The Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah is a must-see museum that features indoor and outdoor exhibits that educate visitors about the legacy of the Cherokee people. There’s so much to do at this underappreciated museum, so plan to spend at least a half a day at this historical place.

Editor’s note: The Cherokee Heritage Center is currently closed to the public while they consider future plans.

The Cherokee Heritage Center is located 6 miles south of Downtown Tahlequah at 21192 South Keeler Drive in Park Hill. It was established in 1963 as a cultural center for Cherokee tribal history, art, and culture.
cherokeehc/Facebook
The museum features indoor exhibit galleries and several outdoor attractions.
Mark Bum/Google Photos
The gallery is home to special exhibits, with the current exhibit displaying 166 pieces of artwork from 97 artists representing 20 different tribes.
cherokeehc/Facebook
Outdoors you'll find Diligwa - a 1710 Cherokee Village that gives an authentic experience of what life was like for Cherokees living in the 18th century. There are eight residential sites, a schoolhouse, a large plaza, and more.
Thomas Nail/google Photos

Related Stories

The Smallest Museum In Oklahoma Is Tucked Away In This Lake Town And It's The Cutest Thing Ever

The Smallest Museum In Oklahoma Is Tucked Away In This Lake Town And It's The Cutest Thing Ever

 True Oklahomans Would Never Miss This Epic Chuck Wagon Festival

True Oklahomans Would Never Miss This Epic Chuck Wagon Festival

 Pawnee Bill Ranch In Oklahoma Was Named One Of The Best Western Museums In The Country

Pawnee Bill Ranch In Oklahoma Was Named One Of The Best Western Museums In The Country
Another great attraction is Adam's Corner Rural Village - seven buildings representing Cherokee life in the 1890s. You can walk around this village on your own and explore the replicated small settlement at your own pace.
cherokeehc/Facebook
You'll also find three residences, one of which is a log cabin. There's also a General Store, church, and a Smokehouse.
Robert Edlund/Google Photos
There are 14 different interpretive stations where visitors can see and experience live action.
cherokeehc/Facebook
The center is also home to the Trail of Tears Exhibit that tells the story about the forced removal of our ancestors from their indigenous territory to "Indian Territory", which is now present day Oklahoma.
cherokeehc/Facebook
It's the most authentic Cherokee experience in the world and we recommend every Oklahoman visit. During summer hours (May 1-October 31) the museum is open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm.
cherokeehc/Facebook

For more information on Cherokee Heritage Center, visit their website here.

Looking for more interesting museums in Oklahoma? If so, there’s a fascinating space museum in Oklahoma that’s home to several artifacts from different space missions. Click here to learn all about it.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Oklahoma