The Cherokee Mountains offer spectacular scenery for horseback riders. You can also take a relaxing wagon ride through the forest. Another popular attraction in Cherokee is the Mountain Farm Museum, comprised of preserved log buildings, which showcase the 13,000-year history of the Cherokee tribe. The museum also features a timeline of the Cherokee people that was digitally generated.
Museum of the Cherokee Indian
The museum showcases Cherokee art in different media. Among these are digital films, photographs, and holographic displays. The exhibits are interesting and engaging. Visitors can learn about the Cherokee culture and art by viewing these exhibits. The museum also hosts numerous events for children to learn about the Cherokee culture.
The museum is managed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and is located on tribal land. It is the oldest tribal museum in the United States. It opened its permanent exhibition in 1998 and attracts over eight thousand visitors a year. In January of 2022, Evan Mathis was appointed the Museum’s Director of Collections and Exhibitions. He undertook a comprehensive inventory of the Museum’s collection, working closely with community members and EBCI Lead Archaeologist Beau Carroll.
The museum contains the largest collection of Cherokee artifacts, archives, and documents. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn about the history of the Cherokee people. The museum starts with the ancient Cherokee myths and takes visitors through the history of the people, their struggle for survival, and their bravery in defending the land.
The museum features computer-generated images, special effects, and audio to bring history alive. Visitors can learn about the Cherokee people and their culture 10,000 years ago. They were hunters and gatherers, using stone tools to hunt mastodon. Their diet consisted mainly of native plants and animals. They also discovered the healing qualities of various fauna.
Oconaluftee Indian Village
When you visit Cherokee, North Carolina, be sure to check out the Oconaluftee Indian Village, which is a recreation of an 18th-century eastern Cherokee community. The village is situated on the banks of the Oconaluftee River.
The village is a living history museum that will transport you back in time to the late 18th century. Taking a tour will give you a glimpse of what life was like for the Cherokee people. The exhibits will let you see how they lived and ate. You will also see demonstrations of blowguns and craft work.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to spend some time at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, which is open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is just a short drive from Bryson City. The museum is open from April to October and offers many interactive exhibits.
Another popular Cherokee attraction is the Mountain Farm Museum. Visitors can wander past the old hog pens that provided the community’s meat and fat for soap and cooking. The museum also has a working blacksmith shop. You can also take a 30-minute walk through the historic farmhouse on the grounds and check out the farm’s museum collection.
There’s also hiking and biking. You can also take your dog for a jog or a walk on the trails. If you’re a cyclist, you might want to try the Fire Mountain Trails, a multi-use trail system that spans 10.5 miles. The trails offer a variety of difficulty levels, with easy and challenging trails for beginners and experienced riders alike. The trails are easily accessible from Oconaluftee Indian Village and are free to use.
Mingo Falls
The 120-foot-high Mingo Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachian Mountains. It is located on Qualla Boundary, a land trust of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. It is also one of the most scenic waterfalls in the region.
To visit Mingo Falls, start your hike by following the Big Cove Road in the Cherokee Reservation. It’s about five miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can also reach the waterfall by taking the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville. After a steep climb, the trail will level out and you’ll reach a wooden bridge at the base of the falls.
Mingo Falls is a relatively easy waterfall to visit. It is located just 13 minutes from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. It is also known as Qualla Boundary, and you can also camp at the campground. The campground is located at 71 Big Cove Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719.
While visiting Mingo Falls, be sure to pack plenty of water and a warm jacket. The waterfall can freeze during extremely cold weather. Also, be aware that elk can reach up to 700 pounds and can charge if you pose a threat. Visiting the waterfall is a great way to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Qualla Boundary waterfall is a favorite of local Cherokees. It is best visited early in the morning, when the mist adds a magical atmosphere. The park is open every day, and you don’t need a permit to visit the waterfall. The only downside is the lack of directions and limited parking. The waterfall is five miles from Cherokee.
Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo
A fun family day out in Cherokee can include a day at Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo. This year-round theme park has a variety of rides and a gift shop. The park also has a lake for paddle boating and a zoo for the kids.
Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo is located in Cherokee, North Carolina and is open daily. This park is a fun family destination for the entire family, and features a zoo with exotic animals. The park also hosts daily magic shows and has a gift shop for a memorable day out.
The zoo and park are popular attractions for families visiting Cherokee. There are several attractions and rides, as well as dining and picnic areas. You can feed bears through a tube, and enjoy a show at the Santa’s Land Fun Park. There are mannequin choirs in the park’s Faith Chapel, and there are funky blacklight displays around the park. The park has been open for 40 years, and it’s a trip back in time!
Trails
The idea for the Cherokee Trails System first came to life during the Hicks administration. At that time, Jenks was working with the Cherokee Choices diabetes prevention program. While in Cherokee, she met with Damon Lambert and began to discuss the idea of building a series of trails. The Cherokee Preservation Foundation awarded Jenks and Lambert a grant for planning and construction, and the Cherokee tribe provided matching funds. In June 2016, the Cherokee Capital Committee approved funding for the construction of the trails.
The new Fire Mountain Trails are located near the Cherokee Phoenix Theater and provide multi-use opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. They are also located near Hospital Road and Drama Road, making them accessible to residents and visitors of Cherokee. The trails connect to Oconaluftee Indian Village, where the Cherokee Phoenix Theater is located.
The Fire Mountain Trail System in Cherokee offers a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails ranging from beginner to expert. One trail, called Tinker’s Dream, climbs steeply from the parking lot to a ridgetop, with a long, winding course enclosing hikers in silence. The dense summer foliage and greenery surround the trails, and the ambiance of the trails is peaceful and serene.
The Cherokee Trail Committee is actively working on the development of a connected trail system in Cherokee. The committee’s proposed master plan illustrates a system of trails that will span the city. Future phases will further extend the trail into the heart of Cherokee, running adjacent to many of the neighborhoods.
Shopping
Shopping in Cherokee is a great way to experience the local culture. You can buy everything from handmade clothing to pottery to unique gift items. There are many shops specializing in Cherokee goods. There is also a museum and a small art gallery that features Native American art. From beautiful carvings to handmade blankets, Cherokee has something for everyone.
Shopping in Cherokee is not only a fun activity during the holiday season, but also a great way to support the local economy. The Cherokee Office of Economic Development promotes local businesses and encourages holiday shoppers to spend their hard-earned dollars in the community. This helps the local economy by generating sales tax. The town has also benefited from the recent opening of a Cabela’s store, which opened in southwest Cherokee in August.
