Welcome to Tahlequah & Cherokee County
Unexpectedly Oklahoma!
Create unforgettable memories in Tahlequah and Cherokee County – where river floats, lake days, and hikes through the Ozarks meet the living history of the Cherokee Nation. Whether you’re exploring with family, friends, or on your own, this is a place built for shared experiences and new adventures.
FALL IN CHEROKEE COUNTY
Take the Scenic Route This Fall
Crisp mornings, golden river bluffs, and winding two-lane highways make autumn one of the most rewarding seasons to explore Tahlequah and Cherokee County. Whether you are chasing peak fall foliage along the Cherokee Hills Byway, riding singletrack through the Ozark foothills, or settling into a cozy riverfront cabin, our seasonal guides will help you plan every stop along the way.
The Scenic Route Through Cherokee County: 7 Stops for a Fall Drive
Trade the highway rush for river overlooks, historic Cherokee landmarks, and quiet lakeside pullouts. Follow seven curated stops along Highway 10 and Highway 82 to see the best of Cherokee County at your own pace.
Cherokee Nation History & Heritage
Tahlequah is the capital of Cherokee Nation & the end of The Trail of Tears. Come here to explore Cherokee heritage at museums and historic sites.
Outdoor Adventures
Our outdoor guides and activity directories make it easy to discover your next adventure—whether you’re boating, floating, hiking, biking, or exploring the great outdoors in your own special way. There’s a perfect adventure waiting for everyone!
Upcoming Events
Explore upcoming events in Tahlequah and Cherokee County. Mark your calendar for these experiences you won’t want to miss.
Upcoming Events to Discover in Tahlequah, OK
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Sep 17 @ 12:00 AM - Feb 26 @ 12:00 AM CST | NSU Playhouse
NSU Playhouse 2026-2027 Season
Check out the 2026-2027 season of events at the NSU Playhouse: "Two Wings to Heaven: The Bessie Coleman Story," September 17, 2026: A one-woman show about the first African-Amer...
Explore eventNov 2 @ 12:00 AM - Oct 17 @ 12:00 AM CDT | Cherokee Cultural Pathway
Shapes of Earth: Imagining Cherokee Pottery
An exhibit exploring Cherokee pottery through 11 large-scale photographs featuring work by contemporary Cherokee artists, including Cherokee National Treasures and Cherokee Nati...
Explore eventNov 5 @ 12:00 AM - Nov 8 @ 12:00 AM CST | NSU Playhouse
Wonderful World
NSU Drama presents Wonderful World by Richard Dresser as part of its 2026 drama season.
Explore eventNov 5 @ 8:00 PM CST | Ancient Oak Tavern at Cherokee Casino Tahlequah
Magic J
Live music at Ancient Oak Tavern inside Cherokee Casino Tahlequah. Free show; 21+.
Explore eventNov 6 @ 9:00 AM CST | Three Forks Nature Center, 19498 Park 80, Hulbert, OK 74441-2259, United States
Guided Birding Hike - Sequoyah Paved (~3.4 miles total)
Meet at the Three Forks Nature Center. Sequoyah Paved is our longest paved trail, 1.7 miles one-way, hike will be approximately 3.4 miles total. Come enjoy the sights and sounds...
Explore eventNov 6 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST | Northeastern State University Center for the Performing Arts
NSU Music Student Potpourri Recital
Students from the instrumental and vocal divisions of NSU Music present solo and chamber works at this FREE midday recital.
Explore eventNov 7 @ 12:00 AM - Nov 8 @ 12:00 AM CST | Anthis-Brennan Family Sports Complex
USSSA Fall Finale 4GGG Softball
8U to 16U USSSA Fastpitch Softball Tournament.
Explore eventMultiple Dates | Tahlequah Public Library
Pokémon Club (An Official "Play! Pokémon" Event)
Calling all Pokémon fans!Join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month for a host of Pokémon fun! There will be activities as well as fun Pokémon: The Card Game battles! New to play...
