Tahlequah, Oklahoma may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning your autumn getaway—but it should be. Nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks and surrounded by scenic rivers and colorful forests, Tahlequah is a hidden gem that comes alive in the fall. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing trip with the family, Tahlequah offers a unique blend of cultural richness, small-town charm, and natural beauty. Here are the top five reasons to put this vibrant town on your fall travel list. 

1. Experience the Rich Heritage at Cherokee Museums 
As the capital of the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah is steeped in Native American history and culture. Fall is the perfect time to explore the museums and cultural sites around the town. The Cherokee National History Museum and other nearby cultural sites offer an immersive and educational experience, with seasonal exhibits and events that delve deep into the heritage of one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States. 

2. Stroll Through Historic Downtown Tahlequah 
Downtown Tahlequah comes alive in the fall with a blend of crisp air, colorful leaves, and charming storefronts. Lined with locally owned boutiques, cozy cafés, antique shops, and vibrant murals, this walkable district is perfect for a laid-back afternoon. Don’t miss the Okswagen Festival on October 4th from 11am-3pm. Enjoy a Volkswagen car show, live music, tye-dye, vendors and more.   

3. Take in the Stunning Fall Foliage 
Few places in Oklahoma rival the fall colors of Tahlequah. As October fades into November, the surrounding hills burst into a painter’s palette of reds, oranges, and golds. Scenic drives along Highway 10 or the Illinois River provide postcard-worthy views, while local parks like Sparrow Hawk and Sequoyah State Park offer perfect picnic spots to soak in the season. Photographers and nature lovers will find endless inspiration in the breathtaking views around every bend. 

4. Hit the Hiking Trails 
Tahlequah is a gateway to some of the most beautiful trails in eastern Oklahoma. Fall’s cooler temperatures and bug-free breezes make it ideal for hiking. Lace up your boots and head to the Welling Ridge Trail system, where miles of trails wind through oaks, pines, steep ravines, and the occasional cliff. Whether you're seeking a challenging climb or a leisurely walk among the leaves, the area's hiking options cater to every level of outdoor enthusiast. 

5. Celebrate the Season at Rockin R Farms 
Nothing says fall like a trip to Rockin R Farms, one of Tahlequah’s most beloved seasonal attractions. Open from Friday to Sunday to the public and weekdays to groups, Rockin R Farms offers a festive mix of activities for all ages—think pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and homemade treats. The farm is beautifully decorated for autumn, making it a perfect spot for family photos and cozy memories. It’s the kind of place where kids can run free, adults can unwind, and everyone leaves with a smile (and maybe a pumpkin or two). The farm is open from September 20 - November 2, 2025.  
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Make Tahlequah Your Fall Destination 
Whether you come for the history, the views, or the farm-fresh fun, Tahlequah offers a warm welcome and a season full of experiences you won’t soon forget. It's a place where stories are preserved, nature puts on a dazzling show, and small-town charm wraps around you like your favorite sweater. This fall, skip the crowded tourist spots and discover the authentic beauty of northeastern Oklahoma. Tahlequah is waiting. ​

​The Tahlequah Trails Association is thrilled to announce the completion of 2 new miles of trails at the Welling Ridge Trails, a mountain-bike-optimized, shared-use trail system set on 200 acres of stunning natural terrain. These new additions highlight the Association’s dedication to creating an inviting and challenging outdoor experience for bikers, hikers, runners, and walkers alike.
 
Each trail at Welling Ridge Trails is thoughtfully named to honor individuals and groups that have contributed to the trails’ development and beauty. This tradition continues with the two newest trail segments:
 
•     Hathaway Hollow: Named after a beloved teacher who was a mentor to many and left a lasting legacy in the community. His students planted thousands of pine saplings, which now form the backdrop of this trail, adding to its natural beauty.
 
•     Rocky Rogue: This trail got its name from the abundance of rocks that needed to be cleared to make it possible. "Rogue" also pays homage to trail building company, Rogue Trails from Northwest Arkansas, whose contributions helped make this section of the trail system a reality.
 
These new trails seamlessly connect to another 4 miles of completed trails including Little Brother, Big Brother, and Wildfire trails. With 6 miles of completed trails and the next 2.5 miles already under construction, the Welling Ridge Trails continue to grow and evolve into a top-tier outdoor destination.
 
“The Welling Ridge Trails reflect our vision to ‘Build Community Through Trails,’ and we’re really happy with the community support and turn out we have received so far,” said Mike Bingham, Tahlequah Trails Board of Directors President. Whether you’re a mountain biker, runner, hiker, or just looking for a peaceful walk, we invite everyone to come and experience the trails for themselves. They’re worth the trip!
 
The Welling Ridge Trails have already welcomed approximately 9,291 visitors in 2024, with trail usage continuing to thrive through all seasons. No user fees are required, ensuring accessibility to all who want to enjoy these scenic and dynamic trails

For more information, please visit https://www.tahlequahtrails.org/ and use the “Contact” section for inquiries.

