The Cherokee Indians are the true natives of the Smoky Mountains. They've lived in the region for hundreds of years. Before European settlement, they lived in large areas of the Eastern U.S. As more and more settlers moved in, the Cherokee were pushed to the mountains. Many were forcibly moved to Oklahoma in the 1800's, a few managed to stay behind in the NC Mountains. Today the Eastern Band of the Cherokee thrive in the NC Smoky Mountains.
Cherokee NC, More family-friendly than ever
Cherokee NC used to be a nice family place to visit, but it had become a little run down. In the late 1990's, a casino came to Cherokee. It has been very successful. For a few years, casino visitors were the primary visitors to Cherokee. Families came, but in much smaller numbers.
Several things have changed over the past couple of years that make Cherokee NC more family friendly than ever. One, the Tribe has invested much of the money they've made from the casino into improving their historical and cultural attractions. Two, there has been overall upgrade of facilities on the Reservation. Third, the Casino itself now has many hotel rooms right on the Casino property.
This leaves the casino off to itself. The town has improved facilities and attractions. Families are finding this out. And now, Cherokee is more family friendly than ever.
Cherokee NC Historical & Cultural Attractions
One of the best improvements to Cherokee over the past few years is the upgrading of their historical and cultural attractions. All are reasonably priced.
The Oconaluftee Indian Village portrays life for the Cherokee as it really was, not as TV and movies have led us to believe. Native Cherokee dressed in tradtional Cherokee clothing show you how life really was for their ancestors.
Cherokee Museum - The Cherokee Musuem is a great museum. See artifacts from Cherokee and the Smoky Mountain region.
Unto These Hills - Outdoor Drama - A great outdoor drama focused on the conflict the Cherokee had with settlers and the eventual forced march along the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma.
Qualla Arts and Crafts Cooperative - True Native American crafts designed and built for you by Cherokee NC craftsmen and women.
Family Outdoors: Hiking, Rafting, Fishing, Tubing, Scenic Drives
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our nations most visited National Park, forms the western boundary for Cherokee. The Park has a Visitors Center just 10 minutes outside downtown Cherokee.
The Blue Ridge Parkway ends in Cherokee. The 400 mile long National Park starts in Virginia and winds its way along the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, ending in Cherokee NC.
Family whitewater rafting is only 10 minutes south of Cherokee. The Nantahala River is 25 minutes away. Cherokee is one of the most popular trout fishing destinations in the Smokies.
With the Parkway and the National Park, there are many great hikes in and around Cherokee. Horseback riding, including rides in parts of the National Park, is just outside Cherokee.
Other Activities in Cherokee
- As they say on those TV infomercials, "Wait there's More"
Santa's Land Theme Park has been popular with families with younger kids for years.
Gem mining is available right in town.
The Cherokee Fun Park is one of the best amusement & game centers anywhere. Enjoy kiddie rides, a great go-cart course, paddle boats, a game room. miniature golf, and more.
Great Places to Stay in Cherokee
Cherokee has many great places to stay. There are nearly 3000 hotel and motel rooms. There are cabins and vacations rentals.
Cherokee NC is one of the best places in the nation to camp. There are a number of quality campgrounds.
Here are two great sites that cover Cherokee NC:
cherokee-nc.com cherokeesmokies.com