Location: Cherokee
Top Things to do in Cherokee
Top 10 Free 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. The What's Hot Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
2. 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!
3. Native American Craft Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, Native American Craft Shop features the Southeast's largest collection of Native made crafts and art. Cherokee owned and operated.
Reviewed By TheGilmoreGirlz
Not just authentic creations by Cherokee, also turquoise southwestern Indian jewelry and crafts. Diverse collections of baskets, pottery, sculptures, blankets, jewelry, fetishes, soaps and too many others to list here. There are some collectible items like pricey carvings, baskets, painted gourds, and large to small pottery, and the usual modestly priced tourist trinkets. If you look hard and ask some questions, you can find something spectacular or simple - depending on your budget. Very pleased with my stone carved totem by Joel Queen!
4. Medicine Man Crafts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Authentic local handmade crafts, arts and herbals since 1963
Reviewed By 851judyn
Medicine Man Crafts has been in business for over 50 years and THAT speaks LOUDLY of their abilities. You can find more authentic Cherokee crafts ( carvings, jewelry, baskets) than almost every other shop in Cherokee. Locally owned and operated, every customer is treated with the same enthusiasm and customer service. I have been going there ( and purchasing) for over 40 years. TRY it YOU'LL Like IT!!!! :)
5. 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.
6. Four season chrisrmas shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Oconaluftee Islands Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
Reviewed By gabriellethornhill - Berea, United States
Great for families, friends, and anyone who is looking for a nice walk along the Oconaluftee River. The water is constantly flowing, and very clear to ensure a safe area for people to put their feet in or to even swim, tube, or fish within. They have plenty of picnic tables, and bridges to add some scenic value, and they also even have a river cane forest located within the park. This park is located in the middle of the town and is the only place I’ve ever been where I have witnessed families congregate daily at the river to enjoy the fresh mountain air.
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