This remarkable site pieces together thousands of years of Cherokee Indian history through multimedia exhibits, ancient artifacts and life-size figures.
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian explores 13,000 years of proud history, capturing the story of these Native American people. It traces this fascinating lineage through a great range of interactive videos and sensory experiences. Learn the poignant and intriguing story of the Cherokee Indians through the array of exhibits.
Enter the Story of the Cherokees: 13,000 Years display and watch the computer-generated animation. Study everything from tools and artifacts to works of art from many millennia ago. Move through the Paleo, Archaic and Woodland periods and see how the Cherokee people changed over time.
Among the saddest parts of the museum is the Trail of Tears exhibit, which shows how the Cherokee people were forced out of their homeland, imprisoned and made to walk vast distances. More than 4,000 died and had to be buried in unmarked graves.
Explore another permanent exhibit called Emissaries of Peace: The 1762 Cherokee & British Delegations. It delves into the story of the Cherokee leaders in the 18th century who were taken to London to meet King George III. Hear how they became celebrities in London and were able to confirm peace with Great Britain.
Get a genealogy consultation to learn from the museum’s experts about your own ancestry. Pick up an information packet and attend an event at the museum, such as the Cherokee Voices Festival in June. Here, you might be treated to a traditional war dance by the Warriors of AniKituhwa.
The museum opens daily from morning until late afternoon. Purchase tickets and ask for discounts for children. Toddlers can enter the site for free. Donations are welcome.
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is on the western side of the Oconaluftee River just south of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Walk north from the center of the city of Cherokee to get here in about 15 minutes.
While you’re in the area, visit the Mountain Farm Museum, the Oconaluftee Indian Village and Qualla Arts and Crafts.
