Carl Sandburg was a highly accomplished poet and journalist with three Pulitzer Prizes to his name. He was also very active during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1945, Sandburg moved from Michigan to a 265-acre estate in Flat Rock, North Carolina for the weather, solitude, and land for his wife to raise her prized goats.

The house was originally owned by a Confederate politician and other Confederate veterans until it was ultimately purchased by Sandburg and his wife. He wrote almost a third of his life’s work while on the sprawling estate.

Today, the home and surrounding landscape is an attraction maintained by the National Parks Services, who also care for the adorable goat herd on the grounds. The house is well-preserved and looks as it did when Sandburg called it home. Guided tours are available to view the estate in all its glory.

There is also access to a bevy of hiking trails, including favorites of Sandburg such as Glassy Mountain.