Explore eventNov 7 @ 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM CST | Cherokee Casino Tahlequah Event Center
Indigenous Children's Book Celebration
A free, family-friendly celebration of reading, storytelling, and Indigenous voices for children ages 3 to 8 and families. Activities include read-alouds, free books for childre...
Explore eventMultiple Dates | Three Forks Nature Center, 19460 Park 80, Hulbert, OK, United States
Sunset Hike to Inspiration Point (~1.4 miles)
Meet at the Three Forks Nature Center. We will hike along the Fitness Trail to Inspiration Point, approximately 1.4 miles round trip. Come experience the beauty of Sequoyah Stat...
Explore eventMultiple Dates | W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex
Healthy Native 5K
An in-person Healthy Native 5K and 1K Fun Run/Walk at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex. The event includes race-day registration and packet pickup, timing by Tatur Racing, medals...
Explore eventNov 7 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM CST | Northeastern State University
NSU Opera Gala: Musical Theatre’s Golden Age
Dress up and join us for an evening of music, celebration, and a little old-fashioned glamour!
Explore eventNov 8 @ 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM CST | NSU Jazz Lab
NSU Trumpet Studio Recital
NSU’s trumpeters present a concert of solo and chamber works for trumpet.
Explore eventMultiple Dates | Three Forks Nature Center, 19460 Park 80, Hulbert, OK, United States
Sunday Craft at Three Forks Nature Center
Join us every Sunday for a fun, hands-on craft that is inspired by the natural world! Each week, participants will create a unique project centered around nature, wildlife, habi...
Explore eventNov 8 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CST | 605 North Grand Avenue, Tahlequah, OK 74464
NSU Woodwind Studio Recital
Students from the flute, clarinet, and saxophone studios of NSU Music will perform solo and chamber works at this FREE concert.
Explore eventNov 11 @ 7:30 PM - Nov 14 @ 9:30 PM CST | NSU Playhouse
Orphans by Lyle Kessler
Orphans by Lyle Kessler, November 11-14, 2026: A dark, comedic drama about two neglected brothers in North Philadelphia: Treat, a violent petty thief, and Phillip, his reclusive...
Explore eventNov 13 @ 7:30 PM CST | First Presbyterian Church
Calendar Girls
Tahlequah Community Playhouse presents Tim Firth’s comedy about a group of women who create an unconventional calendar to raise money for a local hospital. The production is sch...
Explore eventNov 14 @ 9:00 AM CST | Tahlequah starting location
Illinois River Ramble 2026 - Gravel Bicycle Ride
Illinois River Ramble Volume III drops November 14, 2026! Presenting Sponsor: Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. Come ride bicycles on our chunky, steep Cherokee County gravel road...
Explore eventNov 14 @ 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST | Chota Center, Cherokee Casino Tahlequah
SkasdiCon — An Indigenous Comic Book Convention
Get ready for SkasdiCon Vol. V! Experience a thrilling one-day celebration where Indigenous and pop culture collide on Saturday, November 14, at the Chota Center in Cherokee Cas...
Explore eventNov 14 @ 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST | Chota Center, Cherokee Casino Tahlequah
SkasdiCon Vol. V
An Indigenous comic convention celebrating Indigenous creativity, fandom, comics, games, film, television, art, and pop culture. The family-friendly event includes Indigenous pa...
Explore eventMultiple Dates | Tahlequah Public Library
Tavern of the Unknown Cleric: Dungeons & Dragons Sessions
Welcome to the world of Dungeons and Dragons! The Sword Coast has many many threats that would see it destroyed or overrun with evil. We call upon our heroes to fight back the d...
Explore eventNov 14 @ 12:00 PM CST | Gable Field at Doc Wadley Stadium
Northeastern State RiverHawks vs. West Alabama
Northeastern State University football game at Gable Field at Doc Wadley Stadium, featuring Senior Day and recognition of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and first res...
