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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 of the Cherokee Heritage Center is to become the best and most visited tribally specific educational facility in the world. The Cherokee Heritage Center is located on 44 heavily wooded acres, three miles south of Tahlequah, Okla., just off of Highway 62 on Willis Road. The Center lies tucked away in the beautiful foothills of the Ozark Mountains. All attractions are wheelchair accessible.

The Cherokee National Museum ~ The National Parks 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 Family Research 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 to Indian Territory through special effects lighting, videos, audio recordings, artwork, life-cast figures, and holograms.

Ancient Village ~ This village is a replica of a Cherokee village as it would have existed before European contact. Guided tours are offered ever thirty minutes. Witness Cherokee craftspeople reenact the daily activities of their ancestors. 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 and that traveled the Trail of Tears with the Cherokee.

Aug. 1 - 31 Trail of Tears Drama - 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday ~ This drama tells the timeless story of the forced removal of the Cherokee from their native homeland and their relocation to Indian Territory (Oklahoma). Characters of Cherokee fame, such as Sequoyah, narrate the story with wit and compassion. For more information call 918-456-6007, toll free 1-888-999-6007 or visit the web site.

Aug. 2 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase ~ Contemporary Arts with Brooke Henson, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Visitors are able to meet and buy Native American art directly from the artists, as well as see demonstrations on how a variety of arts and crafts items are made. Admission is free. For more information call 918-456-6007, toll free 1-888-999-6007 or visit the web site.

Aug. 9 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase ~ Weaving with Cathy Moomaw, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Visitors are able to meet and buy Native American art directly from the artists, as well as see demonstrations on how a variety of arts and crafts items are made. Admission is free. For more information call 918-456-6007, toll free 1-888-999-6007 or visit the web site.

Aug. 16 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase ~ Doll making with Virginia Stroud, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Visitors are able to meet and buy Native American art directly from the artists, as well as see demonstrations on how a variety of arts and crafts items are made. Admission is free. For more information call 918-456-6007, toll free 1-888-999-6007 or visit the web site.

Aug. 23 Cherokee Artist Summer Showcase ~ Basketry with Rachel Dew, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Visitors are able to meet and buy Native American art directly from the artists, as well as see demonstrations on how a variety of arts and crafts items are made. Admission is free. For more information call 918-456-6007, toll free 1-888-999-6007 or visit the web site.

Aug. 29 - 31 Cherokee National Holiday ~ Daily untill sunset at the Cherokee Heritage Center. A weekend filled with arts and crafts booths, Native American cultural presentations, food, live entertainment, book signings and much more. For more information call 918-456-6007, toll free 1-888-999-6007 or visit the web site.