 cherokee national hsitory museum This winter, visit the Cherokee Museums in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and beat the cold by experiencing the warmth of the Cherokee people and culture. As the capital of the Cherokee Nation, this welcoming city is home to an extraordinary collection of museums that celebrate the heritage, artistry, and lived experiences of one of North America’s most enduring Indigenous nations. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, student, or curious traveler, visiting these cultural sites offers meaningful insight into both the past and present of the Cherokee people. At the heart of downtown Tahlequah is the Cherokee National History Museum, housed in the beautifully restored Cherokee National Capitol building. This museum provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of Cherokee history, from pre-contact life to removal, rebuilding, and modern-day sovereignty. Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Cherokee resilience, leadership, and cultural continuity that extends far beyond textbook history. Just steps away, the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum and the Cherokee National Prison Museum offer a fascinating look into Cherokee governance and justice systems. These historic buildings highlight how the Cherokee Nation established its own laws, courts, and institutions long before Oklahoma became a state. Together, these museums demonstrate the strength and sophistication of Cherokee self-government and provide an important perspective often missing from mainstream historical narratives. Art and creativity come alive at the Spider Gallery, a contemporary space dedicated to showcasing the work of Cherokee artists. Located in downtown Tahlequah, the gallery features rotating exhibitions of painting, sculpture, jewelry, basketry, and mixed-media art. The Spider Gallery emphasizes that Cherokee culture is not frozen in the past but continues to grow and evolve. Each piece reflects personal stories, cultural teachings, and modern interpretations that connect tradition with today’s world. A short drive from Tahlequah in Park Hill brings visitors to Hunter’s Home, one of the most unique historical sites in Oklahoma. This preserved 19th-century plantation home once belonged to a prominent Cherokee family and offers insight into Cherokee life before the Civil War. Visitors receive a guided tour and can explore the home, gardens, and grounds while learning about agriculture, daily life, and the complex history of the Cherokee Nation during this period. Living-history demonstrations help make the experience especially engaging and memorable. Cherokee Nation museums are open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm and admission is free. The Hunter’s Home is open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4:30pm. Admission is free for Oklahoma Historical Society Members, kids age 5 and under, Veterans/Active Military and NARM members. Adults are $8, kids age 6-18 are $5, families up to 6 people are $30, and groups of 10+ are $7 per person.
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Arguably the world's most famous talking horse, Mr. Ed was a palomino with the ability to talk to his owner Wilbur Post. The Mr. Ed show ran from 1961 to 1966 and was one of the first TV shows to first premier in syndication and be later picked up by a prime-time network. Tahlequah locals have rumored that Mr. Ed was laid to rest in Cherokee County, but an article from NPR station KGOU from 2019 suggests that the horse grave outside of Tahlequah actually belongs to a Mr. Ed body double, Pumpkin, who died in 1979.
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