Things to Do in Tahlequah, Oklahoma’s Cherokee Nation

We knew we wanted to dig deep into the history of the Cherokee people on our month-long stay in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It didn’t take long to figure out a trip to nearby Tahlequah would bring us to the center of it all.

Cherokee County’s Tahlequah is the capital of the Cherokee Nation. Visiting this city is then the best way to learn about Cherokee history and modern Cherokee heritage.

We came here on a day trip and had a packed itinerary full of just that. This guide to the best things to do in Tahlequah sums it all up, with some bonus information for you on why a stop here is an essential one.

What is Tahlequah known for?

Tahelquah is known for being the heart of the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Nation is the largest tribe in the United States, with more than 140,000 citizens in northeastern Oklahoma alone.

The modern Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians are the two Cherokee tribes in Tahlequah. 

What does “Tahlequah” mean in Cherokee?

“Tahlequah” may mean “just two” or “two is enough” in Cherokee if you trace its roots back to the Cherokee word “Ta’ligwu.” 

It may also refer to words that describe the landscapes here, as the word sounds like other Cherokee phrases for grain or plains. The real meaning may have been lost over time, as its roots date back to before the Cherokee put spoken words to text.

Things to Do in Tahlequah

The most impressive Tahlequah attractions are related to the town’s Cherokee roots. 

You can work your way through the Tahlequah History Trail, a walking tour that takes visitors through the historic downtown Tahlequah area. The trail features 26 stops, including historic buildings, statues, and landmarks.

Stops include Sequoyah Park and Seminary Hall on the Northeastern State University campus as you explore things to do in Cherokee Nation.

Fun fact: Seminary Hall was the first higher learning institution for women west of the Mississippi. While it burned down in 1887, it was reconstructed by 1889. That history and resilience got it listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

On our trip, we started with downtown Tahlequah’s trio of free museums dedicated to telling the story of the Cherokee Nation and important events from the town’s history.

You’ll be in downtown Tahlequah for much of what I’ll describe here, so feel free to linger where you see fit. 

At the very least, don’t miss out on any of the public art. During our visit, we saw a series of large outdoor art pieces from Cherokee artist Traci Rabbit.

Start at the Cherokee National History Museum.

The Cherokee National History Museum is one of the best free things to do in Tahlequah. Start your tour of Tahlequah’s museums here for an overview of the tribe’s history.

The bottom floor is dedicated to Cherokee Freedmen and a reckoning about the tribe’s involvement with slavery.

During our visit, there was a descendant of Cherokee Freedmen touring the site, a powerful reminder of the lasting legacy of slavery in this country. 

The top floor is dedicated to the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears, including some background on disagreements within the tribe itself during that time.

Members had varied opinions about how to move forward when it was apparent that the white people wanted their lands. 

Visit the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum.

This museum tells the story of a real Cherokee crime case involving local man Ezekiel “Zeke” Proctor on the bottom floor, a feature my true crime-loving heart enjoyed. 

You’ll also learn about the Cherokee printing press and the origins of the Cherokee written language courtesy of Sequoyah. His achievement is one of the only known times a person from a pre-literate group created a written language. 

See the Cherokee National Prison Museum.

I suggest saving this one for last because they talk about outlaws — or patriots — like Proctor that you learn about at the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum. It all comes together here.

You’ll learn about the history of the prison, escape attempts and successes, and why the prison was here in the first place despite the Cherokee’s beliefs on laws and justice.

A volunteer will give you a primer upon arrival and let you know that the gallows outside aren’t original.

Shop at the Tahlequah Farmers’ Market.

We visited Tahlequah in the winter, but if you’re here on a Saturday between April and October, make it a point to check out this market across from Norris Park. It’s one of the more kid-friendly things to do in Tahlequah, as some of the museums can get heavy.

Get locally-grown produce, crafts, and other goodies from regional vendors at the best spot for shopping in Tahlequah.

Note: Norris Park across the street is one of the best parks in town, by the way, for those traveling with the littles.

Tour Hunter’s Home.

This historic house museum is technically in Park Hill, but you’ll pass by it if you’re traveling to the Cherokee Heritage Center or Tahlequah attractions outside of town. 

Note: Old maps may refer to this one as the George M. Murrell Home, but the name was changed to recognize the former owner’s fondness for fox hunts.

If you pop in during operating hours, you can take a tour of the home and learn more about the dramatic history of this place.

Hunter’s Home was built by wealthy merchant and planter George M. Murrell in 1845, but it’s not just another plantation home here to make you uncomfortable.

It was also deeply connected to the Cherokee Nation, as Murrell was married to Minerva Ross, the niece of Cherokee leader John Ross. (This wasn’t a Pocahontas situation, by the way. Murrell had the blessing of her uncle.)

During the Civil War, the home was often raided by forces from either side. Your guide will tell you all about encounters that led to the couple fleeing Hunter’s Home for safer pastures. 

You’ll also hear about the enslaved men and women who lived and worked here, and even built some of the structures that are still standing. The home today is one of the few buildings in the region to survive the Civil War in a relatively complete state.

Our guide admitted they’re very much still working out the details about how enslaved people fared while they were there. I’d like to add that there is no such thing as a “good” slave owner. It’s just not a thing. 

On future visits, you may see the house as more of a living history museum. They’ve already done some of the work to make that happen. Our guide wore period garb and there was another group in one of the outdoor kitchens making beef stew and biscuits.

There are also signs of the home becoming a working farm. The historic home’s staff tend to gardens and a growing population of animals like chatty turkeys and jealous sheep. A resident kitty tends to live upstairs, luxuriating on a bearskin rug on a guest bed.

Learn more at the John Ross Museum.

