10 Fun Things To Do in Cherokee NC

Cherokee, North Carolina is a quaint mountain town located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Smoky Mountain National Park! It is located on the Cherokee Indian Reserve and offers so much to do, see, and learn!

Cherokee NC is a great place to visit year-round, as each season offers something new and exciting. During the spring, summer, and fall months you can enjoy the river, hikes, and camping! During the winter, you can enjoy the beautiful snow scenery, tubing, and even skiing!

Below I’m sharing my favorite things to do in Cherokee NC that are perfect for all ages! I consider each of them a must-do when spending time in this region!

Museum of the Cherokee Indians

Hours: 9AM to 5PM, 7 days a week
Cost: $12 per adult
Website: Museum of the Cherokee Indians

While in Cherokee, NC it is important to understand the history of this area. The Museum of the Cherokee Indians does a wonderful job taking you through the everyday life of the Cherokees 13000 years ago and how it changed when settlers arrived.

The museum is very interactive and provides a short film, real-life artifacts, beautiful storytelling, and so much more. Tickets cost $12 per adult; plan to spend 40-60 minutes here.

Visit Harrah’s CHerokee

Hours: Open 24/7
Cost: Free Entry (& free parking)
Website:

Right in the heart of Cherokee the huge casino resort, Harrah’s Cherokee. It is a phenomenal place to stay with everything you could want in the resort (dining, restaurants, casinos, entertainment, pools, and more).

However, if you’re not a guest at Harrah’s Cherokee, you can still visit during the day or night and try the on property restaurants or experience gambling! This is one of four gambling locations in NC (there is one other in Cherokee; it is a bingo facility). The casino is massive and has slot machines, tables, a sportsbook, and more!

Mingo Falls

Hours: Open 24/7
Cost: Free
Website: Mingo Falls

I 100% recommend this activity during your trip to Cherokee, NC. This waterfall is over 200ft tall and considered the largest in the Southeast Appalachian.

The “hike” is quite short and achievable – you’ll head up about 160 steps, and then a short dirt/rock path before arriving to the falls. There is a bridge that gives you a stunning viewpoint of the falls.

Great Smoky Mountains

Hours: Open 24/7
Cost: Free
Website: Great Smoky Mountains NPS

The most visited national park in the USA is the Great Smoky Mountains, and it is easy to see why. It’s also one of the only free National Parks here in the US! While this park is mostly in Tennessee, there is still a beautiful chunk here in NC.

Driving through the entire Great Smoky Mountains can take 6+ hours, especially with the traffic. This national park is nearly impossible to do in one day. That being said, focus on the areas around Cherokee.

Bearmeats Indian Den

Hours: 9AM – 5PM, 7 days a week
Cost: Free Entry
Website: Bearmeats Indian Den

This store is as authentic as it gets… featuring homemade jams, jellies, arts/crafts, and skinned animals for purchase. If there’s a trinket that reminds you of Cherokee, NC … chances are you can find it here!

I definitely recommend taking a quick stop here to check out the unique homemade items. It’s a small shop, so it won’t take you much time at all, but you may leave with a few new sauces to try at home! Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 😉

Cherokee Rapids Tube and Kayak Rentals

Hours: 9AM – 5PM, only in May – August
Cost: $14 per person
Website: Cherokee Rapids Tube & Kayak Rentals

If you’re visiting in the summer months, be sure to experience a tube float down the river. This is by far the most relaxing way to cool off in the summer heat and see the beautiful nature surrounding Cherokee.

You’ll float down the Oconaluftee River, which is known as one of the cleanest, clearest and most beautiful rivers in the southeastern United States.

Tickets are $14 per person and include the tube and the ride 2-miles north so you can float down the river back to your car. They’re only open May-August, and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Cherokee in the summer.

Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual

Hours: 8 – 4:30PM, (closed on Sundays in the winter)
Cost: Free Entry
Website: Qualla Arts & Crafts

Visiting Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutal is one of the most unique things to do in Cherokee, North Carolina. It is the largest location for authentic Indian-made crafts east of the Mississippi. All employees are Cherokee and sell genuine native crafts.

It is located right across the street from the Museum of the Cherokee Indians, making it easy to do together! It has been open since 1946, and features over 300 different artisans!

Enjoy the Bear Statues

Okay, this might be a funny one to put on the list of Best Things to Do in Cherokee, NC – but hear me out!

All around the town of Cherokee, you’ll find painted bear statues. Each one is unique and represents its own story. As you drive around town, stop and take pictures at the Bear Statues and count how many you can find!

Santa’s Land

Hours: 10AM-5PM, May to November only
Cost: $24 per person
Website: Santa’s Land

Santa’s Land is a small theme park here in Cherokee that is open in the… summer & fall months! This seasonal activity is one of the best things to do in Cherokee NC with kids because there are petting zoos, small rollercoasters and rides, magic shows, and unique foods.

Tickets to Santa’s Land are $24 per person (adult and child). It is open from May to November each year, so your kids can meet Santa in the summer!

Sequoyah National Golf Club

Hours: Varies
Cost: Varies
Website: Sequoyah National Golf Club

The Sequoyah National Golf Club is a breathtaking & complex golf course. It spans over 6000 yards of land and features bluegrass fairways. You’ll find a few 5 par 3 and 5 par 5 areas with tricky terrain!

Day Trip to Bryson City

Cost: Gas Money 🙂
Website: Bryson City

Bryson City is a great day trip from Cherokee, NC. This is yet another small mountain town that is perfect for a day of exploring. Here you’ll find the Great Smoky Mountain Train museum, 3 Falls Hike, and a few breweries.

Bryson City is also right on Fontana Lake, and even features a treehouse spa at Lakeview Fontana. Highly recommend for a once in a life time experience!