Cherokee Hills Byway The Cherokee Hills Byway is defined as beginning at SH 10 N (Carlisle Road) on the north side of I-40 (Exit 291) in Sequoyah County.   The Byway proceeds north along SH 10 to the junction of SH 10/SH 64 and then proceeds northwest to the town of Gore. The route continues northeast along SH 100 until it reaches the junction of SH 100/ SH-10A. At the junction of SH 100- SH-10A, the route heads east on SH 100 and follows SH 100 east to the junction of SH 82.  The Byway then follows SH 82 into Cherokee County.  Once in Cherokee County, the route continues north along SH 82/100 for 20 miles, passing through Cookson and Keys, to the junction of US 62/SH 10.  At this junction the Byway crosses into the city of Tahlequah, where US 62 becomes Muskogee Avenue.  The Byway travels Muskogee Avenue north through the City of Tahlequah to Downing Street. The Byway follows Downing Street east to the SH 51 / SH 10/ SH 82 interchange, where it proceeds east and then north along SH 10 for approximately 20 miles to the Adair County line. The Byway continues northeasterly along SH 10 through Adair County for 2.5 miles to the Delaware County line.  At the Delaware County line the Byway follows SH 10 north approximately 4 miles to the intersection of US 412 Alternate in Kansas, Oklahoma.  At this intersection, the Byway turns back east and follows US 59/412 Alternate approximately 12.5 miles ending at the Oklahoma/Arkansas State line in West Siloam Springs.  The length of the byway is 84 miles long.

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Hitching Post B&B: 1-888-279-7397 or 580-261-7424

 

Black Mesa B&B: 1-800-866-3009

 

Kenton Kabins: 580-261-7447 or http://www.geocities.com/Kenton_merc

 

Hoot Owl Ranch:580-261-7789 or hootowl@ptsi.net

 

 

 

Tahlonteeskee Cherokee Courthouse Museum, Gore, Oklahoma
Reconstructed site of the Cherokee Nation’s former capitol during 1828-39, including a council house, courthouse and log cabin, which is now a museum representing Cherokees who came to this area before the Trail of Tears, also known as the “Old Settlers”.  The site is also an official Cherokee Nation information center.

 

Dwight Mission, Sallisaw, Oklahoma
One of the oldest institutions in the Synod of the Sun, Dwight Mission was originally founded in 1820 and was one of the forty mission schools for Indians that the Presbyterian church had in what is now Oklahoma.  Closed in 1948, Dwight Mission was the last of these schools in operation. Since 1950, Dwight Mission has served as a camp, conference and retreat center.

 

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Vian, Oklahoma
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1970 to provide habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds and to provide food and cover for resident wildlife.  The refuge was named in honor of Sequoyah, a Cherokee scholar who developed a written syllabary for the Cherokee language.

 

Cookson Hills Game Refuge, Cookson, Oklahoma
Cookson Game Refuge is located five miles east of Cookson. The refuge is open to drive through traffic during August and December. Elk, deer, turkeys, bobcat, squirrels, bald eagles, rabbits and owls populate the refuge.  It can be accessed by foot, horse or mountain bike certain times of the year.

 

Lake Tenkiller, Cookson, Oklahoma
Lake Tenkiller, with its 130 miles of shoreline, is considered one of the best places for all sorts of water activities from boating to scuba diving.  Its waters are clear from eight to twenty eight feet making it a premier location for scuba diving in Oklahoma.  The shores are adorned with beautiful rock bluffs.  Approximately 2,590 acres of project land west of the lake are licensed to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for a state game management area.  Popular game species include deer, quail, dove, duck, geese, rabbit and squirrel.  Anglers may choose from various bass species, crappie, catfish, bream and walleye.  Rainbow trout are stocked below the Tenkiller Dam.  Facilities around the lake include boat ramps, picnic areas, RV and tent campsites,  group shelters, restrooms, showers, swimming beaches, concession services, playgrounds, nature trails, marinas, cabins, enclosed fishing docks, boat rentals, and swimming pools. 

