Are you into science and technology and are you looking for the best science museums to visit in North Carolina? These are the ones:
1Wright Brothers National Memorial
Kill Devil Hills, NCThe Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center is a significant landmark located in Dare County, North Carolina. It serves as a tourist office, providing visitors with information and guidance about the memorial and its surroundings. The center is an integral part of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, offering insights into the history and significance of the Wright Brothers' achievements. 2Battleship North Carolina
Wilmington, NCThe USS North Carolina (BB-55) was a battleship of the North Carolina class of the United States Navy, leader of its class and the fourth ship to be named in honor of the state of North Carolina. This information is significant as it provides historical context about the ship, which is now a museum and memorial. 3Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Corolla, NCThe Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a significant landmark located on the Outer Banks in Corolla, North Carolina. It is situated within the Historic Corolla Park, making it a part of a larger historical and recreational area. The lighthouse offers a unique experience for visitors, with its unpainted brick facade standing out among its counterparts. 4Oak Island Light
Oak Island, NCThe Oak Island Lighthouse is an active lighthouse situated near the mouth of the Cape Fear River at Caswell Beach in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is a significant historical site, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since April 5, 2007. The lighthouse replaced the Cape Fear Lighthouse, a steel-framed structure on Bald Head Island, in May 1958. 5Bodie Island Lighthouse
Nags Head, NCThe Bodie Island Lighthouse that stands today is the third iteration of the lighthouse in this location on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. It was constructed in 1872, replacing two previous lighthouses that had been built and subsequently abandoned or destroyed. This historical context adds to the rich narrative of the lighthouse and its significance in the region. 6Discovery Place
Charlotte, NCDiscovery Place Science is a science and technology museum situated in Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina. It offers a variety of exhibits and interactive displays that cater to all ages, making it a great destination for families, school groups, or anyone with a curiosity for science and technology. 7Sullenberger Aviation Museum
Charlotte, NCThe Sullenberger Aviation Museum, previously known as the Carolinas Aviation Museum, is situated on the premises of Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina. This unique location makes it one of the few aviation museums located at a major hub airport. The museum was founded in 1992 and has since amassed a collection of over 50 static aircraft and numerous smaller historic items related to aviation in North Carolina and South Carolina. 8Museum of Life and Science
Durham, NCThe Museum of Life and Science, which was previously known as the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science and the NC Children's Museum, is a large science museum located in Durham, North Carolina. The museum spans an impressive 84 acres and offers a variety of exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages. 9Morehead Planetarium
Chapel Hill, NCThe Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, situated on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is one of the oldest and largest planetariums in the United States. It has a rich history and has welcomed over seven million visitors since its opening in 1949. The planetarium was used to train astronauts from the Gemini and Apollo programs in celestial navigation, making it a significant site in the history of space exploration. 10CSS Neuse Civil War Museum
Kinston, NCThe CSS Neuse was a significant vessel during the American Civil War, serving as a steam-powered ironclad ram for the Confederate States Navy. To avoid capture by the rapidly advancing Union Army forces, the ship was scuttled in the Neuse River. This historical event adds a layer of intrigue and historical significance to the vessel, making it an interesting point of interest for visitors. 11Imagination Station Science & History Museum
Wilson, NCThe Imagination Station Science & History Museum is an interactive museum situated in the heart of downtown Wilson, North Carolina at 224 Nash Street SE. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city, offering a unique blend of science and history through its various exhibits and programs. 12New Hope Valley Railway
New Hill, NCThe New Hope Valley Railway, located in Bonsal, North Carolina, is a heritage railroad operated by the North Carolina Railway Museum, Inc. This organization is an all-volunteer, nonprofit, and tax-exempt educational and historical entity. The railway serves as a testament to the rich history of rail transport in the region and offers a unique experience for visitors. 13C Grier Beam Truck Museum
Cherryville, NCThe C. Grier Beam Truck Museum, also known as Beam's Shell Service Station and Office, is a historic service station situated at 117 N. Mountain St. in Cherryville, Gaston County, North Carolina. This location is not just a museum but a piece of history, having been built around 1930 by the Shell Oil Company. The building itself is a one-story, rectangular Mission/Spanish Revival style structure, adding to its historic charm. 14Hendrick Motorsports
Concord, NCHendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR team based in Concord, North Carolina, is led by Rick Hendrick. This team has a rich history in the world of motorsports, making it an interesting destination for tourists who are fans of racing. 15North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame
Asheboro, NCThe North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame is home to a vast collection of static aircraft, uniforms, memorabilia, and aircraft models. These exhibits are spread across two hangars, providing visitors with a comprehensive look into the history and evolution of aviation. The museum's collection is dynamic, with exhibits changing periodically, ensuring that there's always something new to explore. 16Rural Hall Historic Train Depot
Rural Hall, NCThe Rural Hall Depot is a significant piece of history located in Rural Hall, Forsyth County, North Carolina. Constructed in 1888, it was originally built for the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railway. This historic train station offers a glimpse into the past and the rich history of rail transportation in the region. 17Kaleideum
Winston-Salem, NCCurrently, Kaleideum operates two locations, providing a variety of experiences for visitors. Kaleideum Downtown, formerly known as The Children's Museum of Winston-Salem, and Kaleideum North, previously SciWorks, each offer unique exhibits and programs. This allows visitors to choose the location that best suits their interests or even visit both to get the full Kaleideum experience. 18Catawba Science Center
Hickory, NC 19NC Transportation Museum
Spencer, NCThe North Carolina Transportation Museum, located in Spencer, North Carolina, is a comprehensive collection of automobiles, aircraft, and railway vehicles. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and evolution of various modes of transportation. 20Railroad House Museum
