Downtown Hayesville

The Clay County Historical and Arts Council Museum Hayesville NC

As the county seat of Clay County, Hayesville combines small-town charm with the beauty of mountains, lakes, rivers and streams. Opportunities for camping, golf, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and water sports are plentiful.  Lake Chatuge has over 130 miles of shoreline, much of which can never be developed.  The artists' community is diverse and growing. Whether you come for a day, a week or a lifetime, you will always find new activities and new places to explore.
The Clay County Historical and Arts Museum is housed in the Old County Jail Museum which was constructed in 1912 and used as a jail until 1972. The Museum displays items pertinent to the history of the area through changing exhibits. Visitors will enjoy the many pictures of life as it was in the old days, school house artifacts, a collection of farm equipment and Indian artifacts from a local excavation.
Nearby there is horseback riding at Chucky Gal Stables and close up petting opportunities at Jenny's Farm, a working Alpaca Farm.
Scenic beauty abounds with views of Tusquittee Mountain and Fires Creek Recreation Area, a picturesque recreation area in the Nantahala National Forest at the base of Leatherwood Falls. This area offers hiking and horseback riding trails and a camping area where horses are acceptable.
Jack Rabbit Mountain Recreation Area and Campground is on a wooded peninsula of Lake Chatuge. Operated seasonally and offers campsites, a lovely beach area, picnicking, boating access, modern sanitary facilities, drinking water, playground, barbecue pits, horseshoes, pavilions and a hiking trail.
Goldhagen Glass Art Studio highlights the unique works of David Goldhagen, internationally known artist.

Cherokee Homestead Exhibit - Hayesville NC

The site includes a Cherokee summer house, winter house, and corn crib, designed to conform to the historical record regarding late 16th century to 18th century Cherokee structures. It also displays public art, representing elements of Cherokee heritage and culture, including clan masks, mural panels and contemporary and historic quotes. The opening recognized the many people who contributed to the exhibit and provided the public with information about Cherokee history and demonstrations of Cherokee culture.http://ncmtnchamber.com

The Clay County Historical & Arts Council Museum is housed in the Old County Jail which was constructed in 1912 and used as a jail until 1972. The Museum displays items pertinent to the history of the area through changing exhibits. Visitors will enjoy the many pictures of life as it was in the old days, school house artifacts, a collection of farm equipment and Indian artifacts from a local excavation. The museum is dedicated to the memory of Dr. John Killian, a beloved turn of the century doctor in Clay County. The Museum houses a replica of the office of Dr. Paul Killian and many of his medical implements.
Address: 21 Davis Loop, Hayesville, NC 28904, 1 block from the square
Telephone: (828)389-6814
Hours: Opens for the season on Saturday, May 26.
    Then open Tue. - Sat. 10AM - 4PM through Labor Day
    After Labor Day open Fri. & Sat. 10AM - 4PM through Sept. and Oct.