Location: Cherokee
Top Things to do in Cherokee
5 Sights & Landmarks in Cherokee That You Shouldn't Miss
Located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee is the headquarters for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Signs around town are in English and Cherokee, and the city itself is anchored by the Harrah's Cherokee Casino. The tourist-oriented area is rich in outdoor activities for the entire family. The tribe runs a botanical garden, cultural museum, Indian village recreation, historical dramas, and an arts and crafts center.
Restaurants in Cherokee
1. Cherokee Veterans Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By jamespet1957
They have artillery pieces and an M60 tank on display. There are excellent memorials to veterans and it is well placed in the community. If your traveling through take a moment to see it.
2. Oconaluftee Indian Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 905 reviews
A guided tour of the Oconaluftee Indian Village; a replica of a 1750s Cherokee Village. See Cherokees making traditional trades using centuries old techniques. The Village Square Grounds is a place of ceremony where you will learn about traditional songs and dance, our clan system and beliefs. Inside the Village Council House you will learn of our government, family and structure. We welcome you to our home.
Reviewed By Tyaskin - Mebane, United States
While it is well promoted, the village is easy to miss, as it is tucked away up a hill, removed from the bustle of the main drag through Cherokee. If you are interested in actual, bona fide Cherokee traditions and history (as opposed to the sometimes hokey tourist junk peddled in some stores in town. Now, I will tell you, your guide can make or break this tour. My daughter (15) and I were fortunate to have a young man who seemed both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what he was doing. Your guide, dressed in traditional Cherokee clothing from the late 1700's (generally) will walk with you through the reconstructed village, explaining to you about the Cherokee language and history, and giving you some brief glimpses of how this group of Native people lived prior to and shortly after the coming of the settlers. Woodworking, beadwork, fingerweaving, canoe making, cabins, governance, and religion are all covered, and at various points you will see members of the Nation demonstrating various crafts, such as pottery or basket making. We also were shown the use of the Cherokee blowgun, used for small game hunting. It is informative, and you are encouraged to ask questions (but don't expect your guide to be an expert on EVERY aspect of Cherokee culture and history; many of them are young and still learning) There is a gift shop, which we didn't visit, and a Plant trail showing various plants used for different things by the Cherokee. The path through the village is generally easy to travel, even in a stroller, but there are some gentle grades that may require an extra minute for the elders in your party. I would think that wheelchairs could handle it with some assistance. So when you pass through the area, add this to your list of things to visit, but call ahead to make sure they are open, as they close for a while during the winter months. And, as always, Happy Motoring.
3. Cherokee Indian Reservation
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 406 reviews
Located adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway, this is home to more than 12,500 members of the Cherokee Indian nation.
Reviewed By California_momofsix
After visiting Navajo Monument Valley last year, coming to Cherokee Indian Reservation made for a fascinating afternoon. The area is beautiful, and it breaks my heart that the Cherokee were forced to leave it on the trail of tears. We were fascinated by the street signs in Cherokee language. Unfortunately, due to the Covid, the tribal village was closed and the outdoor pageant had been cancelled for the whole year. I would have loved to experience both of those and maybe ride a tube down the river as we saw many tourists doing. Driving down mainstreet in Cherokee, we saw a few small Native American dance performances. I absolutely realized they were put on for tips and to lure tourists into the gift shops, but I couldn't help to stop and watch. I would love to come back during a "regular" year and experience more of the authentic Cherokee culture. True, there is an ugly casino and cheap tourist trap stores, but there are also some authentic trading posts and much of value to see here. I would recommend making a trip to Mingo Falls if you pass through, very beautiful and accessible without a long hike.
4. Casino at Harrah’s Cherokee
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,944 reviews
A popular all-video gambling center.
Reviewed By 408cathyk
Harrah's Cherokee Casino provided fun, excitement, enjoyment and comfort during our stay. Many slot machines to choose from and attentive staff to make you feel welcomed. A great way to spend some time away from the ordinary.
5. Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By RobSC1001 - Gaffney, United States
This is a great little gem stone store and panning joint. The bathroom are clean and I felt comfortable I was going to be Sea Bass.