Explore eventNov 14 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST | 21605 South 523 Road, Park Hill, OK 74451
Cows and Cocoa
Interactive farm experience with a hay ride through the farm, friendly cow and farm-animal interactions, and hot cocoa. In-person event; free parking. Event page lists November...
Explore eventNov 14 @ 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM CST | First Presbyterian Church
Calendar Girls
A Tahlequah Community Playhouse theatrical production presented at First Presbyterian Church. Dinner-and-show and show-only ticket options are available.
Explore eventNov 15 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST | 21605 South 523 Road, Park Hill, OK 74451, United States
Cows and Cocoa
An interactive farm hayride experience with hot cocoa and opportunities to interact with farm animals. In-person event; free parking. Children under 16 must attend with a parent...
Explore eventMultiple Dates | Three Forks Nature Center, 19460 Park 80, Hulbert, OK, United States
Snake Feeding Program
Join us on the 15th and 29th of this month for the opportunity to observe our ambassador snakes being fed and learn about the important role that snakes play in our ecosystems....
Explore eventNov 16 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM CST | Northeastern State University Center for the Performing Arts
NSU CommUniversity Band: By the Seashore
NSU’s Community-University Band brings together students, alumni, and community members for this performance of pieces from the deep.
Explore eventNov 18 @ 7:30 PM - Nov 19 @ 9:30 PM CST | NSU Playhouse
Take3
Take3, November 18-19, 2026: a genre-smashing vocal/instrumental group mixing the stylings of Bach and rock here to present two evenings of Christmas music.
Explore eventNov 19 @ 12:00 AM CST | Cherokee Arts Center
Cherokee Nation Cherokee Arts Center
A hands-on Third Thursday Art Class at the Cherokee Arts Center. Participants will make a festive woven ornament for the holiday season. Class size is limited to 10 students; th...
Explore eventNov 19 @ 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM CST | Downtown Tahlequah
Ladies Night Out 2026
A downtown Tahlequah shopping and entertainment evening with decorated storefronts, merchant promotions, live entertainment, holiday atmosphere, dining, and opportunities to sho...
Explore eventNov 19 @ 4:30 PM CST | 109 E. Delaware, Tahlequah, OK, United States, Oklahoma 74464, 109 E Delaware St, Tahlequah, OK 74464-2817, United States
Ladies Night Out "Dolly Edition"
Well, butter my biscuit and pass the rhinestones! Ladies Night Out: DOLLY EDITION is strutting into Downtown Tahlequah on Thursday, November 19th, and honey, we ain't doin' anyt...
Explore eventNov 20 @ 9:00 AM CST | 17131 Park 10, Hulbert, OK, United States, Oklahoma 74441, 17131 Park 10, Hulbert, OK 74441-2291, United States
Guided Birding Hike - Whispering Pines to Dead End Water View (~2.34 miles)
Meet at the Park Front Office. We will hike down a portion of Whispering Pines to the scenic Dead End Water View, approximately 2.34 miles round trip. Come enjoy the sights and...
Explore eventMultiple Dates | Three Forks Nature Center, 19460 Park 80, Hulbert, OK, United States
Guided Painting - RSVP Required
Unleash your creativity while drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature with guided painting experience where participants will create their own nature-themed artwork in a r...
Explore eventNov 21 @ 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST | Tahlequah Community Building
2nd Annual Stars, Stripes and Snowflakes Holiday Craft Fair
A free holiday craft fair featuring handmade crafts and gifts, local vendors and small businesses, treats, and a family-friendly festive atmosphere.
Explore eventNov 21 @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CST | Kroner & Baer Pub, 200 N Muskogee Ave, Tahlequah, OK, United States
Friendsgiving Cookie Class at Kroner-Sugar Dough Cookie Company
Join us for Sugar Dough Cookie Co. Cookie class on Nov. 21st at 2pm. All ages welcome. Limited seating available. Reservations preferred. Cost is $40. Advance sign up by contact...
Explore eventNov 23 @ 2:00 PM CST | NSU Playhouse
Artrageous
A high-energy performing arts experience combining live painting, music, theater, singing, dancing, choreography, and audience interaction.
