Arranging a trip to Cherokee, North Carolina? Look at our recommended travel activities and attractions in Cherokee, North Carolina, to get the most out of your time there. Check out the list of the best things to do in Cherokee, North Carolina, and places to go in Cherokee, North Carolina below. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3.0 startup in the tourism industry that aims to disrupt the industry as a whole by utilizing Web 3.0 technologies.
Table Of Content
- Bearmeats Indian Den
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Cherokee Bear Zoo
- Cherokee Rapids Tube and Kayak Rentals
- Fire Mountain Trails
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
- Mingo Falls
- Mingus Mill
- Mountain Farm Museum
- Museum of the Cherokee Indian
- Oconaluftee Indian Village
- Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc
- Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo
- Sassy Sunflowers Bakery and Cafe
- Sequoyah National Golf Club
- Smokemont Riding Stables
- Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine
- Soco Falls
- Unto These Hills Cherokee Theatre
Bearmeats Indian Den
You shouldn’t miss going to the local arts and crafts market when visiting Cherokee.
If you’re looking for a lovely spot to buy gifts or souvenirs, Bearmeats Indian Den has everything you’re looking for!
Since 1992, the spot has been popular with locals and tourists alike.
David Smith, the owner, opened the den to express the love and talents of the Cherokee people in arts and crafts.
They offer the finest handcrafted pieces from the local artisans of Cherokee.
During the weekends, you may tour the den and see how they make beautiful pieces from scratch.
Some items you can find in Bearmeats Indian Den are pottery, soaps, wooden items, animal faces, tin items, and jewelry.
Go and see some of the lovely and friendly local artisans throughout the winter and summer.
Visiting the place is a way of supporting the Cherokee culture and its people.
Address: 4210 Wolfetown Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719-8741
Blue Ridge Parkway
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is waiting to be explored.
It is the only national park in the United States with the longest trail.
You’ll never regret traveling to this All-American Boulevard.
You’ll catch a glimpse of the Great Smoky Mountains from the parkway.
Surrounded by wildflowers, visitors can also go on outdoor adventures while enjoying the beautiful views.
You can hike, fish, or try mountain biking to keep yourself entertained.
It is a great place to just live in the moment and picnic with your family and friends.
If you’re traveling with an RV, roll down the windows and enjoy the beautiful landscape of Cherokee.
Here at Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll spend less but still have a lot of excitement!
The best season to visit the place is during the fall or spring.
After a long day of a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah, which is connected to the parkway’s trails, is a must-see spot.
Address: Milepost 469, Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee, NC 28719
Cherokee Bear Zoo
Meet a grizzly bear face-to-face at the Cherokee Bear Zoo.
The friendly environment and unique North Carolina zoo make it famous.
Aside from black bears, visitors may spot other animals in the area, such as tigers, monkeys, lemurs, and goats.
Cherokee Bear Zoo allows visitors to see the way of life, survival skills, and eating habits of the most exotic animals in Cherokee.
Your kid will love to meet different kinds of bears in the zoo.
To get as close as they can get to the animals, they need to stay in a safe and relaxing place.
Every interesting activity exists in the Cherokee Bear Zoo.
If you’re the type who loves seeing baby animals getting fed and taken care of, why not try to watch over them yourself?
You won’t regret bottle-feeding a young goat.
Make time to visit Cherokee Bear Zoo with your family!
Address: 1204 Tsalagi Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
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Cherokee Rapids Tube and Kayak Rentals
There’s nothing better than a thrilling water sports adventure.
Cherokee Rapids should be on your top list if you love outdoor adventures.
The rentals were established in 1971 by a professional tailor and had been passed down to three generations.
Rent a kayak or tube and take in the challenge of paddling through the river.
Visitors may opt to swim in the river, but this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is what you need to try.
There are different types of courses you may choose to suit your skill level.
A beginner and expert course, or what they call Grade I and II levels, will determine your route.
The river is about 2 miles long and has crystal clear water.
Even children aged 5 and above are allowed to try out this fun water activity.
Satisfy your tastebuds by grabbing a cone of ice cream near the park.
If you like to add more heart-stopping activity, try out the rapids’ zipline.
Address: 1681 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Fire Mountain Trails
The 10-mile-long trails in Fire Mountain Trails are perfect for biking, running, and other activities.
