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The Cherokee Heritage Center, Tahlequah, OK - The mission of the Cherokee Heritage Center is to promote and preserve Cherokee history and culture. The vision for the Cherokee Heritage Center is to become the best and most visited tribally specific educational center in the world. The Cherokee Heritage Center is located on 44 heavily wooded acres, three miles south of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, just off Highway 62 on Willis Road. The Center lies tucked away in the beautiful Oklahoma foothills of the Ozark Mountains. All attractions are wheelchair accessible.

The Cherokee National Museum - The National Park Service named the Cherokee Heritage Center the terminus point of the Trail of Tears. Consequently, the Cherokee National Museum is host to an exhibit that examines this pivotal period in Cherokee--and American--history. In addition to this exhibit, the Museum also houses historically and culturally significant artifacts and artwork. Handcrafted Cherokee wares, prints and other goods are available for purchase in the Museum Shop.

The Cherokee National Archives - These ever-increasing records preserve much of the Nation's history. The comprehensive collection includes historical Cherokee documents, photographs, and genealogical materials. The Genealogy Center provides research assistance for those tracing their Cherokee heritage.

Trail of Tears Exhibit

Working in conjunction with the National Parks Service, the Cherokee National Museum is proud to permanently house this exhibit which explores the forced removal of the Cherokees from their indigenous territory (south east United States) to Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma). For information call (918) 456-6007 or visit the website at www.CherokeeHeritage.org Hours Mon.- Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. This exhibit is made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Ancient Village

This is an authentic replica of a Cherokee village as it would have existed before European contact. Guided tours are offered every half hour. Witness Cherokee craftspeople reenact the daily activities of Ancient Cherokees. Demonstrations include traditional cultural practices such as flint knapping, basketry, blowguns, stickball, and pottery making.

Adams Corner Rural Village

This quaint area is a reconstruction of a typical 1890s rural Cherokee community. Heritage Farm is connected with Adams Corner, and is home to many animals typical of this period that also traveled on the Trail of Tears with the Cherokees.

Thurs. – Sat. Trail of Tears Drama Through August 31, Thurs., Fri., Sat., 8 p.m. at the Tsa La Gi Amphitheater. A re-scripted performance of the timeless drama about the Cherokees removal from their aboriginal homeland in the southeast and the emotional period of adjustment in the new territory. The characters of famous Oklahomans Will Rogers and Sequoyah along with animal characters narrate this famous Cherokee story with wit and compassion. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7.50 for children and students. For more information, call (918) 456-6007. The final performance of the season will be presented Sunday, September 1 at 8 p.m.

August 3 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase; Basketry with Mary Stone – Come and see how art is made through demonstrations at the Cherokee Heritage Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to meet the artists and purchase art directly from them. Many of the Cherokee traditional arts will be represented. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

August 3 Cherokee Saturday - Members of all federally recognized Cherokee tribes and a guest are admitted free to the Cherokee Heritage Center museum and villages. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

August 10 Cherokee Games – Stickball – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Visitors will be able to watch the traditional Cherokee game of stickball and even try their hand at making a goal. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

August 17 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase; Beadwork/Dolls with Josephine Backwater Summerfield – Come and see how art is made through demonstrations at the Cherokee Heritage Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to meet the artists and purchase art directly from them. Many of the Cherokee traditional arts will be represented. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

August 24 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase; Basketry with Peggy Brennan – Come and see how art is made through demonstrations at the Cherokee Heritage Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to meet the artists and purchase art directly from them. Many of the Cherokee traditional arts will be represented. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

August 29-Sept. 1 Cherokee National Holiday – An event commemorating the signing of the Cherokee Nation Constitution in 1839. Activities include a cornstalk shoot, marble tournament, horseshoe pitch, blowgun contest, storytelling, Native American arts and crafts, concessions and performance of the acclaimed "Trail of Tears" drama. 9 a.m. to midnight at the Cherokee Heritage Center. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.