Cherokee National Prison Museum

02/25/2026

🚨 Spring Break is coming! 🚨

Looking for a fun, free, family-friendly activity? Take part in our Cherokee History Scavenger Hunt! Look for clues and hunt down answers at our national museums across northeastern Oklahoma from Tuesday, March 17 to Saturday, March 21.

Each location has new challenges to take on together, with historical questions and clues that point the way. Start your hunt at any of our six national museums, then turn in your answers at the Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah. Those who complete the activity will earn their place as a Cherokee History Hunter! 🏆

View all participating locations and download the scavenger hunt sheet here: https://visitcherokeenation.com/event/cherokee-history-scavenger-hunt/

02/25/2026

Get creative with family and friends this Spring Break!

Join us for Spring Break Make & Takes on Thursday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seven of our attractions across the Cherokee Nation will offer free, hands-on crafts rooted in Cherokee cultural knowledge and creativity.

Each location will feature a different activity designed to engage visitors of all ages. Staff will be on site to assist participants and guide each activity. Guests are encouraged to visit one location or travel between sites to experience multiple activities throughout the day.

Make and take activities by location include:
Cherokee National History Museum – Mini Gourd Necklace
Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum – Mini Bo**er Masks
John Ross Museum – Corn Husk Flowers
Cherokee National Prison Museum – Cornbead Bracelets
Sequoyah's Cabin Museum – Twined Bracelets
Saline Courthouse Museum – Baskets
Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center – Clay Bead Bracelets

All materials and museum admission are provided free of charge.

01/27/2026

Due to inclement weather, we will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27. ❄️

01/23/2026

Due to inclement weather, we will be closing early today, January 23, at 12:00 p.m. and will remain closed through Saturday, January 24. Stay safe and warm! ❄️

12/23/2025

The Cherokee National Prison Museum will be closed tomorrow, December 24, and Thursday, December 25, for Christmas Eve and Christmas. We will return to normal operating hours on Friday, December 26.

12/15/2025

We will be closed tomorrow, December 16, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for staff development.

11/26/2025

Our museum will be closing early today, November 26 at 2 p.m. and will be closed all-day tomorrow, November 27 for Thanksgiving. We will return to our normal operating hours on Friday, November 28.

11/18/2025

10/13/2025

Today, on , we honor the past, present and future of Native people. We are proud to recognize the Cherokees who continue to work tirelessly to preserve and promote our culture and traditions here with .

Our dedicated staff lead cultural tours, give lectures, host exciting events, connect people to their Cherokee roots and engage visitors at our museums and attractions. Talented Cherokee artists showcase their work in our art shows and events throughout the year. All play a role in sharing the authentic Cherokee story, and we are thankful for their many efforts.

09/26/2025

“Ned Christie: The Man from Wauhillau,” looks at the life of Ned Christie, labeled a notorious “Indian outlaw” beyond Cherokee Nation’s borders long after he was accused of the murder of a deputy U.S. Marshal in 1887.

This exhibit offers a nuanced exploration into the complex history of Cherokee law and order and Christie’s life. Explore the history for yourself at the Cherokee National Prison Museum in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, from now until November 1.

Learn more at: visitcherokeenation.com/event/the-man-from-wauhillau/

08/25/2025

We will be open and free to visitors throughout the Holiday weekend, Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31.

07/03/2025

Due to the holiday, our museum will be closed on Friday, July 4. Our museum will resume regular operating hours on Saturday, July 5.