Highway 59 for Tour Groups

Explore the interconnected histories of Grove and Tahlequah, where the shores of Grand Lake flow into the heart of the Cherokee Nation. Discover the lasting heritage of the Cherokee people and early settlers, whose stories continue to shape the culture and spirit of this region.

GROVE

Har-Ber Village Museum

Start your day with the trip to the Har-Ber Village Museum in Grove and travel back to the rugged days of the pioneers were the spirit of adventure thrives. Experience the thrill of discovery as you roam an authentic pioneer village offering self-guided walking tours through 6 acres and nearly 100 exhibits located on the shores of Grand Lake o' the Cherokees. Displays contain antiques, collectibles and reproductions representing the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. Events include Pioneer Days and Civil War Era Days. Weather permitting, your group may enjoy lunching in the picnic area near the walking trails.

Lendonwood Gardens

Next, visit Lendonwood Gardens located just two miles down the road. This eight-acre botanical garden features shady pathways through more than a thousand types of plants. Take a self-guided tour or arrange for a guided tour. With advance notice, you can even arrange for tea to be served by Lendonwood volunteers in the Japanese pavilion.

Tahlequah

Continue your Highway 59 tour south to Tahlequah (pronounced “ta-luh-kwaa”), the tribal capital of the Cherokee Nation.

Cherokee Nation Museums

Begin your exploration of Tahlequah’s rich Native American history at one of several Cherokee Nation Museums such as the Cherokee National History Museum or the Cherokee National Prison.

Cherokee Arts Center & Spider Gallery

Make you way to the Spider Gallery, showcasing genuine Cherokee artwork. This includes traditional paintings, sculptures, textiles, pottery and other crafts created by Cherokee artists.

Hunter’s Home

Enjoy a mouth-watering lunch at one of Tahlequah's popular eateries before a tour of Hunter’s Home, the only remaining pre–Civil War plantation home in Oklahoma. This historic home offers visitors a look into life on an antebellum Cherokee plantation.

Cherokee National Holiday

Immerse yourself in Cherokee history as you experience the largest celebration of Cherokee culture and heritage, featuring powwows, traditional games, and cultural demonstrations at the Cherokee National Holiday, held annually in late summer. One of several other popular festivals is the Red Fern Festival, held in April. This annual festival celebrating the beloved novel, “Where the Red Fern Grows,” is rich with live music, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.

John Hair Cultural Center & Keetoowah Museum

After a restful night and a delicious breakfast, tour the John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum. This is a holding place for all history and cultural objects for the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. There are permanent and temporary exhibits in the museum along with a gift shop where you may purchase handmade and authentic Keetoowah art and other items.

Find authentic treasure and explore a curated collection of authentic Cherokee crafts, artwork, and souvenirs crafted by skilled artisans from the Cherokee community at the Cherokee Gift Shop. From handcrafted jewelry adorned with traditional designs to intricately woven baskets and pottery, each piece tells a story of resilience, creativity and cultural pride.