The Cherokee center point is about 1 mile north of Cherokee Indian Reservation and 1 mile north of Ceremonial Grounds.
Thanks to its mountainous location in western North Carolina, Cherokee enjoys four distinct seasons each year. Winters are cold, with lows in the 20s and about 5 inches of snow throughout the season. The weather warms up in the spring and fall, with temperatures in the 70s. Summer is prime time in Cherokee, thanks to the weather and many events. Since hotels are pricey during this season, be sure to book in advance or seek out special deals.
While summer is festival season in Cherokee, this area is home to many community events throughout the year. The spring season kicks off with Cherokee's Annual Opening Day Fishing Tournament, which includes a competition and plenty of family fun. In June, the annual Cherokee Voices Festival attracts visitors from all over to see dance performances, listen to Cherokee music and storytelling, and peruse lovely arts and crafts. This free event takes place at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
The Cherokee Bonfire and Music on the River heat things up on Saturdays throughout the summer, and the annual Brew BQ brings the best barbecue in the Carolinas to town in late August. In early September, don't miss the Seven Clans Rodeo, with bull riding, roping competitions, and rodeo clowns.
With group hotel discounts, you can save 10 percent or more on Cherokee rooms. AAA members can save at the Rodeway Inn & Suites on the River and the Hampton Inn Cherokee. AARP members and seniors get discounts at the Quality Inn Cherokee and the Fairmont Inn Suites by Marriott Cherokee. Government employees and members of the military get low rates at the Days Inn Cherokee Near Casino and other local hotels.
You'll find great digs in convenient locations when you stay at the best midrange hotels in Cherokee.
Located on the east side of town, the Days Inn Cherokee Near Casino is steps from Harrah's Casino and minutes from everything else. The front desk staff offers help with booking tours and tickets, so you can make the most of your time in the area. At the hotel, enjoy the outdoor pool and take your pick from 52 guest rooms equipped with LED TVs, minifridges, and workspaces. Fuel up for the day with a complimentary Daybreak Breakfast buffet.
At the Rodeway Inn & Suites on the River, you'll be right in the center of town and minutes from Oconaluftee Islands Park. Room types range from standard doubles to queen and king suites, some of which include mountain views or private balconies. All rooms include essentials like flat-screen TVs with cable and complimentary wireless internet access. After a fun day in the area, cool down in the seasonal outdoor pool or go for a soak in the hotel's hot tub.
When you book a room at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cherokee / Casino, you can look forward to a convenient location, friendly service, and comfortable rooms. All 93 rooms and suites include free Wi-Fi, so you can plan excursions, along with coffee makers that let you start your day on the right foot. Don't miss the hotel's complimentary continental breakfast, which includes eggs, bacon, signature cinnamon rolls, and much more.
At the Quality Inn Cherokee, you'll be right in the center of it all, just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Harrah's Casino, and much more. You'll feel right at home in the Quality Inn's spacious suites, which include coffee makers and free Wi-Fi, and you can look forward to an afternoon of sunbathing by the seasonal outdoor pool. When you're ready to head to the casino, just hop on the free shuttle for a hassle-free ride.
If you're looking for outdoor adventure, you'll find it in the Cherokee area. Golfers won't want to miss the chance to tee off at the Sequoyah National Golf Club, an 18-hole course with stunning views of the mountains. For a short but rewarding hike, make your way to Mingo Falls, an awe-inspiring 200-foot waterfall.
If you're looking for big adventure, head to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just minutes from Cherokee. Whether you want to go hiking, fishing, mountain biking, or wildlife spotting, this is the place. You can also drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway for scenic views, hiking, fishing, and more.
Learn about the history of the Cherokee area with a visit to the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a recreated historic village that dates back to 1760. Tour the Museum of the Cherokee Indian to discover more about the history and culture of the area, and visit the Qualla Arts and Crafts center to witness arts and crafts as they're made.
From fascinating historic attractions to the great outdoors, this Great Smoky Mountains destination has it all. Plan your visit to Cherokee, and get ready to start exploring.
Below are reviews of the city of Cherokee, NC from an actual visitor's perspective.
The hotel was clean and beds comfortable. It was very beautiful.
Nice and quiet with breathtaking view of the beautiful mountains!
Cherokee is awesome! Fishing is great!
The shops are amazing! The people are friendly.
Great little shops and elk sightings!
A nice and friendly place.
The Quality Inn in Cherokee was very nice and comfortable and the staff was amazing.
Great little town to visit. Nice casino.
Harrah's was wonderful for the concert and Wicked Weed Brewery had amazing food!
Did not spend time in city just the hotel/casino!
It looked like a nice city. I was there for the Cherokee Casino so I didn't do anything in the city but buy gas.
The breakfast was good!
