oconaluftee indian village

I went there as a kid and took my kids there a couple time. I had a ball as well as my family. they all liked the sweat lodge the best. It was a great way to see how the Cherokee lived back in the day. We all enjoyed it

We enjoyed strolling around, watching the crafts demonstrations and talks. It all seemed autenthic and based on a desire to share knowledge about the Cherokee heritage.

I've thought about this review for a while. After reading several other reviews, I feel it necessary to explain my five star rating. Our son is adopted and his birth mom is Native American, not Cherokee but still Native American. This village is the closest opportunity we have to expose him to anything close to his heritage. He is six and very proud of being a Native American. The title of this review comes from a question he asked on the drive up that morning. "Hey mom, if the people at the village find out I'm Native American too, do you think they will want to give me a high five?" The desire to be accepted is already so strong in a six year old boy. We really enjoyed the dance presentation. It was normal for there to be talking and joking as the dances were performed. It was a social time in the tribe. This is not a lack of professionalism on the part of the participants. The people who work at the village give a very realistic look at the personality of their people. Their silence and short answers are not rudeness. I am not trying to be stereotypical. I just do not want people to expect a "Disney cast member" attitude about the Cherokee culture from true members of the nation. They do want to share their experience and educate folks. They just do it in a humble, quiet, authentic, respectful manner. That is the true education of the experience.

Absolutely fabulous! Wonderful cultural presentations by participants and group guides. Authentic. Lovely gift shop.

This is essentially a theme park where you follow a guide from one stall to another as she explains Cherokee culture and art. The guide we had was exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly.

I especially enjoyed the sincerity and earnestness of the actors throughout the village. The demonstrators knew their history and culture well and were willing to share it. We had two boys with us and both enjoyed the visit. Especially, the fight scene got their attention. Thank you for all the hard work that has obviously been devoted by many to make the experience as authentic as possible.

this has been thee best place ive visited in america. it had a lot of interesting history and artifacts in the ancient village.

Nice walk, nice guide, nice dancers, overall worth the money, the kids loved the place and so did we.

We visited on the day the Cherokee started their Fall Festival so the Village closed early. We were told we wouldn't be rushed through but we were. Most of the demonstrators had left by the time we got halfway through the tour. The gift shop and snack bar closed early also. My 5 year old would have loved it more had it been more hands on and less lecture. He got bored very quickly. The adults enjoyed what we did see.

I loved that they took you around and explained many of their crafts, how things were made and used. The tour guide was very helpful and explained all the exhibits well. Many things to see that were being fashioned or made as you watched. They also perform dances for you while you're there.

Experience LIVING history! For a more authentic experience, actually use the tools of ancient times. For instance, a bone needle rather than steel. Employees should NOT complain about management and funding to visitors. The web site needs to be kept current. It stated the village was CLOSED the week we actually visited. Still, I would definitely recommend this stop to everyone. We learned a great deal in a fun but informative manner. The employees genuinely appeared to like each other and were proud of their jobs of representing the Cherokee Nation.

Although it had been raining that morning, we had a great time at the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, NC! We were guided by a knowledgeable Indian descendant in full costume, and saw pottery being fashioned, bead work on vestures, basket weaving and dying, dart guns for hunting game being demonstrated, and best of all, the traditional Cherokee Indian dances handed down throughout the generations! We learned about the 7 tribes of the Eastern Cherokees, their tribal councils, the different construction of houses through the ages, and their way of healing sickness using a sweat house. The Souvenir Shop closed early due to their Festival Parade. It was fun to see the same people in their jeans and t-shirts lining the street for the coming parade. We are so glad that we got to be there on that particular day for the Fiesta Parade and the opening of the Fair, too! And I found plenty of souvenirs for my grandchildren in shops that were opened along the main street.

Came here while in Cherokee and bought the tickets for the tour of the village. An Indian lady walked us through various spots where demonstrations of bead making, pottery and weaving was going on. We interrupted our tour to stop for the dancing demonstrations and really enjoyed it. Due to the cold, dreary rainy weather going on though my husband & I didn't continue the tour after the dancing demonstration. We would have liked to finish the tour and learn more but couldn't. It was worth the effort though.

A must do while in Cherokee. An excellent look at 1800's life in a Native American village. The tour was very informative and we enjoyed getting to see all of the different types of weapons, tools and life situations. The staff was very friendly and the village is not too big to get around in.

An Authentic Cherokee Tribe Member as a guide takes you around the village replica explaining how the Cherokee Indians lived and their way of life. There are live demonstrations showing handiwork by tribe members. Very educational stop. Rather expensive but they do offer discounts for AARP members.