Museum of the Cherokee Indian, North Carolina, United States

5Great_Beer_Now 5:00 PM Jun 11, 2020

Learn About the Cherokee's Challenging Past
America is a nation of stories. So much has happened in these United States and there is much to share. Unfortunately, some of these stories are less well known than others and the plight of native Americans is certainly one of them. A good place to learn more is the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. This museum is located in the city of Cherokee, NC, just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a walk- through museum that starts you off at an entrance point, then you continue walking through the hallways past the exhibits, ending in the gift shop. There are videos to watch along the way, things to see, history to absorb. The Cherokee have many stories to tell and it’s cool to learn so much in such a short span of time. Except for some of the major events, like the forced migration westward and the Trail of Tears, most of us don’t know much about these native peoples and their past. There is much to learn in this museum and I recommend spending about 2 to 3 hours. I even backtracked as I walked through, returning to certain exhibits so I could learn more. Several of the people who work in this museum are Cherokee, and this adds greatly to the experience. There are many cool souvenirs waiting for purchase in the gift shop, too, and I recommend not leaving without at least one. You can purchase books, artwork, and much, much more. I usually walk directly through most gift shops and head to the exit, but I found many intriguing reasons to spend time in this gift shop before I left. Museum of the Cherokee Indian is a great way to learn more about America’s not- so- flattering past and since so many people visit the nearby National Park each year, it makes for an excellent side trip. I recommend it for the excellent education that awaits.

5RosieJC 5:00 PM Jun 7, 2022

Excellent overview of history of the Cherokee in NC
A very informative and well done history of the Cherokees in NC. Some museums are overly geared for children, but this is one a good combination. Much for children to find interesting, but also a great historical overview for adults. I would recommend visiting this museum and following it up with a visit to Oconoluftee Indian Village and 'Unto these Hills'. The museum is especially helpful in understanding 'Unto these Hills. But the museum itself is well worth the time and cost of admission.