The indoor gallery displays tools, furniture and musical instruments used in the mountain region, as well as a sizable collection of Cherokee and other Native American artifacts, some dating to the Archaic period (c. 8000–2000 B.C.).

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center was conceptualized in the early 2000s by local preservationist and antique collector Richard Way.

A mountain medicine exhibit displayed bags and equipment used by Dr. Granville Dexter LeQuire, who practiced in the rural parts of the region during the first half of the 20th century.

The center's "Tennessee on the Move" gallery included a small car with a video screen that gave visitors the experience of driving on a mountain road in 1925.

[11] In 2010, the center announced plans to build a new climate-controlled facility to house additional displays and artifacts.

[1] Along with the Cardwell Cabin, Wilders Chapel, and Williams still, the outdoor section consists of nearly a dozen structures from around the region, many of which are decorated with furniture, tools, and other items from their respective periods.

The "setoff" house on display is a type of home commonly found in late-19th century logging towns, such as nearby Tremont and Elkmont.