Harper House Hickory History Center
Explore North Carolina's finest Queen Anne Victorian home, featuring intricate details, a Prohibition speakeasy, and local history exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy quiet exploration
Harper House Hickory History Center
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy quiet exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore North Carolina's finest Queen Anne Victorian home, featuring intricate details, a Prohibition speakeasy, and local history exhibits.
"A true gem of North Carolina history, highly recommended for its stunning architecture and engaging stories."
Check-in at Lyerly House
Your tour starts at the Hickory History Center (Lyerly House) to check in and pay. :ticket:
No Photos Inside
Photography is generally not allowed inside the historic house. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Queen Anne Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Marvel at the state's finest Queen Anne interior, featuring intricate woodwork, stained glass, and unique wallpaper patterns.
Prohibition-Era Speakeasy
Attic
Discover the hidden attic speakeasy, complete with a unique silhouette wall, offering a glimpse into the Prohibition era.
Victorian Furnishings
Throughout the house
Admire elegant period pieces and ornate details that showcase the luxury and lifestyle of the Harper family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Stairs Are Part of the Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check-in at Lyerly House
Your tour starts at the Hickory History Center (Lyerly House) to check in and pay. :ticket:
No Photos Inside
Photography is generally not allowed inside the historic house. :camerawithflash:
Paranormal Activity?
Some visitors and staff report occasional unexplained occurrences. :ghost:
Rent for Events
The main building is available for weddings, meetings, and dinners. :wedding:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check-in at Lyerly House
Your tour starts at the Hickory History Center (Lyerly House) to check in and pay. :ticket:
No Photos Inside
Photography is generally not allowed inside the historic house. :camerawithflash:
Paranormal Activity?
Some visitors and staff report occasional unexplained occurrences. :ghost:
Rent for Events
The main building is available for weddings, meetings, and dinners. :wedding:
Explore the Basement
The Lyerly House basement has exhibits on Prohibition and NASCAR. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Harper House for its stunning Queen Anne architecture and beautifully preserved Victorian interior, calling it a gem of North Carolina history. The knowledgeable guides and unique exhibits, like the Prohibition speakeasy, are frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects of the tour. Some note the need for advance booking and the presence of stairs, but overall, it's highly recommended for a fascinating local history experience.
"Ran across the Harper House in Hickory on a rainy day! What a fun place to visit. The staff were awesome! The tour was great learning about the Harper House and all the history behind it. The tour lasted about a hour. Fyi.... you do need to be able to climb stairs for the tour. Not a lot, but there is a second floor and an attic area to tour as well as a basement. Also, at the main building there is more to tour in their basement, which does have an elevator and bathrooms there. The basement has much history on prohibition, Nascar, etc. There are some more rooms to tour over there and a little gift shop area.
They also rent that building out for small weddings, dinners, meetings, etc. They do have a kitchen area for things to be catered in. Very lovely!
Definitely a fun thing to do when you are in Hickory! Highly recommend!"
S Hamilton
"While in Hickory, I knew I had to make a stop at the Harper House. After you drive up the driveway, there is 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 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 them to get a silhouette on the wall.
I highly recommend touring the Harper House as you are in for a treat with this gem."
Rebecca M
"Beautiful! A sweet friend from my book club booked us a private tea party at the Harper House. The food and service were great. We were able to tour this beautiful, historic home. I highly recommend visiting the Harper House."
Mandy Ballentine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Harper House is located at 310 N. Center Street in Hickory, NC. Free parking is available on the property.
Yes, there is free parking available on the property.
Harper House is centrally located in Hickory, making it accessible on foot if you are in the downtown area.
Harper House is typically open Thursday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. It's always best to confirm hours before your visit.
While walk-ins may be accommodated, it is recommended to schedule an appointment for your tour to ensure availability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult admission is typically $10. Prices may vary for special events or private tours.
You need to check in and pay for your tour at the Lyerly House (Hickory History Center) before visiting the Harper House.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or groups is not widely available, but it's worth inquiring when booking.
Unfortunately, photography is not permitted inside the historic Harper House.
The main building (Lyerly House) has an elevator to its basement. However, the Harper House tour involves stairs to the second floor and attic.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
A guided tour of Harper House typically lasts between 45 minutes to an hour.
Harper House is a prime example of Queen Anne-style architecture, considered to have the finest Queen Anne interior in North Carolina.
The house showcases Victorian decor and furnishings, with specific exhibits in the basement covering Prohibition and NASCAR history.
Yes, there are reports of occasional unexplained occurrences and paranormal activity within the house.
The attic served as a speakeasy during the Prohibition era and features a unique silhouette wall.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Harper House itself does not serve food, but the main building (Lyerly House) has a kitchen area that can be used for catered events.
Yes, Harper House is located in downtown Hickory, which offers a variety of restaurants and dining options nearby.
The main building (Lyerly House) is available for rent for small weddings, dinners, and meetings.
For private events, catering is typically arranged, allowing for a variety of dining options.
Downtown Hickory has several cafes and coffee shops within walking distance of Harper House.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you are welcome to take photos of the exterior of Harper House.
The stunning Queen Anne architecture, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork offer many beautiful photo opportunities from the outside.
Morning light can be lovely for capturing the house's details. Consider visiting on a clear day for the best results.
Regulations regarding drone usage vary by location. It's advisable to check local ordinances before flying a drone near the property.
You can find many photos online by searching for 'Harper House Hickory NC' on image search engines or social media platforms.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a special event like the Christmas tours, which add a festive and visually stimulating element.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Listen closely to your tour guide, as they may share anecdotes about the house's spectral residents. The attic speakeasy, in particular, is often cited as a focal point for unusual happenings.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Aficionados
Beyond the house itself, the Hickory History Center in the Lyerly House provides context with exhibits on local history, including the fascinating era of Prohibition and the roots of NASCAR.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Gem: Queen Anne Style
The use of multiple wallpaper patterns, sometimes up to 13 in a single room, and the elaborate furnishings further emphasize the opulence of the period. The house was acquired by the Harper family in 1923, and three generations lived there before Catawba County took ownership in 2000 for restoration. This dedication to preserving its original Victorian decor makes a tour a step back in time.
TikTok creators often highlight the intricate details and hand-carved elements of the house, from portraits in fireplace tiles to sunflowers carved into wood. These visual elements are a major draw for history enthusiasts and architecture buffs alike.
Whispers of the Past: History and Hauntings
Many visitors and even staff have reported unexplained occurrences within the house, leading to its reputation as a potentially haunted location. Some believe spirits of patients from a nearby former hospital may have found their way to the house.
TikTok videos often lean into the haunted history aspect, with creators exploring the eerie atmosphere and sharing stories of paranormal encounters.
Community and Events at the Lyerly House
The basement of the Lyerly House offers additional exhibits, delving into local history topics such as Prohibition and the origins of NASCAR. This provides a broader context for the region's past and offers more to explore for history enthusiasts.
Social media content, particularly from the @Catawba.Memory.Keeper account, highlights the community involvement and the educational aspects of the center, emphasizing its role in preserving and sharing local history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit