Oconaluftee Indian Village

Cherokee history isn’t just the past.

AT Oconaluftee Indian Village, it’s alive, well, and amazing.

Step back in time to the 18th century and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Cherokee people nestled within the picturesque North Carolina mountains. The Oconaluftee Indian Village invites you to embark on a journey unlike any other, offering a captivating glimpse into the past.

Explore historical buildings, witness captivating shows such as “Time of War,” and be enchanted by traditional Cherokee dancing. Afterward, unwind and savor a delightful meal at our picnic area, or browse our Gift Shop for a cherished memento of your unforgettable visit to our village.

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Take an Immersive Journey

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Ages: All Ages
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
When: Varies by Season – See Information Below
Location: Oconaluftee Indian Village, Cherokee, NC 28719
Schedule: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Tours leave every 15 minutes
The last tour leaves at 4:30

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A woman in traditional attire performing a ritual at an earthen furnace, surrounded by cultural artifacts inside a dimly lit, rustic structure at the Oconaluftee Indian Village.

Plan Your Visit

The Oconaluftee Indian Village invites you to embark on a journey unlike any other, offering a captivating glimpse into the past. As you wander through our village, enveloped by lush greenery and the soothing melody of mountain streams, guided tours will lead you through craft demonstrations by esteemed artists, unveiling the intricate techniques of Cherokee craftsmanship.

Adult: Ages 10+ $25
Child: Ages 6 – 11 $15

Your ticket allows entry at any time during our operating hours. Plan approximately 2 hours for your visit.

Please Note: Oconaluftee Indian Village is an outdoor living history museum. Please dress accordingly for the weather. The tour is a walking tour on a mulched path. It may not be suitable for all mobility assistance devices. For additional accessibility questions, please call 828-497-2111

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Experience Cherokee Attractions with our Discount Packages!

Combo Tickets Available: For the Oconaluftee Indian Village and “Unto These Hills” show.

Schedules:

Unto These Hills runs Monday – Saturday.
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Pre-show: 7:30 PM
Main Show: 8:00 PM

The Oconaluftee Indian Village is open Tuesday – Saturday.
Park Hours: Tuesday – Saturday
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Learn More

For group sales, call 828-497-2111 x205, email [email protected] or complete the form on the Cherokee Historical Association’s Group Sales Webpage.

For questions about memberships, please contact our Communications & Development Director, Chelsey Moore, at [email protected]

EARLY SEASON: April 16-May 25, 2024 Tuesday-Saturday

SUMMER SEASON: May 27-September 7, 2024, Monday-Saturday
FALL SEASON: September 10-November 2, 2024 Tuesday-Saturday

Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Location: Mountainside Theatre 688 Drama Rd, Cherokee, NC
Schedule: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Tours leave every 15 minutes
The last tour leaves at 4:30

Oconaluftee Indian Village
Cherokee, NC 28719

Get Directions

If you are traveling from Asheville, North Carolina (approx. 1 hour): Take I-40 west to exit 27 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway). Continue west passing by Waynesville, Sylva and Dillsboro. Take exit 74, which is Hwy 441 towards Cherokee. At the third red light take a right and at the next light take a left. Our box office will be on your right, just before the next light. To get to our attractions, turn left onto Drama Road at the red light between our office and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Follow Drama Road all the way up. The road ends at our parking area.

If you are traveling from Knoxville, Tennessee (approx.2 hours): Take 1-40 east into North Carolina to exit 27 (US 74, the Great Smoky Mountains expressway). Continue west on US 74 beyond Waynesville, Sylva and Dillsboro to exit 74 which is the Cherokee exit. This will put you on Hwy.441. You will turn right at the third red light and left at the next light. Our box office will be on your right just before the next light. To get to our attractions, turn left onto Drama Road at the red light between our office and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Follow Drama Road all the way up. The road ends at our parking area.

If you are traveling from Atlanta, Georgia (approx. 3 hours): Take I-85 north to I-985. This road will change into US 23 and then US 23/Hwy. 441. After passing through the towns of Clayton, Georgia and Franklin North Carolina; you will arrive in Dillsboro where you will continue on Hwy 441 (left lane, up the hill) west towards Cherokee and the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway. From this road you will take exit 74, which again becomes Hwy. 441 and will lead you into Cherokee where you will turn right at the third red light and left at the next light. Our box office will be on your right, just before the next light. To get to our attractions, turn left onto Drama Road at the red light between our office and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Follow Drama Road all the way up. The road ends at our parking area.

If you are traveling from Asheville, North Carolina (approx. 1 hour): Take I-40 west to exit 27 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway). Continue west passing by Waynesville, Sylva and Dillsboro. Take exit 74, which is Hwy 441 towards Cherokee. At the third red light take a right and at the next light take a left. Our box office will be on your right, just before the next light. To get to our attractions, turn left onto Drama Road at the red light between our office and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Follow Drama Road all the way up. The road ends at our parking area.

Cherokee Historical Association

CHEROKEE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

The Cherokee Historical is a non-profit organization founded in 1949 to preserve Cherokee history and culture. The Vision of the Cherokee Historical Association is to be recognized as a national treasure that tells our Cherokee story through many offerings which are authentic, educational, sustainable and enhances public awareness of human rights. This is accomplished through the operation of two cultural attractions. The Oconaluftee Indian Village living history site, and the renowned outdoor drama “Unto These Hills.”

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A man wearing traditional clothing and a black eye mask chops wood at Oconaluftee Indian Village, with another participant partially visible in the background. The setting includes cultural decorations.

Visit Cherokee

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.

Plan your Stay

Unto These Hills