The annual Red Fern Festival is returning to Tahlequah April 29th and 30th! After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, we are excited to welcome back all of the fun and events.  

A myriad of events will be taking place this year. According to Jamie Hale, Director of the Main Street Association, “The Red Fern Festival is a favorite community event for all ages, with over 100 Arts and Crafts and Food vendors, plenty of activities for children and adults, the hound dog trials and duck race, the showing of Where the Red Fern grows in the park and an incredible music lineup. What's not to be excited about?” 

In addition to longtime favorite activities such as the movie screening, there are going to be new activities.  
“We have added a game called Gelly Ball to the list activities, much like paintball wars, but softer pellets. Cherokee Cultural Tourism will be offering Traditional game demonstrations on the Cherokee square, as well as Arts and Crafts for kids. There will also be a trackless train that kids and adults can ride around Cherokee Square. Emergency management is hosting a Touch the Truck event where kids can meet with first responders and take tours off different first responder vehicles.” said Hale.  

There will be local music artists playing this year on both nights at the Pavilion on Morgan Street across from Norris Park. The music lineup includes Oklahoma Moon, Casey West, Maddie K Parks, Tyler Byrd, and RC and the Ambers. Music starts at 5pm on Friday night and runs until 7pm. On Saturday, the music starts at 5pm and will end around 8:30.  
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For more info on the Red Fern Festival click here. ​

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Tahlequah is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. One day is simply not enough time to explore all it has to offer. ​

Memorial Day weekend is upon us which means summer is officially here! Tahlequah offers a variety of activities from floating the beautiful Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller to downtown shopping and entertainment! We are kicking off this three-part blog series by highlighting what to do on the Illinois River.  ​

Where to stay 
There is a variety of options when it comes to lodging. Cabins are available through Airbnb, VRBO and float outfitters. RV and tent sites can be reserved through float outfitters or the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission at one of the public access areas. Additional lodging can be found in Tahlequah at one of the hotels or vacation rentals.  

What to do 
Floating is the most popular activity on the river- for good reason. You have the opportunity to float the clear waters underneath rocky cliffs and lush green forests. Don’t have a kayak? No problem! Float outfitters offer kayaks, rafts, canoes and innertubes for your use and will shuttle you up river. Have your own kayak? You can put in at any of the public access points and float, but make sure to stop by the Scenic Rivers Commission Office If you are using your own boat to purchase a day pass. For a more family friendly float, we recommend floating with Riverside Floats. They are the furthest north on the river so their section of river does not see as much activity as others. Local favorites; Doc Fell & Co. And RC an The Ambers will be playing at Diamondhead Resort Friday and Saturday evenings.  
The woods and hills around the river offer some beautiful hikes at Sparrow Hawk Primitive Area and the J.T. Nickels Preserve. Sparrow Hawk offers a 3.8 mile out and back trail. Stop halfway through at the cliffs to eat a snack and take in one of the most scenic views of the river. A hunting, fishing or wildlife conservation passport is required to hike in the Sparrow Hawk Primitive Area. The Pine Ridge trail at the Nickels Preserve takes you up a ridge full of tall pine trees that is reminiscent of Colorado forests. Keep an eye out for elk, deer and turkeys as they are abundant in the preserve. 

Where to eat 
After a great day of hiking or floating, you are going to want a great meal! For close and convenient food options on the river, check out The Tree Top Grill at Eagle Bluff Resort, T&J’s at Hanging Rock Camp, Moe’s BBQ at War Eagle Resort or The Gravel Bar & Grill at Diamondhead Resort. For more options, make the short drive to Tahlequah. Some of the local favorites include Sam & Ella’s, Las Maracas and Southside Drive In. 

The farmers market is a great way to get locally sourced vegetables, meats and other homemade treats. You are also supporting local farmers and fellow neighbor's businesses. More often than not, the things you find at the market are higher quality and fresher.  The vibe at the market is what you would expect, laid back and welcome, and you might even find a local band playing music or a local artist doing a live painting. If anything, stop by on a Saturday and see if you find something you like.

Another benefit of shopping at the market is you know where all you are buying is coming from. I don’t consider this very often, but should I? We buy so many items daily and we don’t question how they were grown, raised or made. Buying locally sourced produce and goods gives folks comfort in knowing their food was grown or baked organically. Imagine eating fresh food from here in Tahlequah! ​

​It’s important to get together and support your community. The people at the Farmers market bring something unique to Tahlequah and we want to keep these people around! Meet other people in the community, you might make a new friend! It’s also a fun idea for families to spend time together and let your kids know the importance of eating vegetables!  
 
The Tahlequah Farmers’ Market is open April through October on Saturday mornings 8-11. The market is located at 400 N Muskogee Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464 underneath the pavilion. For more information, visit www.tahlequahfarmersmarket.org.  ​