At the Cherokee Heritage Center guests can slip back in time in an Ancient Village to learn about Cherokee life prior to European contact. The Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill, Oklahoma offers guests a unique Cherokee adventure.

The adventure begins with a guided tour through the Ancient Village where you can play a game of stickball, participate in a stomp dance and learn about Cherokee crafts such as basketry, flint knapping and blowguns. Next, stroll through the Cherokee National Museum where you can learn about the Five Civilized Tribes' proposal to establish the State of Sequoyah separate from the State of Oklahoma. 

Explore Your Indian Heritage

While at the museum, visit the Trail of Tears exhibit where you can learn about the journey of the Cherokee and four other tribes through special effects lighting, videos, audio recordings, artwork, life-cast figures and holograms. The Cherokee National Museum also houses an extensive genealogy library with experienced genealogists on hand to answer your questions and help you begin your search for your Indian Heritage.

A few step outside the museum you'll find the Adams Corner Rural Village.  This village is a reconstruction of a late 19th century rural Cherokee community as it may have appeared after European contact. Each of the  village's seven buildings are designed and decorated to represent the lifestyles of Cherokee people during this time. Connected to Adams Corner is Heritage Farm, home to many animals common in this period.

Trail of Tears Drama

Gather the family and enjoy a relaxing evening under the night sky in the 1,800-seat Tsa La Gi Amphitheater where you will view the poignant Trail of Tears Drama. The all-new Trail of Tears drama brings back the music, pageantry and spectacle audiences have asked for.  The new drama depicts several Cherokee myths and legends such as "Rabbit Eats with Bear" and "How Possum's Tail Got Bare."  These stories, mixed with the removal and several aspects of Cherokee history, give the show a lighter feel that the entire family can enjoy.

Oklahoma's Native American's

Oklahoma was once known as Indian Territory, and still remains home to more American Indians than any other state. 39 tribal headquarters are located in Oklahoma with members from at least 67 tribes who call the state home. The rich history, time-honored traditions, cultural experiences and artistic expressions are interwoven into Native American's daily lives. Travelers can experience Oklahoma's Native American culture through art galleries, historic sites, powwows, dances and festivals like the largest Native American festival in the world-Red Earth held every June in Oklahoma City.

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