Bring the Whole Family to the Mountains for Plenty of Wholesome Fun
Pack the car, grab the kids and head for the mountains! Not only do we have lots of great outdoor activities, but we have several fun parks, the Heritage Museum, the Indian Village, the Outdoor Drama “Unto These Hills,” the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and train excursions on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Wholesome fun for all ages.
Rainy day? There’s still plenty to do in the Smokies. Check out 16 rainy day activities.
Want to bring the family dog? click here for dog-friendly activities (pdf)
Darnell Farms
Bryson City
NC
28713
A family-owned and operated farm for more than thirty years, that specializes in sustainably grown appalachian fruits and vegetables. Our farm is located on an oasis surrounded by the Tuckaseegee River, bring your family and let our farm be yours.
Swain County Heritage Museum
Bryson City
NC
28713
Located in the 1908 historic courthouse in downtown Bryson City, the museum tells the story of Swain County and its people. Through photos, exhibits and video you will learn about the life of early settlers; and how the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Dam rewrote the landscape and changed lives. You will enjoy seeing the restored log cabin porch, the 1887 church organ and one-room schoolhouse desks, and children’s activity area among other items. The museum is open daily, 9 am – 6 pm. Jan-Mar, 10 am – 5 pm. Free admission. Free parking behind the courthouse. Take a virtual tour.
Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine
Cherokee
NC
28719
Choose from a wide variety of bags and buckets; all equipment is furnished for free. All gem mining and gold panning troughs are covered and offer seating. Bring your gems to the assay office for identification and then utilize the lapidary and jeweler for polishing and setting. And don’t forget to visit the gem, gift, and rock shop before you go. Open year round.
Down Memory Lane Toy Museum
Franklin
NC
28734
Jim and Sandy have been collecting toys for over years. The collection consists of a large selection of Studebaker cars, trucks, and military equipment. Sandy’s collection of construction equipment numbers about 200 or so pieces. There is a sizable collection of other toys, dolls, and doll accessories, pedal cars and ride on toys such the red horse.
Smoky Mountain Community Theatre
Bryson City
NC
28713
Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month, Marianna Black Library
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Bryson City
NC
28713
Nantahala Outdoor Center’s main campus is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River, just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts since 1972, NOC’s 500-acre adventure campus boasts plenty of excitement to keep your entire group happy and active, whether you spend the day or a week! Whitewater raft, zipline, mountain bike and hike, and explore Lake Fontana in a rental kayak or SUP. In between adventures, check out NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, onsite shopping, and spend the night in a cozy trailside cabin!
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
Franklin
NC
28734
Located in Franklin, NC, this 1,500 seat state-of-the-art facility presents the finest in performing arts to the surrounding towns. Performances will include passion plays, musical productions, professional drama troupes, dance and choral festivals, recitals, and various genres including country, bluegrass, gospel, pop, contemporary Christian and more.
Fun Factory in the Smokies
Franklin
NC
28734
A 56,000-square-foot family entertainment center with 100+ arcade games, mini golf, the area’s largest go cart track, bowling, laser tag, pizza buffet, fine dining and more!
Xscape Bryson City
Bryson City
NC
28713
Brand new to Bryson City is the new Escape Room Games called Xscape Bryson City. With two different themed rooms that will blow your mind. You will be transported to another world when you enter. You must work together to solve puzzles to “escape” the room.
Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians
Bryson City
NC
28713
Through exhibits and videos you’ll learn about fly fishing legends, the evolution of rods and reels, basic knots, fly-tying, types of gear, types of gamefish, regional fishing waters, and the history of fly fishing in the Southeast. Admission is Free. Open 9 am – 6 pm, Mon-Sat. Take a virtual tour
Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians
Bryson City
NC
28713
An organization that is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the Southern Appalachians through the art of storytelling and the making of crafts. We bring the history of the Southern Appalachians to life.
Deep Creek Tube Center Mining Company
Bryson City
NC
28713
Only gem mine in Bryson City. Located at Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground; open April through October. Different size bags of gem dirt for sale at the campground store. Covered flume allows you to mine rain or shine. Who knows what you might find!
Cherokee Historical Association
Cherokee
NC
28719
CHA presents the Oconaluftee Indian Village & the outdoor drama Unto These Hills. Visit the recreated 1750s-era Cherokee Village. Regular tours by Cherokee guides present history, crafts, early homes and demonstrations of beadwork, pottery, blowguns, and much more in a beautiful forest setting. Mid-May through October. Unto These Hills tells the history of the Cherokee people from about 1540 through their forced removal from this area in the late 1830s. June-August; check the website for exact dates. General admission seating.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Bryson City
NC
28713
Scenic rail excursions through a remote corner of North Carolina into river gorges, across valleys and through tunnels carved out of mountains. Excursions include Nantahala Gorge, Dinosaur Train, Polar Express, Mystery Theatre Dinner Train and other themed events. Your excursion includes admission to Smoky Mountains Train Museum, with its collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, impressive operating layout and children’s activity center.
Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo
Cherokee
NC
28719
Located 3 miles east of Cherokee on US 19. See Santa and his elves, browse through gift shops and exhibits, and visit the domestic and exotic animals in the zoo. Santa’s Land also features rides, picnic facilities, and eating establishments. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm from March 31st through October 31st. $19.99, children under 2 free.
Carolina Bound Adventures Family Attractions
Almond
NC
28702
Carolina Bound Adventures offers multiple family friendly adventures like guided hiking, beginner mountain biking, guided backpacking and camping, (We’ve got all of the gear!) and Kids Adventures. Save time making reservations and do it all at one website! Our adventure planning and reservation concierge service consolidates your vacation research and planning in one place. Visit our website, choose your desired adventures and we’ll make the reservations plus set up your itinerary!
Nantahala River Gem Mine
Bryson City
NC
28713
Gemstone material comes from both the local area, and from mines all over the world. Some gems you may find include rubies, emeralds, sapphires, garnets, topaz, amethyst, rose quartz and many more!
Smoky Mountain Trains Museum
Bryson City
NC
28713
The museum boasts a collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, impressive operating layout and children’s activity center. Admission is free with your train ticket; otherwise adults $9; 12 and under $5; under 2 free. Open daily (seasonal hours will change). Not open Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day or New Year’s Eve.
The Great Smoky Mountains have been named by Yahoo Travel as one of the Ten Best Spots for Fall Leaf Color in the USA. And how better to see the leaves than on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, chosen by CNN as a great fall foliage train ride.
Other media mentions about Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce
210 Main Street
P.O. Box 509
Bryson City, NC 28713
Karen Proctor Wilmot
Executive Director
800-867-9246 toll-free
828-488-3681 local
828-488-6858 fax
Free 2018 Travel Guide to the Smokies — Includes the Official 2018 All Aboard for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
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