 

Cherokee Heritage Center, Park Hill, Oklahoma
On 44 heavily wooded acres tucked away in the Oklahoma foothills of the Ozark Mountains, the Cherokee Heritage Center teaches visitors about Cherokee history and culture.  The center is home to the Tsa La Gi Ancient Village, a living history exhibit, Adams Corner Rural Village, the Cherokee National Museum including a permanent Trail of Tears exhibit, Cherokee Family Research Center and the Tsa La Gi Amphitheater, which was named one of America’s most beautiful outdoor theaters.  The center is devoted to the preservation and promotion of Cherokee history and culture, offering numerous hands-on workshops and annual events, plus two competitive art shows.

 

Tsa La Gi Ancient Village at the Cherokee Heritage Center
The Tsa-La-Gi Ancient Village has been hailed as one of America’s finest living museums.  It recreates the lifestyle of the Cherokee people during the 1600s, prior to European contact.  Designed by award-winning Cherokee architect Charles “Chief” Boyd, the village captures the living conditions of the Cherokee people.  During the summer months, guided tours are given through the village where visitors hear narratives about Cherokee history and customs, and witness villagers going about their daily routine.  Daily tasks in the village include preparation of food, making arrowheads and weapons, weaving baskets, playing stickball, working with clay, pottery and beads.

 

Cherokee National Female Seminary Columns, Park Hill, Oklahoma
In 1847, the Cherokee Nation, began building two educational institutions in Park Hill and Tahlequah, Oklahoma.  One was for female students, the other for male students.  Both schools were opened in 1851 as public education institutions teaching the equivalent of high school curriculums. 
The Female Seminary, as it is called, was located in Park Hill, Oklahoma and housed female students, from the years 1851 to 1887.  It burned in 1887  and in 1889 was relocated to Tahlequah. It was the first and finest institution of higher learning for women west of the Mississippi River. The columns of the original Female Seminary are still standing proudly today at the entrance of the Cherokee National Museum.

 

George Murrell Home, Park Hill, Oklahoma
This historic mansion built in 1845 by wealthy merchant, George M. Murrell is the only remaining antebellum mansion in Oklahoma and is operated b y the Oklahoma Historical Society.  It has been designated on the National Register of Historic Places and is a certified Trails of Tears site.   Most of the furnishings are original, and artifacts and implements used during that time period can be viewed.  Beautiful park like grounds include an original springhouse, an 1896 smokehouse and a log cabin.  The adjacent park is home to the 1860 Lawn Social which is held annually in June, featuring period re-enactors, music, dancing, games, craft demonstrations and more. 
The Living History Cabin Program is open to the public. Come experience the life of an average Cherokee in 1850 with living history demonstrations every day.  Visitors can participate in hands-on activities such as spinning and weaving, cooking, laundry, gardening, and much more.

 

Ross Cemetery, Park Hill, Oklahoma
Located in Park Hill, Oklahoma, just down the road from the George M. Murrell home, is the Ross Cemetery.  The cemetery is the burial place of Cherokee Nation Principal Chief John Ross, who served as the elected Chief from 1828 until his death in 1866.  His administration  served throughout some of the most turbulent and conflict-ridden periods in the tribe's history but he remained steadfast to the people and fought to keep the nation united.
Also interred in this cemetery are numerous high-ranking leaders of the Cherokee Nation, members of the Murrell family, members of the Ross Family and several survivors from the Cherokee Trail of Tears relocation.  The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 and underwent preservation efforts in 2006.

 

W.W. Keeler Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
The Cherokee Nation is the sovereign operating government of the Cherokee people and the main tribal government is housed in the beautiful W.W. Keeler Complex.  Visitors may tour the tribal headquarters and learn more about the operations of the modern Cherokee Nation. Employing nearly 7,000 people, Cherokee Nation’s annual economic impact in northeastern Oklahoma and surrounding areas is more than $1.5 billion dollars.

 

Cherokee War Memorial, located on the grounds of the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex
A grateful Cherokee Nation dedicates this memorial to all Cherokee men and women, both living and dead, who have defended their families, their people, and their homeland.

