Museum of North Carolina Minerals — Attraction in North Carolina

The museum is small, but has some interesting displays. The part we liked the best were the 5 (tire-sized) rocks outside the museum that we could touch and explore. The sunlight made it easy to see the different parts of the rocks that were described in each plaque. Inside, the museum worker was very friendly. In my opinion, the displays need to be updated and made easier to read. Some of the rocks were missing. I couldn't focus on learning about the geology of the area because I felt that the informational displays were a bit jumbled together, and the space small. Geology is one of my favorite topics to study, so I took the time to try to read all I could in the displays while I was there. But my family quickly lost interest and went back outside to visit the 5 rocks again. I'm sure it is difficult to share so much history, and so much information in one small space. But the little bit I learned was worth the stop. Our favorite was the magnetite...

It's now more for kids. I used to like it more the way it was a decade ago, but the fact is, families with grade school kids will get a lot more out of its push the button displays than the more high school level geology exhibits if the past. So I feel I owe at start treating, as the work they've done is excellent for the younger audience.

This also means if the youngsters in the back are getting restless, this is now an even better reason to pull off the parkway 200 yards and visit the museum, stretch, and appreciate the unseen parts of how the minerals are part of what is in the vehicle your are driving, from iron to silicon chips.

The museum isn't huge, 30-45 minutes and you've read all the exhibit material. It is so will done that it's still worth your while. If only for amusement, watch if the kiddies enjoy the button pushing exhibits enough that they feel a need to get seconds and...

Actual hours per website, not whatever Google says 10-5 Museum of North Carolina Minerals (Milepost 331) The Museum of North Carolina Minerals highlights the rich mineral resources & the mining heritage of this portion of the Blue Ridge. The museum has interactive & experiential exhibits for children & adults. This area, called Gillespie Gap, was also significant in the American Revolution, where frontiersmen from the mountains known as the "Overmountain Men" crossed the Blue Ridge on their way to the Battle of Kings Mountain. Hours & Seasons Every Day:10:00 AM–5:00 PM Museum of North Carolina Minerals is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm. Please check the Calendar of Events page to see our schedule of Ranger Programs. The Museum of North Carolina Minerals will be closed for lunch Mondays through Thursdays from 12:30 pm to 1 pm.

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