Discover Mystery Hill: A Unique North Carolina Family Attraction
Supposedly, the Mystery Hill hillside is a gravitational anomaly that has been documented as far back as the Revolutionary War. It was converted from an apple orchard to a roadside attraction in the 1950’s and has been going strong ever since.
NORTH CAROLINA
For families seeking a unique and entertaining day trip from Charlotte, Mystery Hill offers a compelling blend of optical illusions, history, and hands-on fun. Located just off Highway 321 between Blowing Rock and Boone, this roadside attraction is approximately a two-hour scenic drive from Charlotte, featuring stunning mountain views along the way.
Originally an apple orchard, the site was transformed into a public attraction in the 1950s based on local lore of a "gravitational anomaly" documented since the Revolutionary War. Today, the facility is a classic piece of Americana that includes several distinct areas: a Hall of Mystery, two museums, gem mining, a café, and a gift shop.
Key Attractions at Mystery Hill
The Hall of Mystery
The main draw is the guided tour of the Hall of Mystery, which explores the property's history and demonstrates its "famous" gravitational effects. Visitors can experience balls rolling uphill, water flowing upward, and other disorienting optical illusions.
Note: The unusual sensations in the anomaly room may cause slight dizziness for some guests.
Appalachian Heritage Museum
Housed in the restored Dougherty House, which was relocated from Appalachian State University in 1989, this museum offers a glimpse into turn-of-the-20th-century life. The building is filled with authentic antiques, including period furniture, books, and toys, providing an educational contrast to modern living. My kids and I spend the majority of our time wandering the museum, which resembles an old antique shop.
Native American Artifact Museum
This collection features over 50,000 artifacts, primarily arrowheads, gathered by collectors Moon and Irene Mullins across more than 20 states. The exhibit is notably extensive and offers significant historical interest.
The Bubble Room
A highlight for visitors of all ages, this interactive space allows for creative play with bubbles, including a station where guests can encase themselves inside a giant bubble. Even my older child enjoyed playing in the giant bubbles!
Things to Know
The on-site café offers coffee, lattes, and other beverages, which can be particularly welcome given the typically cooler mountain temperatures in Boone compared to Charlotte. The gift shop stocks a variety of souvenirs, including rock candy and novelty items...think a Cracker Barrel gift shop.
Due to its proximity to popular High Country destinations like Blowing Rock and Boone, a visit to Mystery Hill can easily be combined with a weekend getaway.
And if you want to stay the night, cabin rentals are available locally, including some options listed on the Mystery Hill website.
In short...
While the experience may not warrant frequent repeat visits for local families, Mystery Hill a memorable and amusing destination for a day of family-friendly exploration and quirky fun.