Split between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to stunning natural beauty. It is also a great place to see artifacts from the Southeast’s rich history. Just a short drive away from our Murphy NC cabin rentals, the Mountain Farm Museum and the Mingus Mill are two excellent historic attractions near the Oconaluftee visitor center in Cherokee, NC.
Mountain Farm Museum
The Mountain Farm Museum is made up of a number of historic log buildings, including a house, barn, springhouse, applehouse, and smokehouse. These buildings were constructed throughout the Smoky Mountains during the late 19th century, and were moved to their present location in the 1950s. It can be found at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on the NC side of the Smoky Mountains.
One of the highlights of the Mountain Farm Museum is the working blacksmith shop. At this shop, visitors will be able see how blacksmiths made iron and steel objects 100 years ago. The Davis House is another unique attraction at the museum. This dwelling is one of the only remaining log houses in the Smokies made from chestnut wood, because the American Chestnut was decimated by blight in the 1930s and 1940s.
Mingus Mill
Located a half mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Mingus Mill uses a water-powered turbine rather than a water wheel to power its machinery. This historic grist mill was built in 1886 at the present location, and still contains a working cast iron turbine. Visitors to the mill will be able watch an expert miller demonstrate the process of grinding corn into cornmeal. Guests are even able to purchase freshly ground cornmeal and other products at the mill.
After an exciting day exploring the past at the Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill, you will be ready to retire to our Murphy NC cabin rentals. Mountain Country Cabin Rentals offers luxurious lodging close to all of the best attractions in western North Carolina and the Smoky Mountains. With hot tubs, internet access and stunning mountain views, Mountain Country Cabin Rentals has everything you need for an incredible vacation. Visit our Cabins page to learn about all of our great properties!
