Cherokee, North Carolina, is a city throughout the Qualla Boundary Land Belief. This city is the capital of the sovereign nation of the Japanese Band of Cherokee that lives in Western North Carolina. This space’s pure assets, tradition and historical past are distinctive and incomparable to anyplace else in North Carolina.

Cherokee has grow to be a well-liked trip vacation spot, notably for these keen on Native American tradition. The huge quantity of out of doors recreation additionally appeals to adventurers and households. Tourism includes an essential a part of Cherokee’s financial system. Cherokee can also be identified for internet hosting particular occasions all through every year that show the tradition and humanities of the Cherokee Nation.

Cherokee, North Carolina

20 Issues To Do In Cherokee

1- Go Fishing For trout

Cherokee is likely one of the area’s finest locations to go trout fishing.

The Cherokee Nation operates a fish hatchery that’s used to inventory 4 totally different trout species in 30 miles (48 km) of streams.

Brook, rainbow, brown and golden trout are distributed all through the freestone streams that wind via the forest, alongside the roads and thru city.

Trout season is open all yr and the streams are well-stocked with fish.

Many shops in Cherokee promote fishing permits and the entire gear crucial for a profitable fishing journey.

There are two varieties of stream sections inside Cherokee, catch-and-keep or catch-and-release.

Catch-and-keep sections of streams are open all yr besides the 2 weeks earlier than opening day in March.

Catch-and-release streams are open year-round and don’t permit anglers to maintain the trout they catch.

Guidelines are strictly enforced, so pay attention to the place you might be fishing.

2- Go to Mingo Falls

Mingo Falls, close to Cherokee, is likely one of the tallest waterfalls within the Appalachian Mountains.

Simply exterior the Nice Smoky Mountain Nationwide Park, this fashionable spot attracts many guests all year long.

Mingo Falls is about 120 ft excessive (36 m).

The spectacular pressure of the falls is awe-inspiring, particularly after it rains, and the brief hike to the waterfall will be difficult.

It is advisable to stroll down a steep set of 161 steps to get to the waterfall’s base and the viewing platform.

The steps will be slippery proper after it rains or treacherous through the winter once they is perhaps icy, so care must be taken when climbing.

The climb down and again up the steps will be tiring, however the effort is price it.

Mingo Falls is at Japanese Cherokee Reservation, Cherokee, NC 28719.

3- Discover Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park

Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park is part of the Appalachian Mountains that spreads alongside the Tennessee and North Carolina border.

One of many entrances to this nationwide park is correct subsequent to Cherokee.

These mountains comprise the biggest stand of old-growth forest east of the Mississippi River.

Tens of millions of individuals journey to the Smoky Mountains every year due to its plentiful pure assets, fascinating historical past and the Southern Appalachian tradition distinctive to this space.

Mountaineering, biking, horseback using and fishing are fashionable actions within the park or driving via the park to view the attractive panorama, particularly through the fall.

A number of historic websites throughout the park have been preserved and listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. Obtain this self-guided driving tour and use your smartphone to information you. 

Be part of this five-hour guided tour led by an knowledgeable information to totally discover waterfalls, streams, and forests and uncover hidden trails, graveyards and buildings. 

4- Drive The Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway is a well-liked Nationwide Parkway that winds via Virginia and North Carolina for almost 500 miles (804 km), connecting the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah Nationwide Park in Virginia.

The southern finish of the parkway is on the boundary of the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park and the Qualla Boundary of the Cherokee Nation.

As soon as on the parkway, you’ll see stunning vistas as you drive or pull into overlooks alongside the street and there are lots of locations to park, picnic and hike alongside marked trails.

A number of historic and cultural websites may also be discovered alongside the street for guests who need a nearer have a look at the area’s historical past. Obtain this self-guided audio tour to your cellphone. 

5- Go to the Historic Oconaluftee Indian Village

Oconaluftee Indian Village is a dwelling museum the place you’ll instantly really feel you’ve gotten been transported again to the 1700s.

Cherokee guides take guests on an interactive tour to higher perceive how the Cherokee individuals lived.

A recreated village is filled with life as individuals go about their every day actions cooking, weaving baskets, doing beadwork, crafting canoes and moulding pottery and masks.

Watch reenactments of conflict preparations and demonstrations on utilizing weapons like a blowgun.

Rituals that contain dancing and ceremonial actions will be seen at this historic village, which is open from April via October.

Oconaluftee Indian Village is at 288 Drama Street, Cherokee, NC.

6- Try the Museum of the Cherokee Indian

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian incorporates a fantastically curated story concerning the 11,000-year historical past of the Cherokee Nation.

As you wander via the museum, you possibly can work together with the historical past and tradition of the Cherokee via movies and shows.

Quite a lot of reveals will provide you with the sense which you can really feel the center of the Cherokee Nation.

Their historical past shouldn’t be peaceable, so be ready for a transferring story that encompasses the wrestle to outlive, the heartbreak of the individuals and their great effort to beat adversity.

