Cherokee Indians Ancestral Homeland
A trip to Cherokee, NC is an unforgettable experience. The ancestral land of Cherokee Indians showcases traditional Cherokee culture and heritage.
Located in western North Carolina, Cherokee sits at the entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. To get there, it is a scenic five hour drive which will take you across the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia, across Tallulah Falls and Sky Valley, through the Nantahala National Forest and on into Cherokee.
There is so much to see, do and enjoy that my family and I have been four or five times and we are getting ready for another trip. On the way, we have enjoyed Tallulah Falls and other attractions in the mountains. To us, a must-stop is the Dillard House restaurant. As they say, it is a true Southern Culinary Event served family-style.
Cherokee is always a two-day trip for us, sometimes longer. There are plenty of accommodations in the area.
Typically, we start at the shops located on Hwy. 19 as you enter the town. We just have to see what’s new since we were there last. It is never disappointing. There is always new hand-crafted Indian pottery (our favorite) and much more.
To get a true sense of the Indian handiworks, visit the Qualla Arts & Crafts Guild on Hwy. 441. Formed in 1946, it is the oldest Native American Cooperative and they feature the works of over 250 traditional Cherokee Indian crafts people. You’ll be amazed at the beauty of handmade baskets, pottery, moccasins, wood and stone carvings, jewelry, and so much more.
Another must-see is the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. This is absolutely a cultural and historical tour without equal. The entire family will enjoy the tour with interactive video and intriguing displays. The Museum will help you discover up close the Cherokee people’s spirit of inventiveness, resilience, and will to survive. It is a moving journey that illustrates who the people of Cherokee really are, where they came from, and why they’re still here.
The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation
Take a trip to the Cherokee Indian Reservation and the Oconaluftee Indian Village. One of three federally-recognized Cherokee tribes, the area is part of the Cherokee Indians historic territory and there are over 15,000 members living on the Reservation. The Reservation is actually a nation unto itself. Watch elk as they graze on the grass in the meadows.
Each year thousands of people attend “Unto These Hills”, an outdoor drama that retells the story of the Cherokee of the Eastern Region and their removal through the Trail of Tears in Cherokee.
Cherokee has many activities for the whole family. There is trout fishing, fly fishing, golf, mountain hiking, and much more. You can even get in a little gambling at Harrah’s Casino and Resort which is owned by the Cherokee Indians.
Special events, such as festivals and Indian Heritage Days are planned throughout the year. VisitCherokeeNC.com provides a great listing of events.
Cherokee sits at the entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains National park, which happens to be the most visited National Park in the nation. So, since you’re already there, why not plan to spend time enjoying the many amenities of the park.
With 520,976 acres in the Park, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of areas to explore and many things to do.