I love it here. I am a very science-y girl, I love anything to do with science and medicine. So, of…read morecourse, I started coming here a few years ago. The planetarium shows are gorgeous, my particular favorite was one about monarch butterfly migration. The Aquarium and reptile section is so cool, you get to see these massive tortoises and an alligator named Lucy, pet sting rays, fish of all kinds, etc. You can also explore the human body section and the physics section, where you can play on a special pulley system on a physics playground. There is also a section with insects where you can take a closer look at different types of preserved butterflies. And, every three years or so, they hold a butterfly exhibit where you can watch the butterflies flutter about. They'll even give you some sugar water on your finger, and butterflies will come flocking to you and even land on you! I had the privilege of being present for it last year and butterflies landed on me left and right, I absolutely felt like Snow White! All in all, the Catawba Science Center is a family friendly learning environment that is perfect for field trips of all kinds. You won't regret visiting!

The Catawba Science Center is located next to the Hickory Art Museum in the SALT complex so I…read morestopped here too. It was about $15 to visit the museum. I had reciprocity but didn't think to ask about it and they didn't ask like is done at the other museums. The Science Center was on the small side and a lot of the exhibits were out of order. The exhibits they had seemed geared more to younger children. So there wasn't a lot there. I never found my way to the aquarium as that is apparently in another building and that was not mentioned. The planetarium show wasn't starting until 2pm so that was disappointing. I will go back with my reciprocity to see the building I missed.

We went awhile back to see Charlotte and were sorely disappointed. Hearing of her death today…read morereminded me I had forgotten to write a review. This location is privately run and not for educational purposes. More like going to a friends house to see their pets. Please consider going to an aquarium run by scientists for educational purposes.

I want to say this has been one of the highlights of my family trip. When your 16 yo his 17 yo best…read morefriend and wife all agree on this fact it says something. As adults we have this tendency to say "if I knew then what I knew now, I'd have paid more attention in school!" Well here's your chance. This tiny aquarium will impart more knowledge in a short visit than you probably take in most months if you take advantage of it. The interns and owner (a former teacher) are committed to answering questions. The things they are studying and sharing are amazing. If you go in and you want to learn and ask questions this will be an experience you won't forget. Think of the best science teacher you ever had, having an opportunity to show the world what she loves to talk about... and that is what you have here. Do yourself a favor, go, enjoy and learn!!

While in Hickory, I knew I had to make a stop at the Harper House. After you drive up the driveway,…read morethere is a free parking for you to use on the property. When you arrive for your tour, you do need to go to the Lyerly House (Hickory History Center) to check in and pay rather than the Harper House. (I do think they want you to schedule an appointment to tour the house even though I just showed up and asked for a tour as I didn't know about needing an appointment then) I don't have much background in Hickory's history so I wasn't sure what to expect with the Harper House. From the minute I walked in the house, I was wowed. It is said to be the finest Queen Anne home in the state and I think I'd agree with that statement. The house was built in 1887 by Daniel Webster Schuler who founded Hickory's first bank. The Harper's acquired the house in 1923 and three generations of the family lived in the house. In 2000, Catawba County took ownership of the house and started to restoring it to its original Victorian decor. The architecture is just amazing and unique in this house from the fish scale shingles to the spindles on the porch railing to the pebble dashing to the stained glass windows to the cherry staircase to the winged Mercury on the stair post to the parquet floors. The ornate details are there. I hadn't seen wallpaper before on the ceilings or various patterns used together. One room had at least 13 different patterns in the design. The furnishings are elegant to show off their luxury. It is a little overwhelming. The draperies are beautiful and the chandeliers are amazing but it is a lot. The attic was a fun surprise as that is the speakeasy used during Prohibition and the Harpers required they get a silhouette on the wall. I highly recommend touring the Harper House as you are in for a treat with this gem.

Lovely Victorian house. Nice way to spend an hour or two. The guide had a lot of knowledge about…read morethe entire history of the home & the exhibit in the office building on polio was very interesting.

The Catawba County Museum of History is located in a 1924 Courthouse. Museums in historic buildings…read moreare always neat. Parking was easy to find around the courthouse. Admission to the museum is free but they had a box for donations. This was a strange museum visit for me as I didn't encounter a soul. When I entered I heard the door chimes and there was a sign to check in at the guestbook then I went through the first level of the building as I wasn't sure where I was allowed and not allowed to be. It appears more exhibits were on the second floor. Some of the exhibits appeared to be missing in some of the rooms so might be getting restored or a new exhibit is getting ready to go in. But then there were some really nice exhibits on dairy farming; medicine and polio; minerals and mining of gemstones was another. They have the largest carved sapphire in a case. Some of the exhibits rotate so I might get back for a return visit.

