In this series, I’m taking a look at towns and cities all across the state of North Carolina. Without a doubt, North Carolina is one of the most diverse states in the country, featuring mountains, rolling hills and farmlands, and coastal beaches. Scattered throughout these different regions are a vast array of small towns, several big cities, and everything in between. It is these towns/cities, all so different from one another due to the geographical differences, that make up this great state that 10.5 million people call home. Let’s explore them one by one.

Mount Airy

Nags Head

Cherokee

For a town of just over 2,000 residents, Cherokee, North Carolina is well-known by everyone who lives in the state. And the reason is simple: it’s a gambling town. If you don’t have the time or money to go all the way to Las Vegas, then go to Cherokee to get your gambling fix in. For this reason, the town of Cherokee lives and thrives off tourism. But there’s way more to this small mountain town aside from the casino. It’s rich in Native American history and offers plenty of adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s dive in and take a closer look.

Location

Cherokee is one of the westernmost towns in North Carolina, not too far from the Tennessee border. Located at the entrance to the famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee is about a three-hour drive from Charlotte, an hour drive from Asheville, and a two-hour drive from Knoxville, Tennessee.

History

As you would imagine, the town is named after the Cherokee Native Americans, who have lived in the western North Carolina region and surrounding areas for centuries. However, when the American government passed the Indian Removal Act in 1830, it forced out over 60,000 Native American people from their homelands, including the Cherokee who had inhabited the region from southwest Virginia down into Georgia. This forced removal of Native Americans to Oklahoma became known as the Trail of Tears.

But not all the Cherokee people abided by the new government ruling. Many refused to leave their homeland and hid out in the hills of western North Carolina. Their descendants are the ones who formed the town of Cherokee we all know today. The Qualla Boundary is the land on which they currently reside on, purchased in the 1870s, and recognized by the federal government as “protected land” for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “The Qualla” mostly lies within Swain and Jackson counties, but also extends into Cherokee, Graham, and Haywood counties. This land is about 100 square miles and contains over 13,000 enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from the self-governed nation.

Things to Do

Because this territory is considered a sovereign nation, gambling is legal here and influences many tourists to try their hand at winning some money. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort was built in 1997 and has impacted the region greatly. The 21-story luxurious casino/resort provides entertainment for all ages with gambling, an arcade, spa, indoor pool, workout room, and several restaurants. This magnificent building is something to feast your eyes on and easily grabs your attention as it almost seems out of place.

After you’ve tried your luck at the gambling tables, head outdoors to enjoy the nature that encompasses Cherokee. Pretty much any nature activity you could imagine can be done here. Over 800 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, the Oconaluftee River to kayak/canoe/tube, camping spots, many bird species to watch, superb trout fishing areas, and the Ocomaluftee Islands Park with picnic/public swimming areas can all be found in the town of Cherokee. Native elk can be found in Cherokee for the wildlife lovers and the Smokemont Stables offers horse-back riding. If you love the outdoors, no matter the adventure, you will love spending time in Cherokee.

If you’re looking for entertainment in other areas, Cherokee still has more to offer. Since 1950, people have enjoyed the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills,” which tells the story of the Cherokee people from their beginnings to current times. It is a very fascinating drama and a must-see for anyone slightly interested in American history. If you would like to learn more about the Cherokee people and their history, a visit to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian should be on your itinerary. It’s open seven days a week and is $12/person to enter.

Lastly, there are numerous shopping and dining options in Cherokee. Besides the modern shops, you can also buy authentic Cherokee arts and crafts made by local Cherokee artists and bring home a unique gift or keepsake that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. When it comes to dining, Cherokee offers pretty much anything you have a hankering for. If you really want to embrace the local culture, try one of the fantastic Cherokee cuisine restaurants. These are delicious options for any occasion and you won’t be disappointed.

To Sum It Up

The mountains of North Carolina offer so many special places to visit, and Cherokee is definitely one of them. Like I said, most people only think of gambling when they think about this town, but there is so much more. It is impossible for any outdoor enthusiast to not be fully satisfied upon a trip to Cherokee. So when you decide to make your visit, I recommend trying it all. Hit the casino, explore nature, and soak in the rich Native American culture and history they are eager to share with you. This small town is a must-visit for anyone in the state of North Carolina and surrounding states.

Garett

Exploring North Carolina: Cherokee