At Oconaluftee, which is a part of the Cherokee reservation in the Great Smoky Mountains, the early primitive life of the Cherokee is dramatically presented in an authentic setting. The Village is a full-size replica of an early 18th century Cherokee community and is populated by the Cherokee in native dress. Visitors can glimpse rites and customs now all but forgotten.

Strolling along the winding, re-created paths of history, one may see typical log cabins plastered with clay and roofed with bark or broad shingles. Native craftsmen are busy making pottery, weaving baskets, chipping flint, and practicing the intricate arts of finger weaving and beadwork, all without benefit of metals, machine or wheel.

Other activities of the Village include corn pounded into meal for making bread, food preparation, weapon making and wood carving.

A visit to the seven-sided Council House, the Sweat House and the Squareground, which was the hub of ceremonial life of the Village, are also included on the tour which takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes—longer, if one wishes to linger.

Adjacent to the Village is the Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail that displays more than 150 species of plants native to the Great Smoky Mountain region. A stream with walkway bridges enhances the beauty of this area. The tour of the Nature Trail and Gardens is a part of Oconaluftee Village.

The setting of Oconaluftee is authentic. It is on the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. Its peoples are descendants of those whose story they tell. Thus visitors are assured of an entertaining experience when they delve into this facet of American history.

The Village, which is open daily 9 to 5:30, operates May 15 through October 25 each year.