Plan Your Visit

This pioneer farmstead, tucked in the beautiful Reems Creek Valley, features a two-story log cabin "mansion," an original 1790s slave cabin, and five outbuildings. Furnished as it would have been in the 1830s, the site explores life in early Buncombe County as seen through the lives of the Vance family and enslaved people.

The Visitor Center contains a kid-friendly exhibit detailing the life of Gov. Zebulon Vance from his birth on the farm to his political service as Civil War Governor and post-Reconstruction Senator. 

Hours and Location

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

Admission

Admission is free
Donations are appreciated

Tours

Guided tours are offered throughout the day. Reservations are requested for group tours.

For a more in-depth experience take our Mountain Farmstead Tour! This guided tour takes visitors behind-the-scenes, starting with a step inside an original 1790s slave cabin. Guides uncover life in early Buncombe County as you walk the grounds and learn about the outbuildings necessary to maintain an approximately 900-acre farm. The tour concludes in the reconstructed 1790s pioneer cabin where visitors examine the mountain life that would shape one of North Carolina's governors, the impact of the Buncombe Turnpike, and the transition of the area from a society with enslaved people into a slave society. This tour is free, a $5 donation per family is encouraged. Tours are offered at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm, and last approximately one hour.

Tour schedule is subject to change. Due to the size of the buildings, space is limited. Please call in advance for large groups.

Group Reservations

Facilities

Historic Structures

Located in the picturesque Reems Creek Valley is the reconstructed two-story log house with original chimney (1795). The house is furnished with period furnishings. A tool house, loom house, smokehouse, slave cabin, spring house, and corncrib are also at the site.

Visitor Center

Exhibits outlining the life and career of Gov. Zebulon B. Vance, a fifteen-minute slide program, and an exhibit of traditional southern Appalachian crafts are featured in the visitor center.

Trails, Monuments, Outdoor Exhibit

Waysides on site illustrate important site features

Handicapped Accessibility

The visitor center and restrooms are accessible to all visitors. Wheelchair-accessible picnic tables are available. Access to the historic buildings is limited.

Picnic Facilities

An accessible picnic shelter and tables are located on the grounds.

Gift Shop

A sales desk is located in the visitor center with items related to Zebulon Vance and North Carolina history.

Programs, Group Activities

Annual events include Spring and Fall Pioneer Living Days held in April and September and a Christmas open house. Demonstrations and hands-on activities are available to scheduled school groups.