Cherokee Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cherokee
Cherokee
Cherokee
Cherokee
Cherokee

This town has preserved its Native American heritage in museums and a replica village. It is home to exotic gardens and a prosperous casino.

The town of Cherokee near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina preserves the heritage and traditions of Native Americans. Many signs are written in the Cherokee language as well as in English. Visit the casino that opened on Cherokee Nation lands in 1995. It draws millions of visitors to the area annually and creates thousands of jobs for residents.

Try your luck at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Play table games, such as blackjack, roulette and three-card poker, or spend some time on the slot machines. Stay in one of the three stylish hotel towers that are part of the casino complex. The large food court has a variety of casual and high-end restaurants.

See the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in the centre of the town and learn about the Native American group through many antique books and photographs. Original Cherokee material and many artistic exhibits tell the story of the Cherokee Nation. Historical displays showcase material that dates back to the Paleo Period.

Explore the Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail. It contains more than 150 species of flora from the Great Smoky Mountains, such as mountain laurel, Dutchman’s breeches and azaleas. Wander through half a mile (800 metres) of pine and hardwood trees.

Make your way to the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a replica of a typical 18th-century Cherokee community. A guided tour can help you learn about the culture and history of the people. See live demonstrations of the construction of weapons and amenities.

Hike up to the Oconaluftee River in a valley of the Great Smoky Mountains. Trek through miles of wild, picturesque grounds with panoramic views of the mountains.

The Cherokee area was once known as Yellow Hill. It has an agreeable climate with warm summers and mild winters. The town is about 2.5 hours’ drive from the east side of Atlanta, Georgia. Other cities close to Cherokee include Asheville and Charlotte. Since the inception of its casino and other attractions, the town has become a haven for history buffs and adventurous travellers.

Where to stay in Cherokee

Default Image

Cranberry Falls

While there might not be top attractions in Cranberry Falls, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Soco Falls and Waterrock Knob.

Cranberry Falls
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort

4 out of 5
777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC
The price is AU$157 per night from 23 Sept to 24 Sept
AU$157
23 Sept - 24 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cherokee. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,043 reviews)
"The hotel was very nice and clean, lots of dining and shopping options. The only downside is things were hard to find, otherwise it was lovely and we will know where things are when we come back"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Great Smokies Inn Cherokee

Great Smokies Inn Cherokee

2.5 out of 5
1636 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC
The price is AU$303 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
AU$303
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cherokee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,821 reviews)
"Nice spot"

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Great Smokies Inn Cherokee
Cherokee Grand Hotel

Cherokee Grand Hotel

2.5 out of 5
196 Paint Town Rd, Cherokee, NC
Stay at this hotel in Cherokee. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,081 reviews)
"Friendly staff and easy checkout"

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Cherokee Grand Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Appaloosa One is Minutes away from Downtown Cherokee & Harrah's Casino.

Appaloosa One is Minutes away from Downtown Cherokee & Harrah's Casino.

Cherokee
Stay at this cabin in Cherokee. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Oconaluftee ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (214 reviews)
"Beautiful cabin on a bluff overlooking theOcanaluftee River."

Reviewed on 28 Aug 2025

Appaloosa One is Minutes away from Downtown Cherokee & Harrah's Casino.
Panther Creek Cabins

Panther Creek Cabins

3 out of 5
3415 Wrights Creek Road, Cherokee, NC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Cherokee. Enjoy free parking, a casino, and a casino shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Santa's ...
7.6/10 Good! (106 reviews)
"We loved this place. Although all cabins are on the road, we may have seen 5 cars a day drive by. The property is 3 miles up the mountain from the main drag in Cherokee. We felt secluded. The fire pit in the front is fabulous. We could hear roaring Wright's Creek behind the cabin. The cabin was clean ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Panther Creek Cabins
Luxury Mountain Home with Hot Tub and Stunning Views

Luxury Mountain Home with Hot Tub and Stunning Views

Bryson city
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Cherokee. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Great Smoky Mountains Railroad ...
10/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay! The view is breathtaking!"

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025

Luxury Mountain Home with Hot Tub and Stunning Views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Cherokee