Museums in the Sandhills

The Sandhills area is home to a wide variety of museums, offering something for every interest, from golf and local history to arts and culture.

Each one captures stories of the past while connecting them to the present and future, making every visit both educational and inspiring.

82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum

Discover the legacy of America’s paratroopers at the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum in Fayetteville, NC. Explore exhibits spanning from World War I to today, view artifacts and immersive displays, and step outside to see aircraft and vehicles up close at the Airborne Airpark. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and a tribute to the bravery of the “All American” Division.

82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum

Bryant House

Visit the Bryant House and McLendon Cabin near Carthage to step back into Moore County’s early days. The 1760 McLendon Cabin, the county’s oldest standing structure, sits beside the 1820 Bryant House, a farmhouse reflecting the region’s growth and prosperity. Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into pioneer life and local history.

Bryant House

Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame

Founded in 1981, the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have contributed to the game of golf and have a connection to the Carolinas. The plaques commemorating all of the inductees are housed in the convention hall of the Carolina Hotel of Pinehurst Resorts. The Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame is under the care of the Carolinas Golf Association.

Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame

Caption: Carolinas Golf Association Hall of Fame

Carthage Museum

Discover the story of Carthage at the Carthage Museum, where local history comes alive through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. Learn about the town’s days as a buggy-manufacturing hub, explore its agricultural and community heritage, and connect with the traditions that shaped Moore County.

Carthage Museum

Discovery Place Kids in Rockingham

Discovery Place Kids in Rockingham is a hands-on children’s museum where kids learn through play. Interactive exhibits and imaginative activities inspire creativity, curiosity, and discovery for families with young children.

Discovery Place Kids in Rockingham

Malcolm Blue Farm

Malcolm Blue Farm in Aberdeen is a 1825 farmhouse and museum that showcases early Scottish settler life in the Sandhills. Visitors can explore the historic home, outbuildings, and exhibits that highlight the region’s agricultural and cultural heritage.

Malcolm Blue Farm

Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery

Dedicated to preserving and perpetuating a 200 year-old pottery tradition, staff at the museum strive to educate new generations about the history and beauty of the pottery made in and around Seagrove, North Carolina.

Pottery Museum

Rankin Museum of American Heritage

The Rankin Museum of American Heritage in Ellerbe, NC, highlights local history, natural history, and American cultural heritage. Exhibits range from Native American artifacts and early settlement life to wildlife displays and medical history, offering something for every visitor.

Rankin Museum of American Heritage

Sandhills Woman's Exchange

The Sandhills Woman’s Exchange in Pinehurst is a historic cabin and gift shop showcasing local crafts, handmade goods, and regional treasures. A community tradition since 1922, it’s a charming spot to shop, enjoy homemade treats, and experience the spirit of the Sandhills.

Sandhills Woman's Exchange

Shaw House

The Shaw House in Southern Pines is an 1820s homestead and museum that preserves the history of early Scottish settlers in the Sandhills. Filled with period furnishings and surrounded by historic outbuildings, it offers visitors a glimpse into life in 19th-century Moore County.

Shaw House

Southern Pines Welcome Center & Museum

The Welcome Center hosts a historic photo display of Southern Pines and offers maps, brochures and other publications outlining many of the cultural, recreational, and business offerings available in this unique town.

Southern Pines Welcome Center

Taxidermy Hall of Fame & Creation Museum

The Taxidermy Hall of Fame and Creation Museum in Southern Pines is a quirky, one-of-a-kind attraction featuring an extensive collection of mounted animals, oddities, and artifacts alongside exhibits reflecting creationist perspectives. It’s a unique stop that blends curiosity, history, and conversation.

Taxidermy Hall of Fame

World Golf Hall of Fame

The World Golf Hall of Fame in Pinehurst celebrates the legends of the game with historic artifacts, interactive exhibits, and a new Hall of Fame locker room experience. Located at Golf House Pinehurst, it offers fans a chance to connect with golf’s greatest moments and players.

World Golf Hall of Fame

Caption: Rendering of the World Golf Hall of Fame

The Tufts Archives

The Tufts Archives in Pinehurst preserves the history of Pinehurst Resort and the Sandhills, featuring rare photos, maps, documents, and artifacts—including treasures from famed golf course designer Donald Ross. It’s a must-visit for golf lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

The Tufts Archives

Caption: Tufts Archives

Town Creek Indian Mound

Town Creek Indian Mound in Mount Gilead, NC, is a preserved archaeological site that interprets the history and culture of the Pee Dee people who lived there over 1,000 years ago. Visitors can explore the reconstructed mound, village structures, and a museum with artifacts.

Town Creek Indian Mound

Weymouth Center Literary Hall of Fame

In ceremonies held at Weymouth Center May 18, 1996, fifteen North Carolinians were inducted into the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame, honoring their contributions to the rich literary heritage of the state. The first inductees included James Boyd, Paul Green, Bernice Kelly Harris, O. Henry, and Thomas Wolfe, among other notable North Carolina authors.

Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities