Cherokee Welcome Center: Your Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains
Explore Cherokee, NC with insights from the Cherokee Welcome Center, your informative gateway to the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee culture.
The Cherokee Welcome Center serves as an essential stop for tourists exploring the cultural and natural beauty of Cherokee, North Carolina. Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, this center provides valuable resources, local insights, and a warm welcome to visitors from around the world. Here, you can discover everything from local attractions to historical insights about the Cherokee people, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to enhance their travel experience in this stunning region.
A brief summary to Cherokee Welcome Center
- 498 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, North Carolina, 28719, US
- +1800-438-1601
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Stop by in the morning for the best selection of brochures and resources on local attractions.
- Ask the staff for tips on hidden gems and local events happening during your visit.
- Take a moment to enjoy the exhibits on Cherokee history before heading out to explore.
- Plan your visit around the center's open hours, which are from 8 AM to 5 PM daily.
- Check their website for any special events or seasonal activities that may be happening.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From anywhere in Pigeon Forge, locate the nearest bus stop for the Pigeon Forge Trolley. Board the trolley heading towards Gatlinburg. Make sure to check the trolley schedule for times. Ride the trolley until you reach the Gatlinburg Welcome Center. At this stop, transfer to the trolley heading to Cherokee. After approximately 30 minutes, you will arrive at the Cherokee Welcome Center located at 498 Tsali Blvd. The center is right off the main road, and you will see the entrance as you step off the trolley.
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Walking and Shuttle Service
If you are near the Old Mill area in Pigeon Forge, you can walk to the nearest shuttle service point. Head south on the Parkway until you reach the Old Mill. Here, you can catch a shuttle service that goes directly to Cherokee. The shuttle takes about 45 minutes. Once you arrive in Cherokee, walk approximately 0.5 miles along Tsali Blvd to reach the Cherokee Welcome Center at 498 Tsali Blvd.
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Taxi or Rideshare
If you prefer a more direct option, you can use a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Simply request a ride from your current location in Pigeon Forge to the Cherokee Welcome Center at 498 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC. The drive will take approximately 45 minutes, and you will be dropped off directly at the entrance of the center.
Discover more about Cherokee Welcome Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ballhoot Scar Overlook
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Great Smoky Mountains
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Bunches Bald Overlook
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Lickstone Overlook
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Cranberry Ridge Overlook
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Woolyback Overlook
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Fontana Lake Overlook
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Ben Morton Overlook
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Clingmans Dome Trailhead
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Clingmans Dome
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Inspiration Point
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Arch Rock
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The Orchards Overlook
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Chimney Tops
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Mountain Heritage Center
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Unmissable attractions to see
Museum of the Cherokee People
0.2 km
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Oconaluftee Island Park
0.5 km
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Cherokee North Carolina
0.8 km
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Cherokee Bear Zoo
1.1 km
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Blue ridge mountains
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Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
2.0 km
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Mountain Farm Museum
3.4 km
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Oconaluftee Visitor Center
3.4 km
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Oconaluftee River Overlook
3.9 km
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Mingus Mill
4.1 km
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Santa'sLand Fun Park & Zoo
4.9 km
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Mingo Falls
6.6 km
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Thomas Divide Overlook
7.5 km
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Smokemont Riding Stables
7.6 km
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Smokemont Baptist Church
7.8 km
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Essential places to dine
All Fried Up
0.8 km
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Ruth's Chris Steak House
2.1 km
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Granny's Kitchen
2.8 km
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Bar-B-Que Wagon
13.0 km
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CJ's Grille
13.1 km
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The Rice Wagon
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The Bistro at the Everett Hotel
13.2 km
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High Test Deli
13.3 km
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SNAK SHAK
13.3 km
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The Rivers and Rails Tavern
14.0 km
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Tommy's Paradise
25.7 km
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Nantahala Village Resort
25.8 km
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Kallisto Restaurant and Lounge at Nantahala Village
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Crystelle Creek Restaurant
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Big Wesser
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Twisted Sister
0.5 km
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The What's Hot Shop
0.9 km
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Traditional Hands Native American Jewelry
0.9 km
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SPIRIT BEAR Gift shop & souvenirs
1.0 km
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Great Smokies Gifts
2.0 km
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Saunooke's Mill & Shop
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Loose Moose
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Appalachian Mercantile
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Humanité Boutique
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La Dolce Vita Bakery
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Bryson City Outdoors
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Charleston Station
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Buttermilk Farms Antiques & Auction
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Handmade Pottery
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Jelly Belly's Mountain Gift
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Native Brews Tap & Grill
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Unplugged Pub
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The Fireside Bar at the Fryemont Inn
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Balsam Falls Brewing Co.
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The Cut Cocktail Lounge
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Creekside Oyster House and Grill
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Legends Sports Bar And Grill
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The Bar At The Top Of The World
31.1 km
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Sugarland s
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Tower Bar at Anakeesta
31.1 km
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Daiquiri Shack & Grill Margaritaville
31.1 km
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Boudicca's Celtic Pub
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Gatlinburg Brewing Company
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Old smokey barrelhouse
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License to Chill Bar
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