The city was friendly and laid back.
Really enjoyed the attractions and the shops!
Love Cherokee and the casino.
Beautiful scenery!
Santa's Land.
Ming Falls
Nice clean rooms and awesome motorcycle garage.
Restaurants and shopping!
Casino... Italian restaurant was excellent inside casino.
The places to shop!
Everything loved Cherokee 😍
Mountains!
Visited the Old Mill Nationale Park! I love everything about Cherokee. Lot's of history!
The views!
Located close to the park.
The scenery and nearby attractions. Don't let me forget the casino. A major draw for us!
I love Cherokee. I have been coming for years for family vacations and reunions. I love the people in the restaurants and shops.
Did not go anywhere else but the casino.
Unique!
The Cansino. Pizza Hut. Shoe Show. Family Dollar.
Our room was comfortable, clean and the staff was very professional, friendly and polite! Awesome placement and great views and friendly staff
The mountains, the pow-wow and shops are my favorite.
Beautiful, clean, fresh air. A lot to take in.
Loved shopping and being so close to everything!
Everything was above average!
Visited the casino, of course. 😁
Restaurants are very good!
The people in Cherokee are very friendly and the town has a very laid back vibe. Even on the weekends it was okay. During the week it is excellent; not too many tourists.
It is a nice place to visit. Many attractions such as the Indian Museum. Beautiful surroundings including the rivers. Loved the local Indian crafts especially the carvings by Bill Radford; he does beautiful work.
Cherokee is beautiful!
Stayed at the hotel all three nights and didn't get a chance to see the town of Cherokee because we enjoyed it there so much!
Cherokee is PERFECT!
The casino!
Only went to hotel and casino!
Beautiful place.
The town is small and quaint with beautiful mountains, streams, waterfalls and Indian ware shops.
The area is nice!
Relaxing stay. We ate at Pete's for breakfast. A great place for all family oriented.
Very nice!
Love Cherokee we visit it every time we come to Pigeon Forge ( around 4 tines a year)
Love Cherokee spend a average of 4 visits a year
Visiting relatives for a memorial. The elk are fascinating. Peter Pancake House has the best breakfast!
Nice
Museum, Indian village and etc
Environmentally friendly
Cherokee has very nice, friendly people especially in the shopping area of the little town of Cherokee. We loved Paul's Restaurant. Thank you so much for the town. Don't change anything.
Small town atmosphere. Lots of unique shops. Veterans Park & Cherokee Museum are worth the trip.
We enjoy the location. Convenient to WCU, Helen Ga, Bryson City and Gatlinburg. In addition to being across the street from Harrah's Casino.
Fishing.
The beautiful scenery!
It was my first time being there. Granny's Kitchen and the front porch! Wow! Go and eat there. You won't be disappointed.
Love the stores, the river, and I kind of feel at home with the people because I am half Cherokee but didn't know much about my dad's side and I learned a lot. I love Cherokee.
Love it!
The atmosphere is so nice!
Casino is there!
Good
Loved Cherokee! Spent time at the park with the river. Cool and refreshing. Friendly staff at the Harrah's Casino. Riverwalk was beautiful!
Pow Wow and fireworks show !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Natural Beauty!
Very quiet and peaceful.
Cherokee Nation history is very interesting but also sad. Everyone should see and learn about what the U.S. did to these wonderful people. So glad there are some in the tribe that are teaching the youngsters their ancestors' ways. Don't miss Pan's for breakfast, although be ready to wait for a table, but worth it. Santa's Land is close by for kids of all ages; an old style amusement park complete with roller coaster. Plenty of shops in Cherokee to get your souvenirs. Ice cream, funnel cakes and fudge OH MY. Have Fun!
The restaurants and the casino!
The mountains an local attractions were really cool Clingmans Dome is close by.
Welcoming fun place!
People very friendly!
Near the park easy to get around
Cherokee was wonderful! The people are friendly and the place is very clean.
All is good! Great hospitality!
Cherokee is a beautiful area in NC.
We love the craft stores and little shops and microbreweries. Love the casino. The atmosphere. The bartenders are very nice.
Mountain views!
Nice
The town was great!
Close to the casino. At this time of the year it was peaceful and quiet but still had plenty to do.
I COME TO HARRAHS FOR A FREE CONCERT. IT IS SO VERY CLEAN AND FRIENDLY
Very easy to navigate roads. Love the creek and always sit beside the water. People are very friendly.
We always like eating at Granny's Kitchen and we also like the authenticity of the Cherokee area.
Beautiful mountain city.
Easy drive to the parkway and the local events.
Everyone in town was nice and casino was great
It's close to/in the mountains.
Very nice city.
I love the Cherokee, been coming there for years. Great experience.
I enjoyed going to the casino