Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Highlights

>>Detailed Information about Cherokee, NC

At the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park lies Cherokee, headquarters for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (ECBI), a federally recognized Native American tribe. The town of Cherokee actually lies on Qualla Boundary, the land which the ECBI bought back from the U.S. government.

Also located on the Qualla Boundary and in the town of Cherokee, North Carolina is Harrah's Cherokee Casino, which is owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and operated by Harrah's Entertainment. In addition to the Casino, Cherokee is a tourist-oriented area due to its culture and proximity to the National Park. Visitiors can learn the history of the Cherokee People as well as take in the beautiful surroundings that the Great Smoky Mountains offers.

In the past the town was known for its stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans. In recent years however, they have worked to overcome this and revovate the entire tourist area, replacing the sterotypes with a more tasteful atomosphere that celebrates the Native Americans and their heritage, such as Unto These Hills, an outdoor drama that tells the Eastern Bands story.

An understanding of some of the Eastern Bands history and culture can be learned by attending a performance of Unto These Hills. There are also cultural centers such as the Museum of the Cherokee Indians or the Qualla Arts and Crafts center. Authentic Cherokee arts and crafts are for sale at the arts and crafts center. You can also walk through the Oconaluftee Indian Village, where visitors can these crafts practiced and learn more on the EBCI's history. A botanical garden and nature trail is also located beside the Indian Village. Thsi garden and nature trail features over 150 species of plants that are native to the area and an herb garden, as well as a 0.5 miles of a walking trail through a pine and hardwood that runs along the slopes of Mount Noble.