Cherokee, North Carolina is a town rich in tribal history and full of outdoor adventure. It has preserved the Cherokee lifestyle, due to its location on the reservation home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. It is also near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and thus has many places to hike and camp. In addition to natural attractions, there are plenty of amazing accommodation options available here too - from the best hotels near casinos to the top hotels by the river in Cherokee. With your lodging sorted, you can now go out and explore this amazing town. Scroll down to find a list of the best things to do in Cherokee, North Carolina.
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1. Museum of the Cherokee Indian
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian presents Cherokee culture, art, and history in a variety of mediums. Here visitors will experience typical museum exhibits, photographs, digital films, and holographs. It reflects the Cherokee Indians and is truly unique. Exhibits are informative and interesting, especially the graphic panels for kids. Nestled on Tsali Blvd, it is a great place to learn the history of the Cherokee and the area.
Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Address: 589 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Book Tours : Museum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket
2. Mountain Farm Museum
Mountain Farm Museum is a collection of old farm buildings that were taken from throughout the Smoky Mountains and preserved on one site. The buildings include a barn, spring house, smokehouse, blacksmith shop, and apple house. These are all available for visitors to explore and look through. It gives a sense of how things may have been 100 years ago. Mountain Farm Museum also presents agricultural practices, such as gardening and caring for livestock, as they may have been 100 years ago. It is a really excellent museum to see what life would have been like, especially in the 19th century. Oconaluftee River Trail also begins in this historical site and follows the river 1.5 miles to Cherokee. Visitors can try river tubing on the Oconaluftee River or swim in its natural pools.
Mountain Farm Museum
Address: Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: Mountain Farm Museum
3. Oconaluftee Indian Village
Oconaluftee Indian Village is a “living museum” showing was a Cherokee community would have been like in the 18th century. Visiting the village is one of the best Cherokee activities as it will take you back to 1760 when the Cherokee were facing challenges of European settlers. Visitors will be able to explore sacred sites as well as interact with the Native Americans as the latter make pottery, weave baskets, hull canoes, and go about daily life. Cultural dances, preparations for war, and blowgun demonstrations are things visitors will all have the chance to witness. They can learn all about canoe building as well. This historic site also features hands-on Cherokee art classes for kids held at Oconaluftee Indian Village.
Oconaluftee Indian Village
Address: Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: Oconaluftee Indian Village
4. Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine
Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine allows visitors to find beautiful gems (emeralds, rubies, garnets, and more) in a large trough for sifting. These gems and stones can then be identified by one of the assay professionals there. The stones can then go home in your bucket or in a setting chosen by you in the gift shop! It is a fun experience for both kids and adults to dig through and find the stones, identifying them on the way.
Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine
Address: 971 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine
5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is undoubtedly one of the top things to see in Cherokee. It is absolutely beautiful, with deep green woods and moss-covered creeks. There are incredibly diverse plants and animals throughout these ancient mountains. Within the park, there are extensive biking trails and hiking trails, both easy and difficult. There are picnic spots and exhibits. There are streams and rivers to float on. It is a fantastic spot to hike for multiple days or just to go do some hiking for a day trip. Horseback riding is available as well. The beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is astounding and you are sure to love it, no matter what you do.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Address: 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
6. "Unto These Hills" - Outdoor Drama
“Unto These Hills” is an outdoor historical drama that has been played since 1950. It has been seen by over six million people within that time. “Unto These Hills,” tells the story of the Cherokees from 1780 until the 21st century. It is performed regularly, every day but Sunday in the evening. The Mountainside Theatre can seat 2800 people.
Unto These Hills Ticket Office
Address: 564 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: Unto These Hills Ticket Office
7. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is more than just a casino. There is also a wide range of shops and restaurants to enjoy. Live music and karaoke regularly occur in the area. And, of course, the casino offers table games and slot machines. It is a nice place, with friendly employees.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Address: 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
8. Cherokee Bear Zoo
Ever seen a black bear? Cherokee Bear Zoo allows visitors to admire the magnificent bear species. From black bears to grizzlies, they have a variety of species, and visitors can enjoy watching them play and eat. Cherokee Bear Zoo also have lemurs and tigers that visitors can take a look at while they are here!
Cherokee Bear Zoo
Address: 1204 Tsalagi Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: Cherokee Bear Zoo
9. Santa's Land
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Santa's Land, Inc. on Thursday, February 7, 2013
Christmas can happen all year with Santa’s Land! It is a perfect spot to come with the kiddos. This Santa Clause-themed park has rides, a zoo, and paddle boating in the lake.
Santa's Land
Address: 571 Wolfetown Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: Santa’s Land
10. Take a trip down and play a round of golf at Sequoyah National Golf Club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re looking for things to do around Cherokee, consider Sequoyah National Golf Club. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, it is 5 km (3 miles) from Cherokee, in Whittier. The views from the course add to the pleasure of the game. The course may be a bit tough in places due to the terrain, and it has 5 par 3 and 5 par 5. Hit some balls on the range, if you prefer. Just take along lots of golf balls and your camera. The scenery is beautiful. Take along some extra water as it’s thirsty to work on the challenging Robert Trent Jones course.
