Wilkes Heritage Museum

Among the many historical highlights on exhibit at the Wilkes Heritage Museum in Wilkesboro, NC, visitors can learn about the roots of NASCAR racing, moonshining, the history of Lowe's Companies, and the story of Tom Dooley. Junior Johnson's first racecar is on exhibit, as is a moonshine still from the 1800s.  Seats from the North Wilkesboro Speedway, pieces of Kennedy pottery, artifacts related to black history, early industries, religion, and the military are all on exhibit. 

Guided tours include the museum, which is housed in the beautiful 1902 former Wilkes County Courthouse, the Old Wilkes Jail, and Robert Cleveland Log Home.  Built in 1859, the jail is one of the best examples of its type of architecture still in existence in North Carolina.  The Robert Cleveland Log Home was constructed in 1779 and is the oldest house still standing in Wilkes County. 

The Wilkes Heritage Museum also offers seasonal events including the Heritage Festival in June, Harvest Festival in the fall, and a Christmas Tea each December.  Ghost tours of the haunted sites in downtown Wilkesboro are given on select evenings in the summer and fall.  Tour groups are welcome and special activities are available for school groups. 

Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Saturday   10am-4pm

Admission Fees
Tickets are $5, students K-college and seniors 55 and older $4, and children under 5 are admitted free.  Prices include admission to the Wilkes Heritage Museum, tours of which are self-guided, but the admission fee includes guided tours of the Old Wilkes Jail and Robert Cleveland Log Home.  Guided tours are offered at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm Tuesday through Saturday. There are additional charges for some special events.  Call for details. 
*Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on this website.

Location 
In the old white courthouse in downtown Wilkesboro, NC.  From Hwy 421, take exit 286B.  Head East on Main Street toward downtown.  Museum is approximately 2 miles on the left in the old white courthouse.

Wilkes Heritage Museum
100 East Main Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
336-667-3171
http://www.wilkesheritagemuseum.com/