In Africa and other places in the world, it is common to visit traditional villages. But in the United States, there aren't many traditional Native American villages open to visitors. One village where tourists can visit is Oconalufteee Indian Village in Cherokee, North Carolina.
The Oconaluftee Indian Village is a replica of an 18th-century eastern Cherokee community and is a living Cherokee museum. It is operated by the Cherokee Historical Association and offers guided tours through the village to explain the history and culture of the Cherokee. Another great place to learn about the Native American peoples is at the Navajo Nation in Arizona.
Why Visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village
A trip to the Oconaluftee Indian Village is a journey back through time to the 18th century. The tours also demonstrate the ancient arts of making baskets, blowguns, and arrowheads.
The village is in an idyllic setting surrounded by lush and green vegetation together with the sound of running mounting streams. The Cherokee Indian Village is a unique experience and one that offers an intriguing glimpse into the past.
See the unique ancient Cherokee crafting technique as well as historical Cherokee people in the living history section. There are special shows held throughout the season that include shows themed on "Time of War" and on traditional Cherokee dancing.
- Days Open: Tuesday through to Saturday
- Hours: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. until October 30
- Address: 288 Drama Road, Cherokee, NC
Cost:
- Adults: $25.00 Aged Twelve and Over
- Children: $15.00 aged Six to Eleven (Under Six Are free)
There is also the opportunity for shopping. Pop into the Eternal Flame gift shop and browse the unique and meaningful souvenirs for sale. Some of the products are authentic handmade artworks and are designed for almost any budget.
Guided Tours Of The Village
After purchasing a ticket (or scanning one purchased online), one will wait in the seating area for a guided tour (these are held every 15 minutes so there is little or no wait time).
- Frequency: Every 15 Minutes
- Included: The Guided Tour Is Included In the Entrance Ticket
- Duration: Approx. 30 Minutes
The first stop on the tour is the Craft Line. See many crafts like baskets, pottery, weaponry, finger-weaving, and more in this section. See modern-day Cherokee artists practicing the arts that their forebears did for hundreds of years. Ask the guide any questions one may have along the way.
"Living History" Section
After the 30-minute guided tour, follow the village pathway to what is called the "Living History" section. At one's own pace see replicas of the Cherokee homes and their community structures. One can enter these replicas. Inside there are re-enactors dressed in the traditional Cherokee clothing of the time period represented. Feel free to engage the actors with any questions.
- Replicas: See Replicas of Cherokee Homes and Community Structures
- Re-Enactors: See Cherokee Re-enactors In Traditional Cherokee Clothing
In the Council House replica and in the Square Grounds in the center of the village are 2 half-hour lectures for visitors to attend. They offer an in-depth dive into Cherokee culture and history. The lectures alternate every half hour.
- Lectures: Listen To The Two Half-Hour Lectures On Cherokee Culture and History
Come at the right time and see dance shows and time of war shows. These shows are held twice daily at noon and again at 3 pm. They are designed to truly highlight one's Cherokee Indian Village experience.
- Time of War: Runs From Mid-June to Mid-August Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Note: The Shows Maybe Canceled Due to Bad Weather
Special Performance "Unto These Hills"
Another show on an extra ticket is the "Unto These Hills" show. It explores the tragic and yet triumphant story of the Cherokee! Trace the story of the Cherokee back to the years before the heartbreaks of the Trail of Tears that stands as a great blight on American history to the present day.
The play opens with the fateful arrival of the Spanish Conquistador - Hernando DeSoto in 1540. See how the appearance of his army is foreboding of the calamities that were to befall the Cherokee Nation over the next 300 years. See how the Cherokee leader, Yonaguska chose to chart a peaceful course with the new white neighbors and the American government only to be deported by them with the Indian Removal Act.
Schedule:
- Doors Open: 7:00 pm
- Pre-show: 7:30 pm (Main Show 8.00 pm)
Before one goes, go on the scenic botanical trail and see a large number of indigenous American plants. But it is more than just a nature stroll, read the information placards and see how the Cherokee used specific plants for various artistic or medicinal purposes.