At the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in northeast Oklahoma lies Tahlequah, a small town whose past and present are intertwined with the Cherokee tribe. The city today is home to about 16,000 people. It became the capital of the Cherokee Nation in 1838, and many of the tribe’s historic buildings are now museums. The Cherokee Nation is also one of the town’s biggest employers through its healthcare, tourism and other ventures. Tahlequah is also the capital of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians.
Tahlequah’s scenic beauty, local university and active business community keep this small town thriving. “It works pretty well here because most of our tourists tend to come in the summer,” says Alex McBride with the Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce. “So you get college students fall through spring, and then when they leave you get a lot of tourists that come into town.”
The sign for Northeastern State University proudly stands in Tahlequah, representing the city’s vibrant education.
A statue at the Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah stands as a powerful symbol of the Cherokee Nation.
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Floating down the Illinois River and hiking through the Ozarks
Options for outdoor activities are plentiful in Tahlequah. Locals and tourists alike enjoy floating down the Illinois River, just 10 minutes from town. Lake Tenkiller, 20 miles to the south, and Fort Gibson Lake, 20 miles to the west, are popular destinations for boating and fishing. The J.T. Nickels Preserve is a good place for a short hike through the Ozarks and offers a chance to spot deer and elk. “Most people when they picture Oklahoma, they picture flat, they picture ugly,” McBride says. “But we actually have beautiful rolling hills, we have clear lakes and rivers, we have really good fall foliage.”
The city also maintains a handful of parks, including the Anthis-Brennan Family Sports Complex, which has playgrounds, pickleball courts and soccer and baseball fields. The Tahlequatics Center, which features a pool and waterslide, is also located at the sports complex. Other facilities include a toddler playground, splash pad and skate park.
An aerial view of the Illinois River in Tahlequah reveals its winding course through lush landscapes.
An aerial view of homes in Tahlequah showcases a picturesque spread of residences, nestled among the scenic landscape.
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Low median prices and B-rated schools
Tahlequah’s median home price is $180,000, less than half the national median of about $400,000 and lower than the $242,000 median in Tulsa. Available properties include older ranch-style homes, split-level houses, duplexes and newer construction homes.
Tahlequah Public Schools serves the area. It has a B+ on Niche. Tahlequah is also home to Northeastern State University’s main campus. The university offers about 60 undergraduate programs, including a degree in Cherokee Cultural Studies, which includes Cherokee language proficiency.
A new construction home in Tahlequah stands as a modern and promising addition to the community.
An older ranch home in Tahlequah exudes timeless charm, with its classic design and rustic character.
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Shopping and dining along the state’s oldest “main street”
Tahlequah boasts Oklahoma’s oldest “main street” along Muskogee Avenue. It is lined with mom-and-pop shops, including clothing boutiques and an assortment of eateries, from a Cajun restaurant to a local pizzeria to a tea bar. The town also has the big-city amenities of superstores and chain restaurants, as well as a robust healthcare system.
Tahlequah is served by two hospitals, the Northeastern Health System, a 98-bed facility that includes a cancer center, and the Cherokee Nation’s W.W. Hastings Hospital. The tribe is currently building a new replacement hospital and partnered with Oklahoma State University to establish the country’s first tribally affiliated medical school in 2020.
The Muskogee Avenue street sign in Tahlequah marks a prominent and bustling area.
The interior of a restaurant in Tahlequah offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with carefully curated décor in many of the restaurants.
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Coon hunting at the Red Fern Festival and Cherokee heritage celebrations
Many annual events are held in Tahlequah, including the Red Fern Festival, which happens in late April. The festival is named for Wilson Rawle’s “Where the Red Fern Grows,” which was set in the area. It includes a coon hunting “Fun Hunt,” and draws about 30,000 people to enjoy arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, inflatables and a petting zoo.
The Cherokee National Holiday takes place over Labor Day weekend and draws more than 100,000 people from all over the world. It is a celebration of Cherokee heritage and includes traditional tribal games like stickball and marbles, powwow dances and music.
The casino in Tahlequah offers an exciting and lively atmosphere, featuring a variety of gaming options.
The interior of the museum in Tahlequah is filled with visitors exploring exhibits, creating a lively atmosphere.
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Weather and crime in Tahlequah
Tahlequah has a moderate flood risk. Like the rest of the state, it has hot summers and cool winters. Tornadoes can form in the spring.
According to data from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, violent and property crimes doubled in Tahlequah from 2023 to 2024. But the number of property crimes is significantly lower than it was in 2019.
Tahlequah is encircled by state highways 51 and 82 and U.S. Highway 62. The nearest airport is Tulsa International about 70 miles northwest.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