The museum welcomes guests year-round aside from main holidays. Entry for kids below 5 is free, ages 6 to 12 are $7, and adults are $12. Skip the road and pre-book your tickets right here. 

Museum of the Cherokee Indian is at 589 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC.

7- See Artisanal Crafts at Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual

Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. is a showroom and an artwork gallery that shows numerous artisanal crafts created by greater than 350 Cherokee artists who’re members of this artwork collective.

The varieties of artwork showcased within the gallery embody baskets, masks and pottery.

Each bit of art work comes with a narrative of who the artist is.

Guests should buy artwork displayed within the showroom. Admission is free and opens day by day besides on main holidays.

Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual is at 645 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC.

8- Get pleasure from An Out of doors Drama

Cherokee is residence to an out of doors amphitheatre that seats 2,100 individuals, the Mountainside Theatre.

Since 1950, tens of millions of tourists to Cherokee have gathered on this theatre to look at the out of doors drama “Unto These Hills.”

This manufacturing tells the story of the Cherokee Nation’s wrestle to outlive unbelievable adversity and persecution.

The efficiency affords guests a glimpse of the historical past of the Cherokee Nation from 1780 via the twenty first Century.

Vital historic occasions and heartbreaking tales are reenacted for patrons to allow them to really feel as if they’re witnessing these occasions for themselves.

The theatre is open day by day besides Sunday through the summer season season. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for teenagers ages 6 to 12. Kids aged 5 and below are free.

Mountainside Theatre is at 688 Drama Street, Cherokee, NC

9- Play Golf At Sequoyah Nationwide Golf Membership

Golfers visiting Cherokee ought to try the Sequoyah Nationwide Golf Membership, a public championship course offering an 18-hole mountain golf expertise.

Robert Trent Jones II designed this course to include sweeping mountain views of the Nice Smoky Mountains on each gap.

This difficult par-72 course affords year-round {golfing} on this historic space.

Guests to the golf membership can even get pleasure from meals and drinks within the restaurant overlooking the golf course.

Along with the golf course, this membership additionally has a driving vary, observe placing inexperienced and observe chipping space.

A golf store on the premises sells golf gear and clothes. Name forward to schedule a tee time.

Sequoyah Nationwide Golf Membership is at 79 Cahons Street, Whittier, NC

10- Harrah’s Cherokee On line casino Resort

The Harrah’s Cherokee On line casino Resort is a luxurious, four-star lodge and on line casino with blackjack, roulette, craps and poker at considered one of greater than 160 tabletop sport tables.

Greater than 3,000 totally different slots may also be discovered right here.

Sportsbook betting is obtainable and you’ll watch the sporting occasions on 90-foot screens in fan caves.

The occasion centre on the resort seats 3,000 and regularly hosts concert events by fashionable singers and musicians.

A spa, eating places, retailers, and two swimming pools supply extra enjoyable and stress-free choices for individuals throughout their keep.

This kid-friendly and pet-friendly resort present guests with a lovely, luxurious place to sleep whereas exploring Cherokee and the encircling space.

Harrah’s Cherokee On line casino Resort is at 777 On line casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719.

11- Go Birdwatching

Birdwatching in Cherokee affords guests to the world a option to get pleasure from nature and see wonderful birds.

Many songbird species, resident and migratory, will be discovered within the mountains round Cherokee.

In summer season, Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Pine Siskin, Indigo Bunting and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds flit all through the forest and forest borders.

Kingfishers and different water birds fish in streams and rivers.

The Nationwide Park Service affords birders a guidelines to assist preserve observe of chook sightings whereas mountaineering.

Prime trails for birders within the Cherokee space embody the Nunadyeli Path, Kituwah Mound Path, Gentry Creek Falls, Spine Falls Path and Wealthy Knob.

12- Get pleasure from Beautiful Views From The Hearth Mountain Trails 

Hearth Mountain Trails is a multi-use path system that runs via Cherokee utilized by mountain bikers, runners and hikers. Canine should be leashed.

Mountain bikers can get pleasure from 10.5 miles (17 km) of trails that vary from newbie to superior.

Some trails have been designed with berms and clean tracks, including to the wonderful biking expertise.

The paths are difficult, however the scenic views make it worthwhile.

The trailhead is close to the Oconaluftee Indian Village, and the hikers and mountain bikers that entry the path can use the Village parking zone.

Hearth Mountain Trails are free to entry and open year-round.

The trailhead at Oconaluftee Indian Village is at 288 Drama Street, Cherokee, NC.

13- Hear To Tales At A Cherokee Bonfire

A Cherokee Bonfire is the place storytellers collect individuals round a big hearth within the evenings from 7 to 9 PM through the summer season and inform tales.

Some Cherokee storytellers share tales, histories and legends, whereas others share the survival expertise and instruments as soon as utilized by the Cherokee of their every day lives.

Some storytellers share tales mixed with music, drums, and dance and the cultural traditions handed down from era to era.

The bonfire is open to everybody, admission is free, and you’ll sit on the benches across the hearth or convey a blanket and loosen up on the bottom.