There are several routes to choose from that will take you to different destinations.
Visitors have a choice to choose between different difficulty levels.
The smooth and fast trails are for beginners to try.
If you’re more into extreme activities, a more rocky and harder single-track trail may be the best choice.
The mesmerizing views of the Great Smoky Mountains make the trip better.
You don’t have to worry about the crowded place because it is big enough for all adventure seekers.
The Fire Mountain Trails have a picnic area where you can enjoy conservation with your friends while eating your lunch.
The rock garden and lakes will help you have a deeper understanding of nature and yourself.
An outdoor adventure is the best activity to spend your time when traveling to North Carolina.
Address: State Rd 1361, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the top attractions in North Carolina.
If you’re looking for thrilling activities in North Carolina, challenge yourself by visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The 800-mile park isn’t for individuals who don’t like extreme things.
It is located between North Carolina and Tennessee’s border.
Before anything else, visitors should visit Yellowstone National Park as their starting point.
Some tiring but exciting activities are mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing.
Still not satisfied? A zipline from the mountaintop will give you a bird’s-eye view of the national park.
A picnic spot will delight you if you prefer chilling rather than doing the abovementioned activities.
The exhibitions and river will keep you and the kids entertained while having your lunch.
You can also swim in the stream, given that you’re wearing proper swimming attire.
If you enjoyed your stay at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, why not spend the night on their camping grounds?
Address: 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Individuals who enjoy playing poker and slot machines will enjoy Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
The mountaintop view of the casino resort makes the place more alluring.
You don’t have to worry about the place being crowded because it can accommodate up to 1,000 visitors.
The resort has 21 floors with mesmerizing views of the mountains from every room.
It stretches for about 150,000 square feet, on which you can play blackjack, craps, roulette, and slot machines.
If you’re planning to climb in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you might want to book a room at the resort.
To name a few amenities, they have a gym, golf course, spa, and swimming pools.
You may request assistance from the resort’s staff, and they will be more than happy to help you.
There are areas where your kids can spend their time.
Make a reservation before arriving at the resort for a hassle-free trip.
Address: 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
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Mingo Falls
A cheap water activity awaits you at Mingo Falls.
The Mingo Falls are the largest and tallest waterfalls in Cherokee.
With a height of nearly 120 feet, it will give you the chance to appreciate the beauty of the falls.
Visitors love to visit the spot because it is only minutes away from the city and is free!
Moreover, there are legends about the falls being haunted that have been passed down since they became one of the Cherokee’s wonders.
The best trail for travelers may be the Pigeon Creek Trail.
If you’re planning to hike to the top of the falls, a half-mile walk with 160 steps is what you can expect.
A campground is perfect for individuals who are planning to spend the night at Mingo Falls.
It is an ideal family-friendly trip to create memorable experiences on your journey.
Bring your cameras with you and appreciate the tall green trees, animals, and trails in Mingo Falls.
Address: Big Cove Road Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee, NC, United States
Mingus Mill
Cherokee’s wonder Mingus Mill may be the best place for travelers who enjoy hiking.
Located near the Mountain Farm Museum, this historic site has a lot to offer to history enthusiasts.
Aside from their hiking trails, they serve the best cornmeal in town!
Established in 1886, the converted energy came from the mill’s water turbine.
Mingus Mill has become a top destination for photographers and naturalists.
Not to mention their old buildings that contain the rich history of the Cherokee people.
Nature has become a great help in their day-to-day lives.
If you’re planning to drop by the spot, the best time to visit is from March to November.
Those are the months that they showcase how turbines, sluices, and other equipment that can be used to convert energy work.
Until this day, the mill has been well preserved and still uses the turbines.
Don’t miss the chance to see how Cherokee’s daily life and challenges used to be.
Address: Mingus Creek Trail, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
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Mountain Farm Museum
The Mountain Farm Museum is one of the best things to do in North Carolina.
The 19th-century lifestyle of a small village will enchant you as you travel back in time.
At the Mountain Farm Museum, you will spot perfectly preserved old structures and farms from the 1800s.
If you’re traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you might as well catch a glimpse of the farm museum.
Some of the establishments are a smokehouse, an apple house, a barn, a butcher store, a souvenir shop, chicken coops, and a house.