Explore eventNov 24 @ 9:00 PM CST | Three Forks Nature Center, 19460 Park 80, Hulbert, OK, United States
Beaver Moon Hike
Bring a flashlight! Starting at the Three Forks Nature Center, this hike will take guests along the Fitness Trail and to Inspiration Point to view the Beaver Moon. This hike all...
Explore eventNov 25 @ 9:00 AM CST | 17131 Park 10, Hulbert, OK, United States, Oklahoma 74441, 17131 Park 10, Hulbert, OK 74441-2291, United States
Turkey Strut - Whispering Pines & Deer Run (~2.5 miles)
Meet at the Park Front Office for our annual Turkey Strut Hike! Enjoy a healthy hike through the woods as we take in the beauty of Sequoyah State Park during the fall season! Th...
Explore eventNov 27 @ 9:00 AM CST | Three Forks Nature Center, 19460 Park 80, Hulbert, OK, United States
Guided Birding Hike - Inspiration Point (~1.4 miles)
Meet at the Three Forks Nature Center - We will hike along the Fitness Trail down to Inspiration Point and back, approximately 1.4 miles round trip. Come enjoy the sights and so...
Explore eventDec 4 @ 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CST | Cherokee National History Museum
Christmas on the Square
A family holiday event at the Cherokee National History Museum and surrounding square, featuring train rides, letters to Santa, a Christmas storybook reading, a Cherokee-inspire...
Explore eventDec 4 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST | Downtown Tahlequah
2026 Tahlequah Christmas Parade: An All American Christmas "America Through the Years"
Tahlequah's 2026 Christmas parade. The parade begins at Grand Avenue and Crafton Street at 6:00 p.m.; parade entries check in and line up earlier in the afternoon.
Explore eventMultiple Dates | Sequoyah Lodge, Sequoyah State Park
Frigid Forest 5K
An in-person 5K and fun run/walk at Sequoyah Lodge in Sequoyah State Park. The in-person fun run starts at 8:00 AM, the 5K starts at 8:30 AM, and packet pickup is from 7:00–8:20...
Explore eventDec 5 @ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST | Tahlequah Main Street Association office and downtown Tahlequah
Cookie Stroll on Main 2026
A holiday walking event beginning at the Tahlequah Main Street Association office. Participants pick up a cookie box, stroll through decorated downtown Tahlequah, visit local sh...
Explore eventDec 5 @ 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CST | 123 North Muskogee Avenue, Tahlequah, OK 74464
Christmas Tea Party
Join us in person for festive sips, sweet treats, and cozy Christmas cheer!
Explore eventDec 11 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM CST | Hunter’s Home
The Night Before Christmas – LIVE!
In 1823, an account of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” was published in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in New York. Today, we know this poem as The Night Before Christmas, by Clement M...
Explore eventDec 13 @ 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM CST | Hunter’s Home
Christmas Open House
On Sunday, December 13, from 1 to 5 p.m., join in the seasonal fun at the annual Christmas Open House at Hunter’s Home. You will be transported back to an antebellum Christmas c...
Explore eventDec 18 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST | 605 North Grand Avenue, Tahlequah, OK 74464
The Christmas Gala - Friday Night
Join us for a spectacular Christmas Gala! A show filled with music, joy, and the wonder of the season as we celebrate the birth of the King!
Explore eventDec 19 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST | 605 North Grand Avenue, Tahlequah, OK 74464
The Christmas Gala - Saturday Night
Join us for a spectacular Christmas Gala! A show filled with music, joy, and the wonder of the season as we celebrate the birth of the King!
Explore eventJan 22 @ 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM CST | NSU Playhouse
Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs
Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs, January 22, 2027: Cajun-French band presenting a repertoire of original Louisiana French songs and soulful fiddle-driven melodies.
