southern forest heritage museum & research center

I didn't down rate this as far I felt like, because the property is still neat. this was my fourth visit over the years and i remember when they had enthusiastic, friendly, knowledgeable tour guides.now the woman who seemed to be there, didn't even care I had come for a tour, and having donated to them at the $100 level. she said they don't make any money on tours so they quit, and do weddings. if I hadn't been there before I would have left as soon as I met her. I ended up walking the site for a couple of hours, but if you haven't actually had the tour, you are going to miss a lot. that said, it is an amazing place and you can go most anywhere you want, in the planer house, the machine shop, the lumber mill etc. signs are posted all over to be careful , be sure to heed them. it's a shame when the payroll gets so big the museum cannot be displayed, or even maintained, of course this is only my guess, as to the problem.

I visited the Southern Forest Heritage Museum and I loved every second of exploring and discovery. It was great to try to figure out how each element in the process worked. There are belts running in every direction which were powered by a steam engine. Eventually things were powered by electric motors, but most of the equipment was still operated by belts which connected to long shafts which ran though the center of several of the buildings. We spent four hours crawling over ever square inch of the complex. I highly recommend that you visit so you can see this preserved piece of history for yourself.

This museum is like a ghost industry site. The saw mill still has the saw blades in place - it looks like the workers just walked away close to 50 years ago. Some of the equipment with some TLC could probably work again. A number of volunteers are working in various areas to preserve the site. Three old steam railroad locomotives are on site - two under cover - one slowing deteriorating out in the open. One building has stacks of lumber that looks ready to ship out. The Corliss steam engine looks like it could run again. They have a small railroad car for tours - but it was being worked on the day I was there.

The museum is south of Alexandria at Longleaf La - a little tricky to find but well worth it. Take a location hat had its own company town, lumber mills, railroad, etc and walk away from it 50 years ago, that's what you see and feel at this museum. The guides have personal connections and are willing to share lots of history and experiences. Please go, you won't regret it.

This was a fantastic Side trip! We gained a complete understanding of the logging interest and a history lesson about industrialism in America. Guide is the son of a man who used to work here and his stories and insight about this place made it all the more interesting. Well worth the trip! Fascinating trip into history

The Southern Forest Heritage Museum is a great place for visitors of all ages. It has lots of history that will appeal to adult visitors. A visit to the museum is like going back in time. The mill is basically unchanged since it shut down in the 1960's. Additionally, the mill had a significant role in American history. The mill manufactured the wood to make the Higgins Boats, which played a major role in winning World War II. Children who visit will enjoy a ride on the doodle bug train, a walk through the forest on a walking trail, or a visit to the playground on the premises. My only clarification is that the museum is not actually located in Alexandria. It is about 20 minutes away, but it is certainly worth the drive.

my kids loved this place they wanted to stay longer to see more of it but you know that time run short and we had to leave but cant wait to go back next year i just loved it all