Tahlequah, Oklahoma

One of the most historically significant cities west of the Mississippi River, Tahlequah was the end of the \"Trail of Tears\" for the eastern Cherokees. Since 1841, Tahlequah has been the capital of the Cherokee Nation and has been strengthened by its historic origin.

Located in the rolling Cookson Hills between the scenic Illinois River and beautiful Lake Tenkiller, the Tahlequah area is a sportsman\'s paradise and a mecca for outdoor recreation. Year-round activities range from rodeos to dogwood tours, from Broadway shows to pow wows, from fall foliage tours to community theatre, from festivals to fishing tournaments.

Summer months bring visitors from around the world to float the river, tour the living Tsa-La-Gi ancient village, stroll through outdoor arts and crafts shows, sing along with the River City Players at the NSU Playhouse, and swing to the sounds of jazz at the NSU Jazz Lab.

Tahlequah is the home of Northeastern State University, an innovative, progressive institution which has emerged as the fastest growing university in Oklahoma.

Since 1987, the Tahlequah area has been ranked the 4th best all-round retirement location in the United States based on studies of climate, health care facilities, and reasonable cost of living.

Various stories are told about the origin of the name Tahlequah. The most plausible one is that it comes from the old Cherokee town Ta-lik-wa in Tennessee. A more colorful version is that after the newly-arrived Cherokees and the Western Cherokees united into one nation, they decided that several of them would meet on a certain day at a certain time to select a site, and a name for the capital of the new government. Heavy rain fell the day before the meeting and flooded the rivers. Only two Cherokees managed to get to the site. They waited most of the day for others to arrive. One asked the other what they should do. The reply was Tah-le-ya-quah.\" \"Tah-le\" is the Cherokee word for \"two\", and \"ya-quah\" the word for \"enough\" or \"plenty,\" meaning that two were enough to locate and name the capital.

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Attractions near Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Beaver River Wildlife Management Area

The Beaver River Wildlife Management Area is located just west of Beaver. This area covers 16,000 acres and provides nature t...

Robber's Cave SP Rock Climbing

There are many ideal rock climbing/rappelling areas at Robber's Cave State Park along with hiking, backpacking, and horseback...

Outdoor Murals

"Welcome To Antlers" is represented on this building mural as you enter town from the west on Highway 3. - Artist, Lawrence, ...

Historic Church

SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church ...

First Lady's Collection

Doll factory....

Art On Broadway Gallery

...

McGee Creek Fishing

McGee Creek Lake is a favorite destination for fishermen. It is well-stocked with all varieties of catfish, crappie, McGee Cr...

Outdoor Murals

This cowhand perception can be admired on the building north of Delaware Street on 6th. The artist is D.J. Mane, 1993. Ano...

Dave Sasser Memorial Museum

Pioneer life in the Cimarron Valley....

Freedom Trail Playground

Equipped for disabled and able-bodied children; western frontier theme....

Tahlequah Map

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Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Attractions near Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Beaver River Wildlife Management Area

Robber's Cave SP Rock Climbing

Outdoor Murals

Historic Church

First Lady's Collection

Art On Broadway Gallery

McGee Creek Fishing

Outdoor Murals

Dave Sasser Memorial Museum

Freedom Trail Playground

Upcoming Events near Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Bristow's Annual Western Heritage Days Rodeo

Cherokee Heritage Center Arts and Crafts Show

Collinsville RUC Annual Rodeo

Dusk Til Dawn Blues Festival

Cherokee National Holiday

Annual Eufaula Indian Community Pow-wow

Roy LeBlanc Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo

Christmas Parade

Christmas Parade

Quilt Fest Bartlesville

Tahlequah Map

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