Sequoyah National Golf Club
Address: 79 Cahons Rd, Whittier, NC 28789-7111
Website: Sequoyah National Golf Club
11. Tube or raft with Cherokee Rapids Tube and Kayak Rentals
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This is what memories are made of.
Posted by Cherokee Rapids Tube Rentals on Sunday, July 30, 2017
Get out onto the water and go tubing with Cherokee Rapids Tube and Kayak Rentals. Grab a ride to the river put-in spot and float downstream. But it’s not all laziness, as you navigate around river obstacles. The rapids are fun rather than frightening, so hold on tight. Take along your hat, sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks for a fun time out on the water. It’s a nice way to spend a few hours. The exit is by an ice cream and candy store, so you can replenish your energy. If you’re not sure about tube sizes ask the staff, who are helpful and knowledgeable.
Cherokee Rapids Tube and Kayak Rentals
Address: 1681 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719-9413
Website: Cherokee Rapids
12. Oconaluftee Islands Park
Spend a fun day out with your family or friends at Oconaluftee Islands Park in Cherokee, North Carolina. This lovely park has a river flowing through it, which is the highlight of the park. You can enjoy popular activities such as trout fishing, tubing, and swimming in the river. You can also watch your kids splash about in the shallow areas. There are stores that sell fishing permits. Enjoy a picnic by the banks, take a stroll through the bamboo forest, admire the scenic views from the many bridges or just spend a day relaxing in nature.
Oconaluftee Island Park
Address: US-441, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual Co-Op
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Now that your accommodation is sorted in one of the best Airbnb vacation rentals, you can head to Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual Co-Op.
One of the best places to visit in Cherokee, North Carolina, Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual Co-Op delights its visitors with a wealth of fun activities that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee people. As the oldest Native American cooperative in the United States, the co-op offers a unique and immersive experience in Cherokee arts and crafts. Browse through the beautifully crafted traditional and contemporary artworks, including pottery, baskets, beadwork, and woodcarvings, all handcrafted by skilled Cherokee artisans. Engage in interactive workshops and demonstrations to learn about the intricate techniques and stories behind each creation.
Additionally, the co-op often hosts cultural events and performances, showcasing traditional dances, storytelling, and music, providing a captivating glimpse into the Cherokee culture.
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual Co-Op
Address: 645 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Website: Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual Co-Op
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 5pm; Sun: 8am - 4:30pm
14. Oconaluftee River
Visiting Cherokee with your furry companion? While you have booked rooms in one of the pet-friendly hotels, you can head out to explore the beauty of the majestic Oconaluftee River, where a plethora of fun activities await nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. This scenic river, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is one of the most famous attractions in Cherokee, North Carolina, and offers an ideal setting for fishing, especially for trout. Cast your line into the clear waters and relish the peaceful ambiance as you wait for a bite. For wildlife lovers, the river’s banks provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and spotting various creatures that call the park home.
Additionally, the area features picturesque hiking trails along the river’s edge, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning mountain scenery and lush forests.
15. Fire Mountain Trails - Bike Trail Head
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Fire Mountain Trails on Thursday, August 19, 2021
If you are visiting Cherokee for some adventures, Fire Mountain Trails is definitely worth a visit. Perfect for outdoorsy travelers, the miles of trails here are ideal for hiking, cycling, and running. It features numerous paths that suit both beginners and experienced riders and hikers. Cross through the Great Smoky Mountains and enjoy some breathtaking views during your trip. There are tables and rock gardens on site. For your convenience, there are parking spots within the area.
Fire Mountain Trails - Bike Trail Head
Address: State Rd 1361, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Website: Fire Mountain Trails - Bike Trail Head
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
16. BJ's Diner
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Introducing, the new BUBBA burger, A double with double cheese, and double bacon. With all the topping if u prefer.
Posted by BJ'S DINER on Sunday, July 9, 2017
Serving delicious American cuisine, BJ’s dinner on Tsali Blvd is a must-visit in Cherokee if you want to enjoy some mouthwatering burgers. The establishment offers comfortable benches and umbrellas, so you can enjoy dining al fresco even on sunny days. Order a scrumptious bacon cheeseburger and pair it with some chili cheese fries or onion rings. They also have healthier options, like salads, for the health-conscious.
BJ's Diner
Address: 840 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Website: BJ’s Diner
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Mon)
17. Mingo Falls
If you’re wondering what to do in Cherokee, North Carolina, how about visiting Mingo Falls? Mingo Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians, at 120 feet tall. It is just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Eastern Cherokee Reservation. The hike up is less than half a mile, and not terribly difficult. The steps and paths can be slippery and it is a bit rocky, but overall anyone in good health should be able to make the climb. The beautiful views from the observation deck complete the whole outdoor experience.
Mingo Falls
Address: Eastern Cherokee Reservation, Cherokee, NC 28719
Website: Mingo Falls
Enjoy
Bustling with fun activities, Cherokee has a rich history and loads of outdoor adventure. It has plenty to keep couples or families occupied. If hotels aren’t your preference, you can also choose from a selection of secluded cabins and pet-friendly cabins. Have fun exploring Cherokee, North Carolina!
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Cherokee, North Carolina
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