Each building has a story of its own and helped the small town of Cherokee prosper.
A house built in 1900 and owned by John Davis is one of the buildings that you will find in the farm museum.
It is a commercial type of establishment with a touch of dovetail notches and chestnut wood.
If you’re interested in seeing the work and process of a blacksmith in the 1880s, suit yourself with the remains of their iron work.
Address: Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Bring a box of tissues with you as you listen to the touching history of the Cherokee people.
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian features the art, history, and culture of Cherokees 13,00 years ago.
Since it opened in 1948, it has been hailed as one of the top 10 Native American sites with a rich history.
Spend a day at the museum and learn more about their way of life through interactive exhibits such as holograms, artifacts, life-size statues, photos, and a collection of Cherokee music.
On top of everything else, a workshop, visual displays, and a pop-up storybook will fascinate the children.
Through the use of technology, the museum was able to display its artworks, dioramas, and antique items.
If weaving and pottery are your things, you may learn the Cherokee’s way of producing such stuff.
Grab a souvenir in the museum shop on your way home.
You can’t say you’ve been to North Carolina without dropping by the Museum of the Cherokee Indians.
Address: 589 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Oconaluftee Indian Village
Oconaluftee Indian Village is a living village where Cherokee people used to live.
The village is an interactive exhibit that showcases their life, work, and art from the 1600s.
Dancing, basket weaving, and building canoes are some of the skills you might learn when you go to the village.
In addition, they have a mini reenactment of the battle between the Europeans and the Cherokee, where they’ll show how they used the blowguns.
Their everyday lives, war preparations, pottery, and cultural dances will keep you and the kids entertained.
You will be guided by a cultural expert who will show you the sacred places where they used to worship.
The village’s trails are perfect for everyone to walk, run, or bike and will keep you active.
If you want a souvenir for your trip, you can purchase something from their souvenir shop.
If you’re in North Carolina, dance all your worries away when visiting Oconaluftee Indian Village.
Address: 218 Drama Road, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc
Discover the history of Native Americans by visiting Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc.
It is known as the oldest and largest museum in the United States.
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual hold the most extraordinary traditional native crafts.
The place is surrounded by artifacts from 10,000 years ago.
Since 1946, they have had more than 350 staff members.
Some of the activities you can do at the spot are basket weaving, learning their dances, making pottery, listening to cultural music, storytelling, beading, and making dolls.
The materials used in basket weaving are honeysuckle vines, rivercane, and white oak.
You may ask questions about the history of the place and the art collections as the staff are friendly.
Drop by their souvenir shop and support their business by purchasing crafts.
Handmade jewelry, masks, baskets, jars, and ceramics are their best-selling products.
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. is a beautiful destination to spend your time at.
Address: 645 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo
Your trip to North Carolina wouldn’t be complete without dropping by Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo.
The Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo opened its doors in 1966 and immediately became a popular Christmas destination for families.
If you’re planning to visit Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo, the best time to go there is from May to October.
A small train, a rudicoaster sleigh, and Santa’s home are some of the facilities that adults and children will surely enjoy.
In addition, they have a gaming area, a magic show, and a lazy lake where you can do fun water activities.
Catch a glimpse of their zoo full of animals that came from every corner of the world, like bears, kangaroos, and monkeys.
Travel with your family and have the best holidays of your life.
Find out if you’re on the nice or naughty list by dropping by Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo.
Address: 571 Wolfetown Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Sassy Sunflowers Bakery and Cafe
Treat yourself to baked goods and sweets at Sassy Sunflowers Bakery and Cafe.
The snacks and delicious meals make the Bakery and Cafe a unique place in Cherokee.
Sassy Sunflowers Bakery and Cafe offers a healthy option for vegans, vegetarians, and gym-goers.
They have gluten and dairy products for people who don’t like eating meat.
Salads and soups are some of their well-loved appetizers, together with a cake, cookie, or anything sweet for their dessert.
You may try out their cafe shop, where they have tea, juice, smoothies, and coffee as some of their best-selling drinks.
On top of everything else, people who love baking may learn tricks and ways of baking.
Feast on the cakes you made and take them home with you because you might get hungry later!
