Tahlequah, Oklahoma, is a city in Cherokee County and the capital of Cherokee Nation. The Tahlequah area is then the best place to learn about both Cherokee history and modern Cherokee heritage.
We visited Tahlequah on a day tour from Tulsa during a month-long stay in Oklahoma. There are plenty of activities here to keep you occupied for longer, but one full day in town is enough to see the top things to do in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
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Things to Do in Tahlequah, Oklahoma
What is there to do in Tahlequah, Oklahoma?
There is quite a bit to do in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, but 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, Oklahoma.
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 own 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.
Note: I generally hate when blogs give broad advice like “explore downtown” without additional guidance, but I will note here that the Tahlequah Main Street Association has been working hard to revialize the downtown area.
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.
Need a map of everything I’ll describe here? Check out the link below:
GIMME MY TAHLEQUAH ATTRACTIONS MAP!
1. 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 own 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 whites wanted their lands.
2. Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum
This interesting 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 really 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 was able to create a written language.
3. 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 own beliefs around laws and justice. A volunteer will give you a primer upon arrival and let you know that the gallows outside aren’t original.
4. 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. Norris Park across the street is one of the best parks in Tahlequah, by the way, for those traveling with the littles.
5. Hunter’s Home
This historic house museum is technically in Park Hill, but you’ll likely pass right by it if you’re traveling to the Cherokee Heritage Center or some of the 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 some of the 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, but 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 to show us around, 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 on-site gardens and a growing population of farm animals like chatty turkeys and jealous sheep. A resident kitty tends to live upstairs, luxuriating on the bearskin rug covering one of the guest beds. What a life.
6. 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.
7. 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 (unlike me), 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.
8. 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 found ourselves back here someday, I’d love to see what they do with the place, as the site is massive.
9. Nosh at the best places to eat in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Tahlequah, Oklahoma, may not be known for its culinary scene, but there are a few places to grab a good meal while you’re 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 variety without the 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. Is this what brought me here? Maybe.
If you’re not feeling pizza, I’m sorry you feel that way. Here are a few more options in town as you explore what to do in Tahlequah, OK:
- 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 this weekend, they’ll be closed. Plan accordingly.
- 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 of 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, OK
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. Here are a few more fun things to do in Tahlequah, OK, within a short drive.
- 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. All that means the town has to party with live music, rubber duck races, and food trucks.
If you love that book, by the way, try to visit Natural Falls State Park while you’re here. Parts of the movie adaptation were also filmed at this scenic spot.
- Float down the Illinois River. The Illinois River is a popular spot for kayaking, tubing, and rafting. There are several outfitters in Tahlequah like Illinois River Outfitters that rent equipment and offer guided tours. Don’t miss views of 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 by costumed guides 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 really my thing!
- Explore the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge about an hour south of town is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including 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 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.
Your initial trip to Tahlequah should include some learning on your part about its importance to the Cherokee Nation. Repeat or longer visits lend themselves to all kinds of communing with nature, especially if you’re visiting in the warmer months.
Where to Stay in Tahlequah
We stayed in Tulsa during our day trip to Tahlequah, but if you want to stay closer to the action, you have some options.
Use the map below to browse Tahlequah hotels:
Tahlequah, Oklahoma, FAQs
What tribes are in Tahlequah, Oklahoma?
The modern Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians are the two Cherokee tribes in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
The Cherokee Nation is the largest tribe in the United States, with more than 140,000 citizens in northeastern Oklahoma alone.
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.
How far is Tahlequah, Oklahoma, from Tulsa?
Tahlequah, Oklahoma, is about an hour and 15 minutes from Tulsa.
If you’re wondering how to get to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, you’ll need a car. Once you’re in Tahlequah, many of the sites are walkable to the downtown area, but you’ll still need to drive to Tahlequah attractions outside of that main part of town.
Is Tahlequah, OK, safe?
Tahlequah, OK, is safe for travel. Violent crime and property crime are both lower than the national average, although petty theft has increased over the last few years.
Practice street smarts just as you would anywhere as you explore Tahlequah, OK, things to do. Don’t leave things in view in your car or flash your valuables while you’re out there exploring. You’ll be just fine checking out all of the fun things to do in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
What is Tahlequah famous for?
Tahlequah is famous for being the capital of the Cherokee Nation. It’s worth a trip to explore all of the Tahlequah, Oklahoma, things to do for that fact alone. Come learn about the town’s important history on your next trip to the region.
Ready for Things to Do in Tahlequah, OK?
Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, you should use Skyscanner. It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.
Tahlequah is most often visited on Oklahoma road trips. If you’re traveling from Tulsa, you’ll need to fly into Tulsa International Airport for your trip. It’s a smaller, regional airport, so expect connections no matter where your start is.
If you’re in the mood for a longer road trip throughout the state outside of Tahlequah things to do, the Cherokee County town is closest to Muskogee and Claremore, both in Oklahoma, and Siloam Springs, just over the border in Arkansas.
For adventurous folks who travel on the reg, I also subscribe to Going, formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get cheap flight deals from your home base straight to your inbox. It’s a great way to visit destinations you’ve always wanted to visit or that weren’t even on your radar.
Your Accommodations: I usually use Booking.com and Hotels.com for our hotel needs. Both offer loyalty programs and now offer listings that are more of the home or condo rental variety, which is great. Vrbo is my preferred Airbnb alternative.
Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld. Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.
Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page. It’s heavy on the text but super helpful for overall trip planning!
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- Plan a Trip Down Route 66 from Tulsa
- An Epic Southern U.S.A. Road Trip Itinerary
- A Guide to the Best Dog Parks in Tulsa
- A Beer Guide to Tulsa’s Best Breweries
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