Cherokee NC

This is the center of Cherokee culture in North Carolina (and indeed the eastern United States). Many natives call this area home, the Cherokee language is also spoken by many in this area. The town was established by the Cherokee who stayed behind while the US Government forced them west in the Trail of Tears. Those who stayed behind hid in the mountains that now make up the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The Cherokee people are eastern Native Americans, do not ask them where the tipis are. Tipis were made by western Native Americans. The Cherokee people lived in houses made of woven grass covered with mud, and after the European settlers arrived, log cabins.

cherokeeVisit the Oconaluftee Indian Village and learn about Cherokee Native American culture. The tour takes you through various live demonstrations of Cherokee life, including two educational and informative talks.

There is also The Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

A popular attraction in Cherokee is Harrah’s Casino, which is owned by the local Cherokee tribe.