With the lifting of North Carolina's Stay-at-Home order, we at The President James K. Polk State Historic Site are excited to resume limited operations. Our site grounds will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. Restrooms will be available.

While the visitor center and the historic cabins are not currently open to the public, we will have a brochure for self-guided exploration of our historic kitchen garden, a scavenger hunt to use on the grounds, and a photographic tour of our cabins available for visitors. These materials will be available in both physical print and digital versions. We will also be offering a Garden Talk with our Assistant Site Manager on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Pre-registration is requested for this program.

 

Guests are encouraged to observe the "Three W's" during their visit: Wear a cloth mask over your nose and mouth; Wait 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact; Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. We look forward to your return to the President James K. Polk State Historic Site.

This site is located on land once owned by the parents of James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. president. The state historic site commemorates significant events in the Polk administration: the Mexican-American War, settlement of the Oregon boundary dispute, and the annexation of California. Historic log buildings, including a kitchen, main house, and pack house, give visitor's the chance to immerse themselves in 18th and early-19th century life in the Backcountry. The visitor center features a film on Polk's life and exhibits on his family and tumultuous presidency.

Hours and Location

Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and most major holidays

12031 Lancaster Highway (P. O. Box 475)
Pineville, NC 28134

Admission

Admission is free
Donations are appreciated

Guided Tours

There is no charge for a guided tour for families or groups of less than 10 people. Tours take approximately 25 minutes and include visits to the Main House and Kitchen House. Tours are limited to 10 people each. Please signup for the next available tour at the front desk. Please note that the safety of both our visitors and the artifacts in our care is our greatest concern and, therefore, inclement weather (including rain, wind, ice, snow, extreme heat) may impact the availability of tours.

Tuesday - Friday: guided tours leave from the Visitor Center at 11:00 and 3:00.

Saturday: guided tours leave from the Visitor Center at 10:00, 12:00, 2:00, and 4:00.

If your group contains more than 10 people a reservation is required and a fee will apply.

Group Reservations

Facilities

Historic Structures

The historic log cabins are typical of those during Polk’s childhood. The kitchen and house are authentically furnished with period pieces from the early 1800s.

Visitor Center

The visitor center features exhibits on the life and times of President Polk. A short video tells of his accomplishments.

Trails, Monuments, Outdoor Exhibits

The Mecklenburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution erected a stone monument at the site in 1904. It was the first monument dedicated in North Carolina to the eleventh president.

Handicapped Accessibility

The visitor center and restrooms are accessible to all visitors. The path to the historic area may require assistance. There are three steps to enter the house and kitchen.

Picnic Facilities

Seven picnic tables are available at the site.

Gift Shop

A sales desk is located in the visitor center containing items related to James K. Polk.

Programs, Group Activities

Special events are held on the grounds throughout the year. Special programs and activities are planned for scheduled school groups upon request.