Visit Sassy Sunflowers Bakery and Cafe on a hot summer day and indulge yourself with sweet treats.
Address: 1655 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Sequoyah National Golf Club
For every sports enthusiast, Sequoyah National Golf Club is an ideal place to score a goal.
The golf club’s rich history and natural resources are some of the reasons why it is famous among locals and tourists.
It was built by one of the well-known designers, Robert Trent Jones II.
A 3-mile drive is required in order to arrive at the golf course if you’re traveling from Whittier.
Its area stretches for about 6,000 yards of a landscape full of bentgrass and bluegrass.
They have par 3 and par 5 courses, which makes the course more challenging.
If you have just started playing golf, you can practice on the spot.
Furthermore, they have available food trucks and restaurants to grab a meal.
The bars with adult cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks will satisfy your thirst.
A beautiful setting, a fun golf experience, and the best view to catch a glimpse of Cherokee await you at Sequoyah National Golf Club.
Address: 79 Cahons Rd, Whittier, NC 28789, United States
Smokemont Riding Stables
Looking for a spot to travel with your companion? Why not give Smokemont Riding Stables a try to keep your relationship stable?
The stables are an ideal spot for people who are into horseback riding and anything horse-related.
From there, you’ll see a huge number of horses of different breeds.
A scenic view and beautiful trails make the place a travel-worthy destination.
Their horses are trained to be friendly and well-mannered, especially to the visitors.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced horseback rider because the staff will accompany you for you to learn the proper way of riding a horse.
Moreover, you can choose different types and lengths of trails.
Upon riding the horse, it will take you through the mountain streams and a tunnel.
Kids aged 5 years and over may try their wagon ride.
Drop by Smokemont Riding Stables for a fun-filled ride.
Address: 135 Smokemont Riding Stables Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine
The Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina.
Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine is a literal gem for travelers who have a thing for crystals.
Prepare to get your hands dirty as you search for treasures from the past.
Families who are traveling with kids will enjoy gold, gem, diamond, crystal, and rock hunting.
If you’re lucky enough, you’ll find rare pieces and turn them into jewelry as a souvenir!
But visitors who are into tumbling will also love looking for unusual shapes of rocks and turning them into colorful glasses that almost look like candy.
You don’t have to bring anything, for they are the ones who will give you the things needed for my digging.
They have professional gemologists who can tell you about the different gems you’ll find.
Drop by their souvenir shop if you’re interested in buying jewelry aligned to your birthstone.
You can also book a hotel with over 120 choices if you want to stay in for the night.
Address: 971 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
Soco Falls
The 120-foot cascade in Cherokee is the tallest of its kind.
Soco Falls is a hidden gem in North Carolina with natural stream falls and tall green trees.
In the 1700s, the Native Americans’ villages were built near the Soco Falls.
You’ll learn about the rich history of native people back in the 17th century.
The area is quiet to the point that the only thing you’ll hear is the rushing water and birds chirping.
In order to reach the twin waterfalls, visitors need to hike in order to see them with a bird’s eye view. It takes about five minutes to reach the top of the falls.
You don’t have to worry about getting lost because they have signs for the way up and down.
Swimming and jumping from the peak are two of the water activities available at the falls.
In addition, there are several tourist attractions near the falls, such as the Maggie Valley, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Cherokee Indian Reservation.
If you’re free this weekend, try spending your time at Soco Falls.
Address: US-19, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, United States
Unto These Hills Cherokee Theatre
Unto This Hills Cherokee Theatre is an ideal place for theater enthusiasts.
Established in 1950, an outdoor theater in the mountainside of Cherokee is a unique way to spend your trip when you’re in North Carolina.
Their play features the Trail of Ters of the Cherokee’s local tribe, which was played by the theater club of the University of North Carolina.
Dances, performances, and traditional music from the 1780s will keep you entertained.
Bring your anti-mosquito repellant with you and enjoy the open-air museum that can accommodate a total of 2,800 visitors.
The best time to visit the place is from June to August.
As the cold breeze from the mountain brushes your cheeks and gives you chills, you might get the most memorable trip in your lifetime.
The theatre team is planning to release the second part of Unto These Hills.
If you’re looking for a place to keep you out of the bustling city of North Carolina, you might love this outdoor treasure.
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Address: 564 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States