 

Cherokee National Capitol Building, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
The Cherokee Tribal Council first met in 1839 under a large open shed in the area behind where the capitol building now stands, and later met in log buildings in the same area.  During the Civil War, these were burned down by Confederate General Stand Watie, a Cherokee, in retribution for much of the Cherokee Nation siding with the Union.  After the war, the Council made provisions for a grand new building, and it was finished and occupied by 1870.  The building was damaged by fire in 1928, and the interior was completely remodeled.  Except for a few features, such as a cupola on the roof, and a vestibule at the front entrance, the exterior remains the same.  The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  After Oklahoma statehood in 1907, the building served as Cherokee County Courthouse until 1979, when it was returned to the Cherokee Nation.  It currently houses the modern Cherokee Nation court system.

 

Cherokee Supreme Court Building, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
This structure was built in 1844 by James S. Pierce on the southeastern corner of the Cherokee Courthouse square in downtown Tahlequah to house the Cherokee National Supreme Court.  The Supreme and District court both held sessions here for many years.  The building also housed the printing press of the Cherokee Advocate, the official publication of the Cherokee Nation and the first newspaper West of the Mississippi.  Fire razed the interior of the building in 1875, but it was rebuilt shortly thereafter, utilizing the surviving walls. It is the oldest government building in the state of Oklahoma and is in the process of restoration.  

 

Cherokee National Prison, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
The Cherokee National Prison was authorized in 1873 by an act of the Cherokee National Council and completed in 1874. The prison was the only such facility in the entire Indian Territory from 1875 to 1901. It housed sentenced or accused prisoners from throughout Indian Territory. 

 

Thompson House, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
The Joseph Thompson House was the home of Dr. Joseph M. Thompson, a prominent Cherokee physician and citizen.  It was constructed in the Queen Anne style for Dr. Thompson by his father, Johnson Thompson, as a gift.  An attractive two-story house with a raised stone foundation it features a large bay window with colored glass on the north wing. 
The house was set to be demolished in 1984 but was rescued and refurbished. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in March of 1993.  Each holiday season, visitors can enjoy the annual Victorian Christmas event, which allows the public to enjoy the house’s unique beauty while contributing to its continued maintenance and restoration.   During this event, crafters from all over the region display their Christmas wares and holiday decorations throughout the house.
Throughout the year the Thompson House is available for group tours and visits by appointment.

 

Seminary Hall, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Built in 1889, as the new Cherokee Female Seminary, this is the oldest building on the campus of Northeastern State University.  This building was completely renovated in 1994 and has been aspiring education since 1889.  In 1904, the State of Oklahoma purchased the property and all its belongings from the Cherokee Nation.  Classes began in the fall as the Northeastern State Normal School.  The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
The J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve is the largest privately protected conservation area in the Ozarks.  The preserve was formed in 2000 as the result of a land gift from the John Nickel Family.  The Nickel family donated the 15,000 acre J-5 Ranch in the western edge of the Ozark eco-region to The Nature Conservancy.  Adjoining the Illinois River, the ranch encompasses portions of four Ozark stream watersheds and is dominated by pine and oak forests, as well as significant areas of oak savanna and tall grass prairie.  The ranch is particularly unique for its extensive, high quality rocky glade communities and pristine water quality.  Self-guided trail information is available at the preserve headquarters. 

 

Elephant Rock Nature Park, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
This nature park offers its guests a true nature experience with 120 acres of posted nature trails to enjoy.  Access to the Illinois River for fishing and swimming is available, primitive camping and lodging accommodations are also offered.  Elephant Rock Nature Park offers environmental education field trips, designed to develop student’s logical reasoning power through interpretive presentations. 

