Museum of North Carolina Minerals - Spruce Pine, NC - Hands-On Mineral Displays

A joint project between the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development and the National Park Service, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals opened in 1956. The exhibits at the Museum focus on the economic uses and benefits of the minerals that are found in the mining district of Spruce Pine and in other areas throughout the state of North Carolina.

There are more than 300 known varieties of rocks and minerals that can be found in North Carolina. The mining district of Spruce Pine is so rich in minerals that many of these 300 varieties can be found within Spruce Pine's mining district. The mining district of Spruce Pine includes Avery County, Mitchell County, and Yancey County.

The exhibits at the Museum actually went unaltered for 46 years. In 2002, the Museum was renovated, and nearly one million dollars were spent on the renovations. The renovations included the addition of new exhibits and also expanded the Museum's mission.

The exhibits added in 2002 explain several different concepts and processes. One such exhibit explains how mountains were formed millions of years ago by the geological process. Another exhibit explains why an abundance of minerals resulted in the geological activity of the Linville Falls Fault.

The Museum contains several additional exhibits, which are geared towards educating visitors about minerals and topics related to or dealing with minerals. The "Mineral Mart'' exhibit explains what role minerals mined in North Carolina play in relation to the state's economy as well as to the economy of the region and the world. Another exhibit details what minerals actually are, how they are identified, and how they are classified. "Enter the Mine'' is an exhibit that explains how minerals are mined, how they are processed, and also how they are incorporated into the manufacturing of a variety of products.

The Museum features hands-on displays about minerals that have been found nearby, like copper, kaolin, and gold. Large sheets of mica are also displayed at the Museum in translucent, shimmering layers. One display at the Museum glows because of an assortment of fluorescent rocks that are under a black light while another display features radioactive minerals.

Information at the Museum is designed to educate visitors about essential terms, such as "gemstone,'' "mineral,'' and "rock.'' These terms are defined. In addition, visitors learn about fundamental earth concepts, which are explained using metaphors and analogies. Exhibits are designed to be both educational and entertaining.

Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 331, the Museum is open seven days a week from 9:00am to 5:00pm. There is no charge for admission to the Museum. The Museum is at Gillespie Gap, which was a stop for militia on the way to the Battle of Kings Mountain during the Revolutionary War. The Museum also provides information on this famous battle, and the campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain is reenacted every September the Museum or elsewhere at Gillespie Gap.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has established an endowment that supports the continued operation of the Museum and the Museum's programs. Additional information about the Museum of North Carolina Minerals can be obtained by calling the Museum directly at 828-765-2761.