Cherokee Bonfire – Intersection of 441 and Hwy 19 on Oconaluftee Island Park, Cherokee, NC

14- Go Horseback Driving within the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park

Smokemont Driving Stables within the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park affords individuals a wonderful option to discover Cherokee.

Horseback using excursions will be brief, one-hour rides or day-long excursions to see waterfalls and different factors of curiosity.

Smokemont additionally affords wagon rides via the countryside for individuals who favor to not trip horses.

The horses are pleasant and even-tempered, and riders will be positive they’ll discover a mount that may match their wants.

The guides take guests on excursions from March via November.

Horseback riders should be aged 5 and above, however wagon rides can be found for all ages.

Smokemont Driving Stables is at 135 Smokemont Driving Steady Street, Cherokee, NC.

15- Go Tubing On The Oconaluftee River

Tubing on the Oconaluftee River is an thrilling journey the place you drift together with the present on this stunning, clear river whereas soaking within the solar and surroundings.

The river has each class 1 and sophistication 2 rapids, excellent for a bit of pleasure.

Cherokee Rapids Tube and Kayak Leases is open and obtainable day by day from Memorial Day via Labor Day so long as river circumstances are secure.

This firm is the one one with direct entry to the Oconaluftee River however the close by Tuckasegee River additionally supplies glorious tubing alternatives.

Cease in on the Cherokee Customer Heart launch spots strategies.

Cherokee Rapids Tube and Kayak Leases is at 1681 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC.

16- Go to The Mountain Farm Museum

Subsequent to the Oconaluftee Customer Heart, simply exterior the doorway to the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, lies a gaggle of historic log buildings collected from everywhere in the nationwide park space.

These buildings of the Mountain Farm Museum had been constructed within the late 1800s and embody a farmhouse, barn, springhouse, smokehouse, apple home and a blacksmith store.

A brief stroll from the museum, an previous grist mill constructed within the late 1800s known as Mingus Mill nonetheless stands in its unique location.

Cornmeal and different objects are offered on the mill, and you’ll see demonstrations of the method from March via November.

Guests to this web site find out about how households as soon as lived, how they gardened and the agricultural practices they used to develop sufficient meals to outlive.

Mountain Farm Museum – 1194 Newfound Hole Rd, Cherokee, NC.

17- Pan For Gold At Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine

Cease by the Gold and Ruby Mine and check out your luck panning for gem stones and gold.

This family-friendly expertise is a bit of totally different from many different Cherokee sights.

For a price, you need to use the store’s gear to sift via grime and dirt to seek out gems and gold.

Sadly, not everybody’s expertise “pans out” when trying to find valuable stones.

Nonetheless, these fortunate sufficient to discover a gemstone can get it polished and lower on the retailer, then positioned in a jewelry setting.

Staff are available to assist with the right panning approach and figuring out the gem stones discovered.

This store is open day by day from March to November.

Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine is at 957 US Hwy. 441 North, Cherokee, NC.

18- Go to Santa’s Land Enjoyable Park and Zoo

Santa’s Land is a family-friendly theme park based mostly on Santa Claus.

Youngsters can go to Santa Claus year-round at his mountain residence and obtain proof of their good behaviour.

A part of this park includes a zoo with numerous animals similar to deer, bears, lemurs, monkeys, kangaroos and unique birds.

Households get pleasure from watching the magic present the place children can volunteer to help the magician.

Park rides embody a curler coaster, carousel, Ferris wheel, prepare, and paddleboats.

An arcade, a number of eating places, snack stands, and retailers present households with many issues to do and locations to eat.

This park operates between Could and October, however guests ought to test the web site for particular days and occasions.

Santa’s Land Enjoyable Park and Zoo is at 571 Wolfetown Rd., Cherokee, NC.

19- See The Animals At Cherokee Bear Zoo

Cherokee Bear Zoo is a small zoo dedicated to caring for bears and different animals, similar to tigers and lemurs.

This zoo homes black bears, that are native to the area, and grizzly bears.

A number of the black bears have the cinnamon fur color variation, offering guests with a glimpse of a subspecies of the black bear.

Watch the bears taking part in and consuming within the enclosures.

This zoo is controversial as a result of some suppose the bear enclosures are too small.

The zoo supplies the chance to see bears up shut and to pet and feed child bears within the petting zoo.

Cherokee Bear Zoo is at 1204 Tsalagi Rd, Cherokee, NC.

20- Oconaluftee Islands Park

The Oconaluftee Islands Park is on the Oconaluftee River in a shallow and clear part, offering excellent spots to unfold out a blanket, have a picnic and go wading within the chilly water.

The gradual present on this a part of the river is a superb place for kids to play and splash round.

There are picnic tables, some shady areas, and loads of area for individuals to unfold out. Guests can swim, go tubing, feed the geese, and fish for trout on this park.

Facilities on the park embody restrooms and parking. Paved strolling trails within the park additionally present loads of locations to take a seat and revel in being exterior.