Area Attractions
Attractions and Experiences
Nature, history, art, and sports
As you might guess, the rich cultural history of the Cherokee People is the #1 reason to visit Cherokee, North Carolina. But there is so much more to see and do! So hop in the car and head out on US 19 to experience everything the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spanning the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Park is world-famous for its diversity of plant and animal life, beautiful ancient mountains, and the persistence of Appalachian mountain culture.
Mingo Falls
Take a ¼ mile hike over a wooden bridge to see waters cascading down over 200 feet of rock face and boulders. Popular with residents and visitors alike, Mingo Falls is easily accessible from downtown Cherokee and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Museum of the Cherokee People
The great Cherokee linguist, Sequoyah is memorialized with a sculpture right out front. It was he who invented the syllabary that gave Cherokees a way to read and write their own language. Go inside to see art, artifacts, arrowheads & spear points that are thousands of years old, films, photos, and historical memorabilia. This is a museum you will always remember.
Bears Project
Bears represent great strength. A local artist created ‘Tourist Bear’ in 2005 and since then, all seven clans have created one or more bear sculptures depicting nature, legends, and various aspects of Cherokee culture. The Bears now stand on sidewalks, at intersections, and near rivers and trails around town. For more information about Cherokee’s painted bears — including where to find all 19 — visit the Cherokee Welcome Center. Click the link and scroll all the way down.
Oconaluftee River Tubing
Rent a tube and enjoy carefree floating on the pristine Oconaluftee River. Kayaking, wading, and angling for rainbow, brook, and brown trout are popular pastimes. Choose from two tube rental companies right here in Cherokee.
Oconaluftee Islands Park
Depending on the water level of the river, you might be treated to a grassy island complete with bridges, picnic tables, and piers from which to feed the ducks and fish. Swim, have a picnic, and bask in the sunshine. Every day is a perfect day for an outdoor adventure.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Take the kids to the GSMR train depot in nearby Bryson City, NC. See all the places your car can’t get to, like Fontana Lake and the Nantahala Gorge. Meet Santa Claus on the Polar Express. There are special train rides and excursions for every holiday. Kids love train rides and grown-ups do too.
Sequoyah National Golf Club
You’ll feel close to nature when you play 18 holes at Sequoyah National GC in nearby Whittier. This par 72 championship course offers spectacular mountain views, driving range, putting greens, chipping area and Callaway Golf Club fitting by certified PGA Golf Professionals. Visit the pro shop and the Grille.
Cheers! Tasting Trail
Visit craft breweries, vineyards, and distilleries along the Cheers Tasting Trail and try them all. The Trail starts in nearby Hendersonville and doesn’t end until you’re ready to go back to your cozy campsite. Purchase a tasting Trail passport. It’s only $10 bucks!
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Try your luck at table games, traditional Asian games, poker, slot machines, and sportsbook. Plus dining, promotions, and live entertainment. No need to drive there – you can take the shuttle from Happy Holiday RV Village directly to Harrah’s. The Cherokee Casino has it all!
Qualla Boundary
Located just outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and sometimes mistakenly referred to as a Cherokee Indian reservation, the Qualla Boundary has been privately owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee People since the 1870s. Visit there to see “Unto These Hills,” an outdoor drama that has been performed since the 1950s to tell the Cherokee story — updated to reflect modern day Cherokee life.
Hungry?
From a pancake breakfast or a light lunch at a cute café to luxurious sit-down dining, you’ll find restaurants to suit every taste and budget in Cherokee.
