The Museum offers displays that feature the formation of the Appalachian Mountains, Native American artifacts, settlement of the area, as well as an exhibit on Daniel Boone. Another exhibit relates the family history of Judith Barber, a
Wilkes County woman born into slavery in 1822. Exhibits on the natural environment, mountain music, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Jack tales,
Grandfather Mountain, mountain families, handicrafts, moonshining, the Civil War, and early industry are of interest to young and old alike. There is even a turn-of-the-century general store, stocked with period items, as well as a post office complete with mail. A series of exhibits on tourism, including skiing, the Land of Oz theme park, and Winston-Cup NASCAR racing cars, brings the museum into the present.