Once you stay in Cherokee, part of you never leaves.
vote for the best in heritage award
Cherokee is a place defined by its people, its history, and its heart. We are thrilled to announce that our community is nominated for the 2026 Best of the Southern Smokies – People’s Choice Awards in the Heritage category! This nomination celebrates the collective work of the three pillars that keep our culture vibrant and accessible to the world:
- Museum of the Cherokee People: A home for the stories, artifacts, and living history of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
- Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual: The oldest Native American artist cooperative in the U.S., preserving decades of traditional craftsmanship.
- Cherokee Historical Association: Bringing our past to life through the Unto These Hills outdoor drama and the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
If you have walked through our galleries, witnessed our stories under the stars, or taken home a piece of authentic Cherokee art, we would be honored to have your vote.
How to Cast Your Vote: It only takes a moment, and every vote helps us continue to represent the excellence of the Southern Smokies.
- Category: Best in Heritage
- Deadline: Voting is open now through March 25, 2026.
Are you ready for adventure?
A culture, a people, and a place that’s actually a sovereign nation, Cherokee is located right in the heart of Western North Carolina. It’s also base camp for hiking in the Great Smokies, arts and crafts shopping, native elk herd viewing, hours of fishing fun, and home to a history that spans millennia. Ready? Let’s go.
Fire Mountain Trails
we are cherokee
So many chapters in a fascinating story
The culture of the Cherokee people is a rich, deep narrative that yearns to be explored. Delicately, carefully protected by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, Cherokee culture can be seen as a book filled with 11,000 years of artistic invention and intellectual achievement, survival and perseverance, featuring a peace-loving people who proudly dealt with the savagery of war and overcame. But that barely scratches the surface of what makes Cherokee culture a treasure for the curious traveler.
Featured Places in Cherokee
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc.
It’s difficult to find authentic, handcrafted art in today’s world. Luckily, it has been a Cherokee tradition for centuries. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. is the oldest Native American cooperative in the country, with over 350 juried artisans creating traditional Cherokee masks, pottery, baskets, jewelry, and much more. Qualla gives you the chance to hold history in your hands, and even take it home.
Upcoming Events
Places to Stay
No trip to Cherokee is complete without spending an evening here—or three. Once you’ve watched a show, attended an event, done some shopping, and maybe a bit of fishing or hiking, it’s time to lay your head down in a comfortable spot. Whether it’s a luxury hotel room at Harrah’s, or a rustic cabin, cottage, or RV park, there’s an option that fits your needs.
Even if you’re a careful packer, don’t be surprised if you leave a piece of your heart behind.
#Visitcherokeenc
Discover Cherokee
Fall In Cherokee
Be a part of the majestic transition from the wonderful heat of the summer to the cooler, and more colorful fall in Cherokee, North Carolina. Whether you’re heading out here on a grand family vacation or spending a long weekend exploring all the history and culture that Cherokee has to offer, we’ve got the perfect itinerary of fall activities for you to enjoy.