This free museum is within walking distance from Hunter’s Home for those already in the area. It takes a closer look at the life of Ross, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation for longer than any other individual in the tribe.

You’ll learn more about his role during the Trail of Tears in the small but informative museum. Pay your respects at his gravesite at Ross Cemetery behind the museum.

Visit the Cherokee Arts Center.

This is a space for locals to spread awareness about some of the impressive art coming out of the Cherokee community. The Spider Gallery nearby is the center’s retail arm and is where you should go if you want to take home a piece of local art. 

The gallery also sells supplies for aspiring artists. If you have a more visual creative streak, supporting the arts center in town means you’re supporting the Cherokee Nation.

The Cherokee Nation Gift Shop is another great place to spend some money and support the local economy.

Tour the Cherokee Heritage Center.

This one was closed for renovations during our visit, but everyone in town seemed to talk about the expansion happening on the site. If we find ourselves back here someday, I’d love to see what they do with the place, as the site is massive.

READ MORE: Love a historical road trip? Check out my guide to Route 66 from Tulsa.

Eat at the best restaurants in Tahlequah.

Tahlequah may not be known for its culinary scene, but there are a few places to grab a good meal while in town. Our pick was Sam and Ella’s Chicken Palace.

First things first: It’s not a chicken place. It’s a pizza place. They also have subs and an artichoke appetizer that’s quite popular, but you’re here for thicker pan-style pizza. We got their ham, sweet onion, and mushroom without pineapple because I’m not a weirdo.

But why the “chicken palace,” you ask? Even if you didn’t, I’ll tell you. It’s a nod to the decor in this place. There are many chickens and roosters afoot. 

Fun fact: Sam and Ella’s Chicken Palace is also where Carrie Underwood worked before she was known for keying the trucks of cheating boyfriends and failing at live performances.

If you’re not feeling pizza, I’m sorry you feel that way. Here are a few more options in town as you explore more of what to do in Tahlequah:

• Boomerang Diner: This Oklahoma chain was recommended to us by some locals outside of town for its “real” burgers. I’m honestly not sure what that means, but if you’re craving a burger, this sounds like a good option. 
• Kawi Cafe: This cute coffee shop offers lighter lunch options and more indulgent fare like bison burgers and catfish tacos. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for things to do in Tahlequah on weekends, it won’t be this spot. They’re only open weekdays.
• Kroner & Bauer: If you need a pint after your day of exploring, this is the place to do it. They have a full food menu of all the fried apps you’d expect in a pub, along with burgers, hot dogs, and more entree-style platters.

More Things to Do Near Tahlequah

If you’re in Tahlequah on more than a day trip, there’s plenty to do both in Tahlequah and within close proximity to town:

• Float down the Illinois River. The Illinois River is a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and rafting. There are several outfitters like Illinois River Outfitters that rent equipment and offer guided tours. Don’t miss Elephant Rock while you’re out.
• Step back in time at The Thompson House. This large home on the National Register of Historic Places was built back in 1882 for Dr. Joseph M. Thompson. Guided tours are available but you’ll need to make an appointment.
• Take a boat out on Lake Tenkiller. The scenic waters of Lake Tenkiller and Tenkiller State Park are less than 20 miles south of downtown Tahlequah. Fish, rent a pontoon boat, or give me a call if you have a boat of your own to take out there.
• Play a round at the Tahlequah golf courses. Choose between the Cherokee Springs Golf Club or Cherokee Trails Golf Course. If you choose the golf club, you’ll be at Cherokee Casino Tahlequah. Gamble or don’t. It’s not my thing!
• Explore the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge about an hour south of town is home to wildlife like bald eagles and feisty river otters. Visitors can hike, fish, or simply enjoy the peace a little nature offers.
• Hike at the JT Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve. This nature option in greater Tahlequah is just a half-hour drive from downtown. It’s a private conservation area today, but visitors are welcome to hike and check out the elk.
• Visit Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum. Learn more about the Cherokee man credited with the mass distribution of the Cherokee language in written form. You’ll just have to travel to Sallisaw to get there. It’s about an hour south of Tahlequah.
• Attend the Red Fern Festival. The book Where the Red Fern Grows was set in and around Tahlequah. The movie adaptation was also filmed in these parts. This festival celebrates with live music, rubber duck races, and food trucks. 

READ MORE: Love Where the Red Fern Grows? Visit Natural Falls State Park to see where some of the movie was filmed.

Where to Stay in Tahlequah

We stayed in Tulsa during our day trip to Tahlequah. Tahlequah is about an hour and 15 minutes from Tulsa if you’d like to do the same. If you want to stay closer to the action, you have some options.

There’s even camping available here, although that’s not my area of expertise. Use the map below to browse Tahlequah hotels and apartment-style stays:

Tahlequah is worth visiting on trips to Oklahoma.

Tahlequah is famous for being the capital of the Cherokee Nation. It’s worth a trip to explore all of the things to do here for that fact alone. Come learn about the town’s important history on your next trip to the region.

With more time here, you can enjoy the great outdoors along the Illinois River, but you should definitely prioritize the Cherokee historical connection before any of that.

Interested in more travel in the region? Check these out:

• A Complete Guide to Oklahoma City
• An Epic Road Trip Itinerary for the Deep South
• A Guide to the Best Dog Parks in Tulsa
• Why Trips to Petrified Forest Are Worth It
• Top Sedona Hikes for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Here are a few more guides to the Southwest:

• An Honest Review of Arizona’s Tombstone
• How to Plan a Busy Day in Sedona
• A Guide for Your Next Albuquerque Visit
• Should You Visit White Sands in New Mexico?
• Plan One Busy Day in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Want to see more?