like spinning demonstrations, wool carding, and more. Plus, don't miss our special raffle featuring a Jenny Spinning Wheel, the perfect starter wheel for any aspiring spinner. This 'Jenny' model, made by the Sleeping Beauty CO in New Zealand in the 1980s, is a Saxony style wheel crafted from Tawa wood with Scotch tension. It comes complete with 4 bobbins (2 functional, 2 for storage), a lazy kate for plying, and an orifice hook. As an added bonus, we'll even throw in some fleece to get you started!
Be sure to grab your raffle tickets at the museum for a chance to win this fantastic prize – tickets are $3 each or 2 for $5. And don't forget to stick around for door prizes and other fiber activities throughout the day.
Whether you're a seasoned fiber enthusiast or just curious to learn more, the Fiber Frolic is the perfect opportunity to come together with fellow fiber lovers and celebrate all things fiber.
We can't wait to see you there!
The Trail to Victory: The Battle of Kings Mountain
Witness the unfolding of the events leading up to, during, and after the Battle of King’s Mountain including re-creations of segments of the battle.
Trail walks start at 12, 1, and 2 pm.
Admission $10 for adults, $7 for kids ages 5-12.
Volunteer Kathleen prepares the hearth for a meal. She, along with other volunteers, will cook full meals on the hearth for museum volunteers to enjoy at the end of the evening.
Items typical to the time period sit atop a simple desk in the Coffey Cabin.
2023 Horn in the West Season Artistic Director Darrell King performs his magic show as Simeon the Magician
Spinning Wheel in the Coffey Cabin. Often there will be a volunteer spinning.
Guests listen to a discussion at the top of the hill, in front of the Tavern.
During a Re-Enactment, guests can expect to experience run-ins with the British, recruitment, and more fun!
Tatum Cabin during the filming of an episode of Chef Staib's Emmy-award winning show “A Taste of History”
The Horn in the West Quartet serenades guests at Dan'l Boone Inn
Mary Bohlen and helpers cook a period meal in Tatum Cabin
"Bobbin Boy" and family at a fiber and woodworking demonstration