Its was a great experience with my kids. Its was free but can donate if you want too. Very quite…read moreplace and interesting learning about this catawba county. It's even have a little place for kids to play too. Would definitely come and visit again.

The Hickory Museum of Art is located at the SALT complex which was once a high school gymnasium…read more Both admission and parking are free and if the lot in front is full there is a huge lot in the back. Hickory Museum of Art just celebrated its 80th Anniversary. The museum is on three levels and they have curvy staircases; regular staircases and an elevator. I used each during my visit as the curvy stairs made me dizzy so I opted for the elevator to the 3rd floor and found the regular stairs. Besides in the big open spaces there is also art to be found in the nooks and crannies of the art portion of the building. There are also hands on areas for children. I really enjoyed the In Memoriam exhibit of Joe LaFone. I do not believe I had seen his work before but I loved the vibrant colors of the work as well as the textures. It grabbed my attention and made me smile. I believe there are permanent and changing exhibits so that means a return trip to see the new artwork and discover another artist new to me.

I'm surprised that I'm getting the FTR on this wonderful museum. While it's not MOMA or the Getty,…read moreit's a great museum in a small town that is an exurb of Charlotte. Five stars because it's in a category all by itself. Y'all need to make the trip up here! The Hickory Museum of Art has a long-term exhibition of Southern contemporary folk art, showcasing the work of self-taught artists from around the region. North Carolina's second oldest museum, Hickory Museum of Art was established in 1944 when visionary founding Director, Paul Whitener, declared, "I am going to make Hickory, North Carolina an art center." Hickory Museum of Art first earned national accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 1991. The museum is free to enter though they of course accept donations. When I visited, only the first and third floors were accessible as the second floor is currently having a changeover of exhibitions. You can easily tour the entire place in an hour. Today, the museum's permanent collection includes approximately 1,500 art objects, ranging from Hudson River School paintings, American art pottery, Glass Art, High-Speed Photography, and the work of regional artists. The third floor of "folk art" was interesting and enjoyable though not the type of art that I usually look for. On the first floor, more landscapes and portraits and a few pieces of contemporary art. Definitely more my speed. The museum has free parking and if you've come this far, check out the Ivey Arboretum two blocks away which features 50 different species of trees and plantings plus a few pieces of public sculpture, https://www.yelp.com/biz/ivey-arboretum-at-sally-fox-park-hickory?hrid=7Ncg9GcUykd7nIRM-MopeA. The museum shares the space with the Catawba Science Center. [Review 15882 overall - 3098 in North Carolina - 1386 of 2021.]

A very small intimate theater with enthusiastic staffing and surprisingly strong performers made…read morethis a great afternoon with a very nice lunch at the nearby depot.

From the owner: Hickory Community Theatre offers year-round LIVE entertainment with a season of full-length plays…read moreplus youth theatre, seniors' theatre, movie nights and several special events. There is something happening almost every weekend. Tickets can be purchased online for most events or by phone through our box office during the hours of Noon to 5pm, Tuesday through Friday.

Avajean is a very kind and helpful lady. As I've never…read morevisited the Depot, I have made a few purchases from their donated collection and have received quality items. One day I'm going to visit there.

I love railroads and decided to check out the Southeastern Narrow Gauge & Shortline Museum in…read moreNewton, NC. The museum is inside the former Newton Depot. Admission is free but donations are accepted. The museum is just open on Fridays and Saturdays. A narrow gauge railway is typically used in mountainous terrain and less populated communities as they are cheaper to build. They were used for mining, logging, quarrying, and moving agriculture products. Inside the museum you will see all of the artifacts and there are a lot of them. So much history in a small place. If you are passing through this area I highly recommend a stop at the museum.

A real gift of local artists from the area in downtown Hickory. Handmade fine crafts and art. I…read moreloved the assortment of hand made wood, metal and pottery that filled the store. It was almost like going in a museum of local art. I had a chance to spend some time talking to the owner while there and it was inspired by her late sister who was a gifted artist. She had one piece of art left from her sister on display in the store. The owner is a former occupational therapist who decided to commit to pursuing a dream that will include art lessons and the art of cooking later this year. Less than a year old, this is a gem of a local owned business you must stop in and see if in town.

From the owner: Turnip the Arts, a delightful gallery of handmade fine craft and art. Nestled between two great…read morerestaurants in the heart of Hickory, NC, you won't go hungry while out shopping. Turnip the Arts shows and sells handmade art work by artist from around the USA. You will find pottery, woodwork, glass work, jewelry, metal work, fiber art and a variety of soaps, lotions and candles. Turnip the Arts offers two series' of classes: Tastin' the Arts, classes in the culinary arts and, Makin' the Arts, classes in jewelry and other craft making. Come join us! For more information about the class schedules and how to sign up, like us on Facebook at Turnip the Arts to get notifications, or come by the gallery to give us your email address so we can send you updates and schedules.