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The Cherokee Heritage Center: 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.

Oct. 5 - Dec. 31 Cherokee Homecoming Art Show and Sale – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays at the Cherokee National Museum. Participation in this show is limited to artists age 17 and older who have membership in a federally recognized Cherokee tribe. Categories for the show include Visual Arts, Photography, Basketry, Jewelry, Pottery, Textiles and Traditional Arts. Admission is $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for children. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

December 7 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.

December 7 Cherokee Clothing Class – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students will learn the basics of making their own Cherokee tear dress and ribbon shirt. Students are asked to bring their own choice of material and ribbon. The cost of this class is $30. Lunch will be provided. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.

December 7 Adams Corner Christmas – 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. An old fashioned Christmas celebration at Adams Corner, which includes seasonal refreshments, hayrides and a special appearance of Father Christmas. Adams Corner, representative of an 1890s Cherokee town, will be festooned with lights which will be aglow and sparkling after the Lights-on Ceremony. For more information, call (918) 456-6007.