Museum of the Cherokee People

"We really enjoyed the Museum of the Cherokee People. I learned a lot about their history and enjoyed seeing the different artifacts. Nice little gift shop too!"

"A unique experience to engage with the Cherokee Heritage. A must stop when in Cherokee! Unique gift ideas and a wonderful tour thru our heritage. History Buffs must see! Artisans in premise with pieces very one of a kind like jewelry and attire. Large book section to choose from. And more! Close to eateries and gasoline!"

"It was a fantastic experience to stay in Cherokee to see the Fall leaves and visit the original tribal land of the Cherokee people, and still the reservation for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee People. The Museum features many artifacts, masks and displays that describe Cherokee life from 11,000 years ago to the Trail of Tears and relocation of many members to Oklahoma. It is so wonderful to see the Eastern Band still residing on their original reservation and preserving the land of their ancestors in Cherokee, NC. I would have given this review 5 stars except the movie that was to be shown to better explain the Cherokee People history was not running on 10/24/2023 when we visited. It would have been very helpful to learning their full story, but the museum was still worth visiting! There is a discount admission to AAA, AARP, and Veterans. Experience the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1948, the Museum of the Cherokee People is one of the longest-operating tribal museums in the country. Located in Cherokee, North Carolina on the Qualla Boundary, the sovereign land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and ancestral homelands of all Cherokees, the Museum shares the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people through its exhibitions, collections, and programs. History of the Museum The Museum opened in 1948 and moved to its present facility in 1976. In 1998, its permanent exhibit was totally renovated and a new 12,000 square-foot exhibit was installed. An 8,500 square-foot education wing was added in 2010. Today, the Museum welcomes an estimated 83,000 visitors per year and continues to grow its storytelling and educational offerings. Operating Hours 9am-5pm year-round Ticket sales close at 4pm. A self-guided tour of the Museum takes approximately one hour. The Museum is open daily except the day preceding the Thanksgiving holiday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Admission: Adults: $12 Children ages 6-12: $7 Children 5 & under: Free Discounts: Enjoy our AAA “Show Your Card & Save” Discount. Show your AAA card and receive 10% off admission at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. AARP and active-duty military discounts also available."

"The museum was great, very educational and if you take your time to read all the exhibits, takes a couple of hours. Admission was cheap, gift shop has a good assortment of items to buy."

"Absolutely phenomenal place to visit! If u are a motorcycle enthusiast then I highly recommend this museum! It's absolutely packed with bikes/motorcycles from every era since the very first. The history is an abundance and just seeing how they've evolved from then to know is simply remarkable. Be prepared to spend some time as it's an incredibly large museum packed but worth every moment ur able to dive deeply n2 the history packed exhibits and the knowledge that's with each."