Location: Cherokee
Top Things to do in Cherokee
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Cherokee, North Carolina (NC)
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. Rivers Edge Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
We are Western N.C. premier fly fishing and upland bird hunting guides. We guide in all the smokey mountain streams and on our private waters as well. We feature 1/2 guided trip and full day also. We also guide 1/2 day upland bird hunts and full day. You can even do a 1/2 hunt 1/2 fish combo on our private land. Cast and blast!
2. Smokemont Riding Stables
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 411 reviews
Smokemont Riding Stables is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just off US 441, 6 miles north of Cherokee, North Carolina. We offer guided horseback riding trips from one hour to 4 hours long. Each ride is unique and may feature river crossing or waterfall views. We also have a horse drawn wagon ride that goes along the Oconaluftee River on the historic turnpike road.
Reviewed By Phoinix15 - Tampa, United States
What a great hour ride we took here. Our leader on the ride BRETT? was so great. Telling us about the area, different trees, plants and took his time with the ride. We went through the creek, under a overpass and thru the tunnel, up and down the hills. The horses were great. I definitely would go again and definitely do the longer ride. The dat was beautiful!!!
3. End of the Trail Horseback Riding
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By gauldav - Atlanta, United States
I don’t know what I can add that others have not said. We are a family of 4, my wife was not looking forward to this, as she has had some bad experiences in the past. When you drive up you may question your decision, please don’t. Mr. Goodlow Bark’s demeanor is one that puts riders and horses immediately at ease. It is a beautiful experience, it is at the same time difficult and treacherous but the horses and the guide are immensely comfortable, sure of themselves, and in that way reassuring. The views are astonishing. Pure Magic, or Nature, or whatever is really real in a world full of fake news where information is weaponized.
4. Unique Gift Outlet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Retail store offering Native made crafts, Sterling Silver Jewely, T-Shirts, Quilts, Souvenirs, and Gifts.
Reviewed By FLLovestoroam
Unique Gift Outlet is by far the best gift shop in Cherokee. If you are short on time, make sure you visit here first! They have an amazing selection of Cherokee books, jewelry, t-shirts, garden items, candy, souvenirs ----truly something for everyone! The staff is friendly & helpful too. After shopping, just walk across the sidewalk and have a delicious meal at Sassy Sunflowers Bakery & Cafe. Unique Gift Outlet is in a convenient location at 1655 Acquoni Rd. not too far from the entrance to the GSMNP. Don't miss it!
5. Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,484 reviews
This site tells the history and culture of the Cherokee Indians through displays and modern computer images.
Reviewed By 79shirleyj - Boones Mill, United States
You'll need an hour or two to do this fine museum justice.It is a very well done and accurate telling of the history of Cherokee people.. You have headphones and can take as much time as you like touring.The exibits and artwork are very well done.History lovers will thoroughly enjoy it.I think the $11 fee for seniors is fair and well worth it.The gift shop is large and has a really wide selection of books as well as other items.
6. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
This cooperative sells Cherokee Indian crafts, such as clay pots and handmade clothes.
Reviewed By 69UsAf73 - Gainesville, United States
This is a coop where all the Native Americans bring their hand made crafts to sell. There is some awesome craafts on display here and worth every penny. The prices may seem high, and they are but as the saying goes you get what you pay for. Hand carvings, baskets and jewelry just to name a few. Worth the stop just to enjoy the beauty of this talented craftsman.
7. 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.
8. Cherokee Visitor's Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By 69UsAf73 - Gainesville, United States
If you're looking for information about the park or other near by things this would be the place. Looking for info on the park? They have it, info on the bears or elk they have it. Things to do in the area they have it. There also is a nice gift shop within. The rest rooms are well kept and the staff are very friendly. Stop in and say hello, browse around. Directly behind the visitor center is an old village from back in the early days. Very interesting.
9. Mingo Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,144 reviews
Reviewed By CastleBe0wulf - The Villages, United States
This was my first time visiting. I knew from doing my research that there would be quite a very steep staircase up the side of the mountain. Woof those 160 steps are pretty rough. They're not impossible even if you're not in the best shape. The staircase is wide and has rails on both sides. And once you reach the top of the stairs it's a level short walk to the waterfall. the waterfall is actually quite high and has a long fall, luckily we were there after a rainstorm so the water was coming off of the mountain quite heavily. there's a small wooden bridge close to the base of the waterfall where you can set up a tripod and take an amazing photo of the water. Mingo falls is what I would clarify as off the beaten path there is only one sign that tells you when to turn into the parking lot other than that if you don't do your research you'll have no idea how to get there. Overall is the drive and the staircase worth it, I say YES.
10. Mountain Farm Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
Reviewed By JackL448 - East Syracuse, United States
The complex is composed of eleven original wooden farm buildings that came from North & South Carolina & Tennessee. Structures in order viewed-Davis House, Meat House, Hen House, Apple House, Sorhum Mill & Furnace, Corn Crib, Storage House, Main Farm Barn, Hog Pen, Blacksmith Shop & Spring House. Each building has detailed interpreter stands with large & small photos & what the building would be used for. Life was very hard with very few comfortable days to enjoy during this time period. A sign on the rear of the main farm building says-Any person caught defacing/craving their name in any building in North Carolina's historic structures will be arrested & issued a ticket costing $100.00 to $500.00. RESPECT THE PAST. The museum is located on the grounds of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center of Cherokee, N.C. The center has much information on the museum. A tour probably will last at most 45 minutes depending on how much time is spend on each building-reading each interpreter stand, checking the structure-inside & out-and visiting all structures. A gravel pathway connects one building to the next site. Any person with an interest in farm structures of the 1800's into the early 1900's, the museum will not be disappointed. Probably the main farm building has the most farm equipment- horse drawn field plows, slags, wagons & the hay loft. A visit is highly recommended. There is no admission.
