All industrial & heritage museums to visit in North Carolina

Explore the impact of industry on society at 15 industrial heritage museums in North Carolina. These museums showcase the history of manufacturing, technology, and labor.

Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in North Carolina:

  1. Currituck Beach Lighthouse1

    Currituck Beach Lighthouse

     Corolla, NC
    The 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.
  2. Oak Island Light2

    Oak Island Light

     Oak Island, NC
    The 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.
  3. Sullenberger Aviation Museum3

    Sullenberger Aviation Museum

     Charlotte, NC
    The 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.
  4. Imagination Station Science & History Museum4

    Imagination Station Science & History Museum

     Wilson, NC
    The 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.
  5. New Hope Valley Railway5

    New Hope Valley Railway

     New Hill, NC
    The 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.
  6. C Grier Beam Truck Museum6

    C Grier Beam Truck Museum

     Cherryville, NC
    The 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.
  7. NC Transportation Museum7

    NC Transportation Museum

     Spencer, NC
    The 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.
  8. West Point Mill8

    West Point Mill

     Durham, NC
    The 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.
  9. Wilmington Railroad Museum9

    Wilmington Railroad Museum

     Wilmington, NC
    Wilmington used to be the headquarters for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad for over 100 years. That's why the interesting museum is here.
  10. Museum of the Cape Fear10

    Museum of the Cape Fear

     Fayetteville, NC
    The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, opened in 1988, is a regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. It is dedicated to the history and cultural heritage of southern North Carolina and is located in Fayetteville. This museum provides a comprehensive overview of the region's past, making it a valuable destination for those interested in understanding the area's history.
  11. Textile Heritage Museum11

    Textile Heritage Museum

     Glen Raven, NC
    The 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.
  12. 12

    Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana

     Murfreesboro, NC
    The Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana, located in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, is a unique museum operated by the Murfreesboro Historical Association. This museum is a testament to American history, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts from the 1850s to the 1950s.
  13. 13

    Asheville radio Museum

     Asheville, NC
    This museum is for those who love all the radio stuff. Here they find various vintage pieces.
  14. 14

    National Railroad Museum And Hall Of Fame

     Hamlet, NC
    The 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.
  15. 15

    Hickory Aviation Museum

     Long View, NC
    The 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.