Oconaluftee Village, Cherokee, NC

Oconaluftee Village - 49th Season Opens In May

For many years and into the 1800s, Cherokee Indians lived in the mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama. In the 1700s they adopted many of the ways of the White settlers, who were creeping into their territory, but at the same time maintained much of their old lifestyle and methods of survival. That way of life is now authentically portrayed at the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, NC.

Dealing with the period of the 1750s - 1800s, Oconaluftee Village depicts methods of craft making , Cherokee homes of that period, replica of a 7-sided Council House, Sweat House, Squareground and trappings of everyday life.

The absence of teepees is usually the first surprise for visitors to the Village, but unlike the Western Plains Indians, the Cherokee built permanent homes.

Visitors, accompanied by a Cherokee guide, learn how the Cherokee built dugout canoes, made baskets and pottery, and learn of the Cherokee religious ceremonies, marriages, war and peace councils and a great deal more about these first Americans.

A part of the visit is the Cherokee Arboretum and Natural Trail, which features an Indian garden and plants native to the area.

A trip to Oconaluftee is a step back in time, a fascinating journey over 5 million people have made since the Village opened 49 years ago. The Village operates May 15 - October 25, and is open days and Sundays, 9am to 5:30 pm. Visit www.oconalufteevillage.com or call 828-497-2111.