Explore eventFeb 17 @ 7:30 PM - Feb 20 @ 7:30 PM CST | NSU Playhouse
Exposure by Christopher Miller
Exposure by Christopher Miller, February 17-20, 2027: A dramatic comedy about a filmmaker who steals the canned footage so she can maintain Final Cut of her film project.
Explore eventFeb 18 @ 12:00 PM CST | Cherokee Casino Tahlequah
Ducks Unlimited: Tahlequah Dinner
Chapter dinner and fundraiser with table seating. Food served.
Explore eventFeb 25 @ 7:30 PM - Feb 26 @ 9:30 PM CST | NSU Playhouse
Face Vocal Band
Face Vocal Band, February 25-26, 2027: Internationally-renowned vocal rock group returning to the stage as a crowd favorite and including Tahlequah native Anderson Daniel.
Explore eventMar 25 @ 7:30 PM CDT | NSU Center for the Performing Arts
NSU's 60th Annual Green Country Jazz Festival, featuring Rodney Whitaker
Northeastern State University's Green Country Jazz Festival features high school jazz ensembles from northeastern Oklahoma and beyond and culminates in a concert by the NSU Jazz...
Explore eventApr 3 @ 10:00 AM - May 8 @ 4:00 PM CDT | The Gallery at Cherokee Springs Plaza
Trail of Tears Art Show
The annual juried Native art exhibition showcases authentic works representing Native art, culture, and tradition. The in-person show includes a public gallery exhibition at The...
Explore eventApr 14 @ 7:30 PM - Apr 17 @ 9:30 PM CDT | NSU Playhouse
Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig
Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig, April 14-17, 2027: A comedic farce following two struggling English Shakespearean actors who impersonate two long-lost British nieces to swindle a...
Explore eventApr 16 @ 5:00 PM - Apr 18 @ 12:00 PM CDT | Camp Heart O' Hills
Women's Retreat
Women's Retreat
Explore eventMultiple Dates | Downtown Tahlequah
Red Fern Festival
A family-oriented festival inspired by Wilson Rawls's Where the Red Fern Grows, featuring more than 150 arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, live music, children's activities,...
Explore eventSep 3 @ 12:00 AM - Sep 5 @ 11:59 PM CDT | Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds and locations throughout Tahlequah
Cherokee National Holiday
An annual celebration of Cherokee history and heritage featuring traditional games, competitions, handmade arts and crafts, food, dance, music, cultural activities, exhibits, an...
Explore eventSep 4 @ 12:00 AM - Sep 5 @ 11:59 PM CDT | Cherokee National History Museum
Cherokee Artisan Marketplace
An outdoor marketplace featuring authentic and original works by Cherokee artisans on the grounds of the Cherokee National History Museum during Cherokee National Holiday weekend.
Explore eventMultiple Dates | Welling Ridge Trails
KROP - Kaizen Rite of Passage
A 12-hour trail-running event at Welling Ridge Trails with 4-mile, 8-mile, 25K, 50K, 65K, and ruck relay options. All distances use a technical 4-mile single-track loop with roc...
Explore event
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Visitor Guides
Plan your trip like a local with our Visitor Guides. Discover Tahlequah and Cherokee County insider tips, curated itineraries, and resources for every kind of traveler.
Download the Award-Winning Guide
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How to Get Here
Getting to Tahlequah and Cherokee County is easy from all directions. We’re conveniently located a short drive away from Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, and major cities in Oklahoma.
1 hour
From
Tulsa, OK
1 hour
From
Fayetteville, AR
2.5 hours
From
Oklahoma City, OK
3.5 Hours
From
Wichita, KS
4.5 Hours
From
Dallas, TX
5 Hours
From
Kansas City, MO
Other Things to Do
Discover more vibrant experiences waiting for you in Tahlequah and Cherokee County. There’s plenty to spark your curiosity and fill your days with memorable moments.
Latest Stories
Stay connected with the vibrant life of Tahlequah and Cherokee County through our blog. Discover itineraries, compelling stories, and unique experiences that bring our community and culture to life. Dive in and get inspired for your next adventure!
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