Sanford, NCThe Railroad House is a historic home situated in Sanford, Lee County, North Carolina. This significant structure was constructed in the year 1872, marking it as a piece of history that has stood the test of time. 21West Point Mill
Durham, NCThe West Point Mill, along with other historic structures, is preserved in the West Point on the Eno city park. This park is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its history and offers visitors a chance to explore these preserved structures and learn about their historical significance. 22Wilmington Railroad Museum
Wilmington, NCWilmington used to be the headquarters for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad for over 100 years. That's why the interesting museum is here. 2382nd Airborne Division War Memorial
Fayetteville, NCThe 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum is situated at the intersection of Ardennes and Gela Streets within the Fort Bragg Army base. This location is significant as it is the home of the 82nd Airborne Division, a key player in many of the conflicts the museum showcases. 24Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum
Fayetteville, NCToday, the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum is located in this historic building. The museum showcases the local history and transportation of the area. It features a model train room and a recreated station agent's office, providing a glimpse into the past. 25Greensboro Science Center
Greensboro, NCThe Greensboro Science Center, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a unique combination of a science museum and a zoological park. Established in 1957, the center has been a hub for scientific exploration and animal encounters for over six decades. Whether you're interested in learning about the natural world or getting up close with a variety of animals, the Greensboro Science Center offers a diverse range of experiences. 26Southeastern Narrow Gauge & Shortline Museum
Newton, NC 27Neuseway Nature Park
Kinston, NCThe Neuseway Nature Center and Planetarium houses a 52-seat planetarium, along with permanent exhibits that focus on public health, courtesy of Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Additionally, it features an exhibit of space memorabilia, donated by a former NASA engineer. These exhibits provide a comprehensive understanding of health and space exploration. 28Textile Heritage Museum
Glen Raven, NCThe Textile Heritage Museum, situated in Glencoe, North Carolina, is a history museum that provides a deep dive into the textile industry and the life in mill towns in North Carolina and the American south. This museum offers a unique opportunity to understand the historical context and significance of the textile industry in the region. 29Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
Rodanthe, NCThe Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station (CLSS) is a historical site located in Rodanthe, North Carolina. It was once a station for the United States Life-Saving Service and the United States Coast Guard. The station is situated on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks, a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and rich history.- 30
Kaleideum North
Winston-Salem, NC 31Model Railroad Center
Newton, NC- 32
The Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium
Sunset Beach, NCIngram Planetarium is a unique attraction located at Sunset Beach in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It offers a fascinating insight into the wonders of the universe, making it an interesting destination for tourists who have an interest in astronomy and space exploration. - 33
Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum
Raleigh, NCThe Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum is situated on the second floor of the Harley-Davidson dealership in Raleigh, North Carolina. This location makes it a unique destination for motorcycle enthusiasts and those interested in the history of drag racing. The museum's location within a dealership adds an extra layer of authenticity and connection to the Harley-Davidson brand. - 34
Curb Museum for Music and Motorsports
Kannapolis, NCThe Curb Museum for Music and Motorsports is a unique establishment that combines the worlds of music and NASCAR racing. Situated at 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the museum reflects the business interests and passions of its owner, Mike Curb. Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in the rich history of these two industries, gaining a deeper understanding of their impact and significance. - 35
Asheville museum of Science
Asheville, NCHouses renowned collection of gems and minerals, but its scope goes beyond geology. Kid friendly! - 36
Asheville radio Museum
Asheville, NCThis museum is for those who love all the radio stuff. Here they find various vintage pieces. - 37
Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology
Winston-Salem, NC - 38
Wheels Through Time
Maggie Valley, NCVery knowledgeable staff can make the visit more pleasant than usually. This museum is a must! - 39
CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center
Kinston, NC - 40
Caswell Number 1 Fire Station Museum
Kinston, NC - 41
Old Fort Railroad Museum
Old Fort, NC - 42
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
Beaufort, NC - 43
The Port o’ Plymouth Museum
Plymouth, NCThe Port O' Plymouth Museum, situated in Plymouth, North Carolina, is a repository of numerous artifacts from the American Civil War. These historical items provide a glimpse into the past, offering visitors an opportunity to understand the events and experiences of the Civil War era. - 44
Roanoke River Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
Plymouth, NC - 45
Children's Museum of Alamance County
Graham, NC - 46
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center
Harkers Island, NCExplore and admire the skills of local artists - decoy carving, boat building, traditional music, regional food. Authentic experience! - 47
Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail
Roanoke Rapids, NC - 48
National Railroad Museum And Hall Of Fame
Hamlet, NCThe National Railroad Museum and Hall of Fame, located in Hamlet, North Carolina, is a transportation museum that opened its doors to the public in 1976. The museum is situated next to a restored passenger station from the year 1900, providing a unique historical context for visitors. - 49
RCR Museum - Richard Childress Racing
Welcome, NC - 50
Richard Petty - Petty Museum
Pleasant Garden, NCThe Richard Petty Museum, located on Branson Mill Rd., in Level Cross, North Carolina, is a tribute to the Petty family's significant contribution to NASCAR. The museum offers a deep dive into the family's racing history, showcasing their achievements and impact on the sport. - 51
Hickory Aviation Museum
Long View, NCThe Hickory Aviation Museum is located at the Hickory Regional Airport in Hickory, North Carolina. This museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of aviation artifacts and aircraft. It provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of aviation and see a variety of aircraft up close. - 52
Ocracoke Working Watermens Exhibit
Ocracoke, NC - 53
Three College Observatory
Graham, NC