Smokies Life | Swain County Museum

Smokies Life Bookstore and Visitor Center

Smokies Life Visitor Center and Bookstore

Operated by the nonprofit Smokies Life—formerly known as the Great Smoky Mountains Association—it offers a wide selection of books, maps, and educational materials focused on the natural and cultural heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can find everything from hiking guides and wildlife field books to children’s stories, puzzles, and traditional Appalachian cookbooks. Proceeds from purchases directly support the park’s educational, scientific, and historical programs, making it a meaningful stop for those looking to learn more and give back to the Smokies.

Located on the ground floor of the historic Swain County Courthouse, the Smokies Life Bookstore (Known Formally as the Great Smoky Mountains Association) is a partnership between Swain County, N.C., the Park Service, and Smokies Life. This bookstore and visitor center offers books, maps, clothing, historic food, toys, convenience items such as insect repellent, and gifts. Stores are operated by Smokies Life, a nonprofit organization that has been helping the park since 1953. All purchases benefit the educational, historical, and scientific efforts of the park.

From this location, visitors can easily access Great Smoky Mountains National Park via Deep Creek Picnic and Campground and Lake View Drive (the Road to Nowhere).

Visitor centers and related programs, activities, and facilities are free for more information call 1-888-898-9102. Restrooms are accessible.