 

Scenic Illinois River
Noted for its beauty, the Illinois River is nestled in the heart of the Oklahoma Ozarks with its ever changing oak-hickory forest.  The upper river is an easy flowing, Class II river with delightful scenery and several stretches of mild rapids for float trips.  There is excellent fishing with smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, walleye, and various sunfishes.  Floaters can enjoy 40 miles of interesting and sometimes challenging waterway.  There are a number of canoe liveries along SH-10 North.  The lower Illinois River offers year round trout fishing in a designated 7.5 mile stretch from Tenkiller Dam to Highway 64 Bridge near Gore.  Bank access and boat ramps are located throughout the area.  Overnight camping is permitted at fee areas.

 

Talbot Library and Museum - Colcord
The Talbot Library and Museum specializes in historical and genealogical research material of northeast Oklahoma, northwest Arkansas, and Cherokee Territory.  The museum publishes the “T.L. and M. Genealogy” and the “Goingsnake Messenger” quarterly.  The goal of the facility is to preserve a bit of history.

 

Natural Falls State Park, West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma

Located in near West Siloam Springs, Natural Falls State Park features a dramatic 77-foot waterfall cascading through rock formations, creating a hidden, serene atmosphere at the bottom of a narrow v-shaped valley.  An observation platform with a nearby picnic pavilion overlooks the falls, beckoning visitors to stay and enjoy the unique sights and sounds of the park. This was the setting for the delightful movie “Where the Red Fern Grows”.   Picnic tables and grills can be found throughout the park, and campsites, 44 RV sites with full hookups, 27 tent sites and a comfort station with showers in on site.  The Red Fern Reunion Center is available for group functions as well as the Carnes Outdoor Shelter.

 

 

 

Coming soon!

 

Situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway is a showcase of eastern Oklahoma’s tremendous diversity.  Travelers will be moved and inspired to delve deeper into the history and regional culture displayed along the byway.  From breathtaking natural beauty to a rich cultural and historical background, the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway is sure to capture the imagination of visitors.

 

The southern route entrance/exit starts by navigating along the shores of the shimmering Lake Tenkiller, a clear lake that is a favorite of scuba divers, boating enthusiasts and anglers.  Fed by the scenic Illinois River, Lake Tenkiller offers abundant recreational opportunities.  Further down the Byway, visitors are greeted by stunning views of the Cookson Hills and the lush forests of the lower Ozark Mountain range.  Seasonal changes offer a unique and diverse array of views.  An explosion of flowering dogwood trees light up the roadside in spring, dense green woodlands in summer offer a cool retreat, and the fiery displays of autumn foliage will draw visitors back again and again. 

 

Travelers will also enjoy the story and history of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, The Cherokee Nation Capitol.  Visitors throughout the town can enjoy the architecture, museums, and other cultural venues.  Beyond Tahlequah, the northern part of the route parallels the clear waters of the scenic Illinois River.  The Illinois is a prime destination for canoeing, rafting or kayaking. For those less adventurous, lay back and relax on the beautiful shores or in the numerous public access points.  Sheer cliff faces and unique vistas emerge with every bend in the road, drawing visitors onward.  Those traveling the northern route will be enchanted by Natural Falls State Park, which boasts the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma.

 

