The courthouse was built in 1907. It served as courtroom and county offices. In 1984, these services moved to a new location on Mitchell Street in Bryson City. It sat vacant for many years.

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Grants were obtained by the county to refurbish the building, which opened in June 2014. It now serves as a visitor center and Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore on the first floor, with a Swain County Heritage Museum on the first and second floor. There is no admission charge, donations are greatly appreciated and there is a scavenger hunt available for everyone. 

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Featured displays include:

• One Room School

• Restored log cabin

• 1887 church organ

• Children's activity

• Video room, featuring a 15-minute film about Swain County history

• Pictures of the North Shore area of Fontana Lake.

• Quilts

• Military

• Memorabilia and tools from early settlers in Swain County

• Rotating Exhibit room courtesy of Western Carolina University. 

• Moonshine Still