Explore the rolling countryside of northeast Oklahoma, and get to know the largest tribal nation in the United States.
Begin your journey at the Cherokee National History Museum, located inside the iconic Cherokee National Capitol building in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Built in 1869, the building housed the Nation’s executive, judicial and legislative offices until 1906 and was most recently home to the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court.
The museum provides an overview of Cherokee Nation’s history from pre-European contact through the Trail of Tears and the revitalization of the tribe after the American Civil War. The powerful and inspiring stories are supported by artifact loans from the Smithsonian Institution, Gilcrease Museum, Oklahoma Historical Society and Cherokee National Archives.
The museum is the newest addition to the tribe’s robust cultural tourism offerings, which includes a total of five museums, seven gift shops and two welcome centers. Many are within walking distance of each other, and others are just a short drive away.
Originally built in 1844, the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum is the oldest public building in Oklahoma. The museum features exhibits on the Cherokee judicial system, the Cherokee Advocate and Cherokee Phoenix newspapers, and the Cherokee language.
Just down the street, the Cherokee National Prison Museum showcases how law and order operated in Indian Territory. As the only penitentiary in Indian Territory from 1875 to 1901, the interpretive site now features exhibits about famous prisoners, daring escapes and much more.
Minutes away in Park Hill, the John Ross Museum shares the life and legacy of Principal Chief John Ross. Ross served in his position for more than 38 years and led Cherokee Nation through its most critical times, including the Trail of Tears and the American Civil War. The museum sits at the foot of Ross Cemetery, where Ross and other notable Cherokee citizens are buried.
Only an hour’s drive away in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum welcomes more than 12,000 visitors each year. The popular tourist attraction was the home of legendary statesman and inventor of the Cherokee syllabary, Sequoyah. The museum features the original log cabin constructed by Sequoyah in 1829, along with large displays that share his story and provide information about Cherokee Old Settlers, Cherokee Nation post-removal and the Cherokee Nation today.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the Cherokee Nation by planning a customized and authentic experience.