• Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of aheflin - Fotolia.com

2. Mingo Falls ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Jill Lang - Fotolia.com

3. Mountain Farm Museum

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of jonbilous - Fotolia.com

4. The Museum of the Cherokee People

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The Museum of the Cherokee People

5. Oconaluftee Indian Village

© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

6. Santa's Land Fun Park and Zoo

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of MidoSemsem - Fotolia.com

7. Smokemont Riding Stables

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Jim Vallee - Fotolia.com

8. Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of hildeanna - Fotolia.com

9. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Courtesy of ktsdesign - Fotolia.com

10. Cherokee Rapids Tube Rental

© Cherokee Rapids Tube Rental

11. Mandara Spa

© svetlana_nsk/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

The small town of Cherokee is located in the Oconaluftee River Valley in North Carolina, close to the southern entrance of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You can learn about the Cherokee tribe at The Museum of the Cherokee People and the Oconaluftee Indian Village, before setting off to enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, and outdoor activities both inside and adjoining Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

More events and things to do

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.