Art, Culture & Appalachian Creativity
Discover the art, history, and creative spirit that make Marion and McDowell County unique. Explore local art galleries, museums, historic places, performing arts, and Appalachian craftsmanship from talented local artists and makers to cultural experiences rooted in the stories and traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or simply curious to see what makes our mountain community special, there's plenty to discover.
Mountain Gateway Museum
78-C Catawba Ave, Old Fort, NC.
828-619-5100
The Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center collects and preserves artifacts and other historical materials relating to the history and heritage of North Carolina in a local, regional, national, and international context to assist people in understanding how the past influences the present.
Museum Of North Carolina Minerals
Milepost 331
Blue Ridge Parkway
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 765-2761
The Museum of North Carolina Minerals highlights the area’s rich mineral resources and the mining heritage. Discover hands-on, interactive exhibits that explore the creation of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the 3,000-year-old saga of mining.
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