If you’re looking for things to do in Cherokee, NC, for a fun day trip or vacation, we have you covered! When Visit Cherokee invited us to visit and experience their Yona (Bear) Package that included a visit to The Museum of the Cherokee People, the Oconalufee Indian Village, and tickets to Unto These Hills, we were excited to go and share our experience with you.
Reasons to consider Cherokee, NC, for your next day trip:
- Just 2 hours from Greenville, and the view through WNC is always a nice drive.
- History that actually holds kids’ attention. Living villages, working artisans, and a drama family have been watched for 70 years.
- This isn’t a typical day trip. Cherokee offers something you can’t find anywhere else.
Here’s what we saw in Cherokee, our thoughts on visiting with children, and some suggestions for places to eat and stay in the Cherokee region.
About Cherokee, NC
Cherokee, NC, is a little over two hours from both Greenville and Spartanburg. It’s past Asheville, NC, and you will drive through Maggie Valley to get there. The route is scenic and runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The region is part of The Qualla Boundary, owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Unlike a reservation that the U.S. government owns, the Cherokee people purchased their land, and the government holds the land in trust on behalf of the EBCI. Permanent residence in the area is limited to EBCI citizens.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are comprised of the families of the Cherokee people who avoided the Trail of Tears or returned to the Qualla Boundary after forced removal.
Things to Do in Cherokee, NC
The Museum of the Cherokee People
The first stop on our itinerary was The Museum of the Cherokee People. This museum tells the history of the Cherokees from the Paleo time period to modern-day.
The exhibits include many artifacts, stories, and replicas to illustrate Cherokee history and culture. The range of displays has many signs and audio descriptions that will provoke great conversations between children and adults. The museum also has opportunities to learn through touch and exploration, such as a large basket weaving exhibit and an interactive Cherokee language display for younger children.
This museum is not large and can be easily explored in an hour if you read the signage. Younger children will likely explore it faster.
The Museum of the Cherokee People has won national recognition, including being voted one of the Top Ten Best Native American Experiences by USA Today.
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual Co-op
The Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual Co-op is near the museum. We missed visiting during business hours, but we want to mention it as the Co-op is the top local spot to find authentic, high-quality Cherokee arts and crafts, including carvings, quilts, baskets, pottery, and jewelry. Be sure to visit early in the day as they close at 4:30 pm.
Oconaluftee Indian Village Website
Oconaluftee Indian Village was one of my favorite stops on our trip. This replica village offers a guided tour every 15 minutes to take your family through the village for a living history experience.
Visitors follow a trail with stations where local Cherokee artisans make baskets, carve masks, mold pottery, bead, and more using historical techniques. The tour guide stops at each station and explains the process and use of each art form. There are opportunities to ask questions and interact with the artisans.
The village also includes replica houses from different Cherokee periods, sample animal traps, a large dugout canoe, etc. As you visit these replicas, the guide shares how the Cherokee lived, their families, governments, and beliefs.
After the living history experience, the tour will end at the Council House and Square grounds. Lectures on Cherokee history and culture take place each half-hour.
We did not get to experience it, but if you visit the village close to noon and 3 pm, you might have the chance to watch a traditional dance or a war re-enactment on the Square grounds.
A Botanical Trail is also adjacent to the village. Here, you can see and learn more about the native plants in the region.
Unto These Hills
You need to see a performance of Unto These Hills to complete your trip to Cherokee, NC. Families have watched this outdoor show for 70 years, and I remember seeing it when I was a child.
Note: Different versions of Unto These Hills have been performed. Currently, the production is the original version by Kermit Hunter with some changes to make the performance shorter and more historically accurate.
Things to Bring to Unto These Hills
The performance is outdoors, so we recommend bringing your bug spray, ponchos, and a light jacket (those mountain nights can be chilly). While the show is not very loud, there is gunfire and cannons, so if your children are sensitive to loud noises, you may want to bring earplugs or ear mufflers.
A small shop inside the performance sells earplugs, bug bands, and other essential items. You can also purchase upgraded packages that include popcorn, water, ponchos, and seat cushions.
What is Unto These Hills About? Is Unto These Hills Appropriate for Children?
This performance tells the story of the Cherokee from the appearance of Hernando DeSoto in 1540 through the purchase of The Qualla Boundary. Much of the performance focuses on the Trail of Tears through the story of a man named Tsali who resists the removal but, in the end, offers his life to preserve the lives of his people.
The performance shows death, war, and violence as the Cherokee have suffered immense injustice and loss. However, this performance does an excellent job of telling the Cherokee story in an appropriate, serious way that is still accessible to even children. The messages of human rights, the pursuit of peace, the evil of greed, and the tenacity of the human spirit in fighting for what’s right were prominent in the play. The performance also offered many colorful glimpses into Cherokee life, including their traditional dances.
My children are 11 and 13, and both paid close attention to the entire performance. They commented on how much they enjoyed it, and it provided great opportunities to talk about these serious topics as a family.
How Long is Unto These Hills? Would Younger Children Be Able to Sit Through It?
The performance is two hours long with a 15-minute intermission. There is also a half-hour pre-show that features local music and is well worth arriving early to see.
If your child can sit through a two-hour performance and is old enough not to be frightened by the war scenes, they’re old enough to enjoy Unto These Hills. The story is not difficult to follow, and there is a lot of music, dancing, and action on the stage.
The performance is very late, though. Our show started at 8 pm and ended around 10. We visited Cherokee on a day trip, so we did not arrive back home until after midnight. If you have small children, you might consider the Saturday matinee if your kids aren’t old enough to stay up that late.
Backstage Tour of Unto These Hills
Our backstage tour was canceled due to an approaching storm, but it’s a great option to add on to your package (weather permitting). Offered after the show, the backstage tour lasts about 15-20 minutes and allows your family to go on stage and experience the lights and set action first-hand. You’ll get to see how the stage changes from one scene to another, learn about the behind-the-scenes technical tricks that bring the show to life, and ask questions.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is another fun place to visit in Cherokee. Here, you can find live demonstrations on a path with historic structures, including two operational grist mills. This visitor center is part of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and is a great place to view elk.
Places to Eat in Cherokee, NC
Wize Guyz Grille
We entered Cherokee hungry for lunch and picked Wize Guyz Grille since they had a wide selection, from a pizza counter to a full grill with burgers and sandwiches. We knew we had picked well the second we saw the line to order almost outside the door. The food was excellent, and the service was quick and friendly.
68 Big Cove Road, Suite #8
Cherokee, NC
El Cajelito Mexican Restaurant
For dinner, we chose El Cajelito, which was near the main attractions in Cherokee. We liked that they had plenty of choices, including a full vegetarian menu. Our meal was delicious.
1681 Acquoni Road
Cherokee, NC
Places to Stay in Cherokee, NC
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Be aware that Interstate 40 in WNC is still under road construction after Hurricane Helene, so you may experience traffic delays as you approach the exit for Cherokee, NC. For more North Carolina travel spots, check out our Guide To Travel: North Carolina Family Adventures to Embark On.
Bethany Winston
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