Lake Tenkiller P.O. Box 10K Cookson, OK  74427 www.laketenkiller.com	Lawley House Vacation Cottage 3231 S. HWY 82 Cookson, OK  74427 (918) 478-2273 www.lawleyhouse.com	Strayhorn Marina Lake Tenkiller (918) 487-5178	Dutchman’s Cabins 34077 S. 528 Rd. Cookson, OK  74427
Snake Creek Marina Hwy 82/Lake Tenkiller (918) 457-5674 www.snakecreekmarina.com	Nautical Adventures Scuba (918) 457 – DIVE www.divetenkiller.com	Gene’s Aqua Pro Shop Strayhorn Landing (800) 932-2733 (918) 487-5221	Old Indian Trails Cabins Hwy 82 South Lake Tenkiller (918)457-5020
Pine Cove Marina Rt. 1 Box 400 Cookson, OK  74427 (918) 489-5735	Snake Creek Wilderness Lodge 19242 E. Wilderness Rd Cookson, OK  74427 (918) 457-4715	Terrapin Peak Bed, Breakfast and Beyond 20965 W. 921 Rd Cookson, OK  74427 (918) 457-4906 www.terrapinpeakbbb.com	Sixshooter B&B 20183 W. Sixshooter Rd Cookson, OK  74427 (918) 457-7933
Sixshooter Resort & Marina 20144 W. 915 Rd. Cookson, OK  74427 (918) 457-5152	Marval Camping Resort 100 Marval Ln. Gore, OK  74435 (918) 489-2295 www.marvalresort.com	Elk Creek Resort 22911 W. 877 Rd. Park Hill, OK  74451 (918) 457-5142	Cookson Country Store and Cabins Cookson, OK (918) 457-5171
The Lodge at Strayhorn Cove (918)773-8888 or 776-7700 www.circlerproperties.com	Sundown Cabin Lake Tenkiller (918) 605-5099 www.sundowncabin.com	Fin and Feather Resort Gore -  Lake Tenkiller (918) 487-5145 www.finandfeatherresort.com	Five Oaks Manor at Lake Tenkiller (918) 696-7225 FiveOaksManorOK.com
Burnt Cabin Marina & Resort 34996 S. 502 Rd. Park Hill, OK  74451 (918) 457-5421 www.burntcabin.com	Tenkiller Lodge 26247 HWY 82 Park Hill, OK  74451 (918)453-9000 www.tenkillerlodge.com	Carters Landing HWY 82 S. Keys, OK (918) 487-5252	Sizemore Landing S. Indian Rd. Keys, OK (918) 487-5252
Cherokee Landing State Park HWY 82 S. Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 457-5716	The Scrappin’ Pad 13769 S. HWY 62 Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 453-8166	Arrowhead Resort 7704 HWY 10 Tahlequah, OK  74464 (800) 749-1140 arrowhead-thunderbird.com	Eagle Bluff Resort 9800 HWY 10 Tahlequah, OK  74464 (800) 657-4837 eaglebluffresort.com
War Eagle Resort 13020 N. HWY 10 Tahlequah, OK  74464 (800) 722-3834 shopoklahoma.com/wareagle	All American Floats 17170 S. HWY 10 Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-2350 tahlequah.com/tlodge	Riverside Camp 5108 HWY 10 Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-4787	Sparrow Hawk Camp 21985 N. Ben George Rd. Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-8371 Sparrowhawkcamp.com
Peyton’s Place 10298 HWY 10 Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-3847 www.peytonsplace.com	Hanging Rock Camp 7453 HWY 10 Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-3088 hangingrockcamp.net	Elephant Rock Nature Park 22049 E. Elephant Rock Rd. Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-4215 www.elephant-rock.com	Flint Creek Waterpark & Campground Kansa, OK (918) 597-2667 flintcreekpark.com
Pine Valley Resort 7686 HWY 10 Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 458-6445	Falcon Floats 16326 HWY 10 Tahlequah, OK  74464 (800) OKFLOAT www.illinoisriver.net	Herrin’s Riverside B&B 17899 S. 543 Rd. Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-1813	Diamond Head Resort 12081 HWY 10 Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-4554 www.diamondresort.us
Holiday Inn Express 701 Holiday Drive Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-7800	Best Western 3296 S. Muskogee Ave. Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 458-1818	Cherokee Inn Motel 501 W. Downing St. Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-3621	Comfort Inn 101 Reasors St. Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 431-0600
Super Inn and Suites 1101 E. Downing St. Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-2558	Oak Hill Motel and Suites 2600 S. Muskogee Ave. Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 458-1200	Oak Park Hotel 706 E. Downing St. Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-2571	Tahlequah Motor Lodge 2501 S. Muskogee Ave. Tahlequah, OK  74464 (800) 480-8705 (918) 456-2350
Mary Geasland Guest House 215 W. Morgan Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-3377	Room at the Top of the World 19001 S. 580 Rd. Tahlequah, OK  74464 (918) 456-6883	Natural Falls State Park HWY 412 W Siloam Springs, OK (918) 422-5802	Spencer Ridge Resort Kansas, OK (918) 597-2269 (877) 226-1090