The Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah is a must-see museum that features indoor and outdoor exhibits that educate visitors about the legacy of the Cherokee people. There’s so much to do at this underappreciated museum, so plan to spend at least a half a day at this historical place.

The Cherokee Heritage Center is located 6 miles south of Downtown Tahlequah at 21192 South Keeler Drive in Park Hill. It was established in 1963 as a cultural center for Cherokee tribal history, art, and culture.

cherokeehc/Facebook

The museum features indoor exhibit galleries and several outdoor attractions.

Mark Bum/Google Photos

The gallery is home to special exhibits, with the current exhibit displaying 166 pieces of artwork from 97 artists representing 20 different tribes.

cherokeehc/Facebook

Outdoors you’ll find Diligwa - a 1710 Cherokee Village that gives an authentic experience of what life was like for Cherokees living in the 18th century. There are eight residential sites, a schoolhouse, a large plaza, and more.

Thomas Nail/google Photos

Another great attraction is Adam’s Corner Rural Village - seven buildings representing Cherokee life in the 1890s. You can walk around this village on your own and explore the replicated small settlement at your own pace.

cherokeehc/Facebook

You’ll also find three residences, one of which is a log cabin. There’s also a General Store, church, and a Smokehouse.

Robert Edlund/Google Photos

There are 14 different interpretive stations where visitors can see and experience live action.

cherokeehc/Facebook

The center is also home to the Trail of Tears Exhibit that tells the story about the forced removal of our ancestors from their indigenous territory to “Indian Territory”, which is now present day Oklahoma.

cherokeehc/Facebook

It’s the most authentic Cherokee experience in the world and we recommend every Oklahoman visit. During summer hours (May 1-October 31) the museum is open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm.

cherokeehc/Facebook

For more information on Cherokee Heritage Center, visit their website here.

cherokeehc/Facebook

Mark Bum/Google Photos

Thomas Nail/google Photos

Robert Edlund/Google Photos

Looking for more interesting museums in Oklahoma? If so, there’s a fascinating space museum in Oklahoma that’s home to several artifacts from different space missions. Click here to learn all about it.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.