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Just 50 miles from Asheville is Cherokee, located at the main North Carolina entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (via US Highway 441). It is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and offers many things to do. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is one of the only three federally recognized Cherokee tribes. There are about 15,300 members, most of whom live on the land. Properly called the Qualla Boundary, the land is slightly more than 56,000 acres held in trust by the federal government.
They welcome all visitors with many free things to do and see. Learn the story of the Cherokee people at outstanding museums, a legendary outdoor drama, and at festivals like the annual Pow Wow. Our top picks are the Museum of the Cherokee People, the Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama (shows June-mid August) and the Oconaluftee Indian Village (open May- mid-October). Open year-round is the impressive Museum of the Cherokee People with many events and special experiences.
Browse the many shops clustered along two main roads, Tsali Blvd (US Highway 441) and Tsalagi Road (US Highway 19). Stock up on your mocassins and other Native American souvenirs. Or buy fine quality crafts such as Cherokee Indian pottery, baskets and beadwork, as well as other locally-made gifts such as dreamcatchers, dolls and woodcrafts. Our top pick for authentic local crafts and art handmade with natural materials is Qualla Arts and Crafts Co-op (645 Tsali Blvd), next door to the Museum of the Cherokee People.
As the Oconaluftee River passes through Cherokee, it is split by a beautiful, grassy island. It's home to the Oconaluftee Islands Park – sheltered by canopies of oak and sycamore. Walking bridges connect the island. Wade in the water, have a picnic or sit by the relaxing river. Find it along US Highway 441. Go bear hunting throughout the town with a series of large, lifelike fiberglass bears and painted in bright vibrant colors and designs.
The sprawling Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee. See our Harrah's Cherokee Casino Guide.
Cherokee Things to Do
Mountain Farm Museum, Oconaluftee Visitor Center & Mingus Mill
Located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, see historic farm buildings in an open-air museum and get plenty of great information from rangers. …
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Top 30 in NC
Explore the most visited national park in the country! See our top places and things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina side near Asheville. Four entrances to the…
Oconaluftee Indian Village
This living history outdoor village portrays eighteenth-century Cherokee life on the mountainside above the town. Interact with villagers as they hull canoes, make pottery and masks, weave…
Fishing in Cherokee
Find an abundantly trout-filled stream system in Cherokee with 30 miles of freestone streams that include secluded forest settings, suburban roadside areas, and even the Cherokee town center.
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Mingo Falls
A photographer’s dream, this cascade is a multitude of waterfalls pouring from smaller ledges—making for spectacular wide shots and closeups alike. While the name sounds like it may stem from… More Information
Elk in Cherokee
Watch majestic elk graze and interact in meadows at the Great Smoky Mountains Oconaluftee Visitor Center and other areas around Cherokee.
Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama
America's most popular outdoor drama is the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee Indians. Set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains in Cherokee, the drama is presented under the…
Museum of the Cherokee
Discover the story of the Cherokee people in this impressive museum that sets the scene for the Cherokee Heritage Trails. The Cherokee community presents its perspective on its own history and…
Jackson County Mountains Guide
Order a free visitors guide for the Sylva, Dillsboro, Lake Glenville, Cherokee and Cashiers areas, including info on fly fishing, hikes and waterfalls in Jackson County, NC.
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Soco Falls
This rare twin waterfall is located roadside near Maggie Valley and Cherokee. You can easily miss it since there are few signs! The observation deck and viewing platform is a short walk from a…
Mingus Mill & Smokemont Church
See two historic structures within a few miles of each other in the Great Smoky Mountains, both located near the North Carolina entrance on Newfound Gap Road / US 441 near Cherokee.
Directions
Cherokee is just 52 miles from Asheville via I-40 West to Exit 27, then U.S. 19 to U.S. 441 in Cherokee (just over an hour's drive) via Maggie Valley. Or you can take the more scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, but this could take three to four hours. A great day trip is to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway to Cherokee and return the faster way via I-40.
Nearby are the towns of Sylva and Bryson City.
