Deep in the heart of the of the Great Smoky Mountains is the 56,000 acre Qualla Boundary Cherokee Indian Reservation.
Located near the southern entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee is within one day's drive of one-half the country's population.

The Cherokee Visitor Center, located on Main Street, provides information on area events and attractions.
There are several museums in Cherokee that represent Cherokee history and culture. The Cherokee Indian Cyclorama Wax Museum uses dioramas to present 300 years of Cherokee history.

Pursuant to The Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, The Cherokee Gaming Enterprises operates two casinos and a bingo hall.

Tribal Bingo is open 7 days a week.

Teepee Village Casino is open 7 days a week to Midnight with 100 video poker and video blackjack machines.

The Cherokee Tribal Casino is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. The Casino sports over 500 video poker, video blackjack, and video crap tables with progressive jackpots up to $25,000.

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian presents displays of crafts, clothing, and weapons of the Cherokee tribe. Six minitheaters present movies describing the Cherokee Nation from prehistory to the present.

The Oconaluftee Indian Village gives visitors a chance to observe Indians making baskets, pottery, canoes, arrows, and blowguns. Guided tours are available.

Santa's Land Park and Zoo is a theme park build around Christmas. The park features rides, games, a mountain heritage section, and a zoo.

Unto These Hills is a two hour historical drama about the Cherokees. The play covers the period from the arrival of de Soto in 1540 through the tragic Trail of Tears, highlighting the contributions Junaluska, Sequoyah, and Tsali made to their people. Descendants of Cherokees who lived the story appear in principal roles.

source: nctraveler.com