When is Unto These Hills open?

Unto These Hills is open: Mon - Sat 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

What hotels are near Unto These Hills?

Hotels near Unto These Hills: (0.29 mi) Rolling Hills Lodge (0.47 mi) River's Edge Motel (0.64 mi) Super 8 by Wyndham Cherokee (0.69 mi) Econo Lodge (1.00 mi) Hampton Inn Cherokee View all hotels near Unto These Hills on Tripadvisor

What restaurants are near Unto These Hills?

Restaurants near Unto These Hills: (0.35 mi) BJ's Diner (0.80 mi) Peter's Pancakes & Waffles (0.42 mi) Mini Donut Place (0.74 mi) Front Porch Cakery & Deli (1.24 mi) Wize Guyz Grille View all restaurants near Unto These Hills on Tripadvisor

Unto These Hills (Cherokee) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

774 reviews

#1 of 2 Theater & Concerts in Cherokee

Theatre & Performances

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

The area

Address

Best nearby

Restaurants

47 within 3 miles

BJ's Diner

81

0.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food

Mini Donut Place

20

0.4 mi$ • American • Cafe • Barbecue

Peter's Pancakes & Waffles

1,328

0.8 mi$ • American • Diner • Vegetarian Friendly

Front Porch Cakery & Deli

108

0.7 mi$ • Dessert • American • Vegetarian Friendly

All Fried Up

20

0.6 miAmerican

Paul's Family Restaurant

1,668

0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Native American

Kobe Express

103

0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian

Dairy Queen

255

0.6 mi$ • Dessert • American • Fast Food

Newfound Lodge Restaurant

499

0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly

Attractions

22 within 6 miles

Oconaluftee Indian Village

1,020

0.1 miSpeciality Museums • Historic Sites

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

1,565

0.3 miSpeciality Museums

Cherokee Visitor's Center

112

0.3 miVisitor Centers

Cherokee Indian Reservation

427

0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Cherokee Veterans Park

8

0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Smoky Mountain Gold and Ruby Mine

0.4 miPublic Transportation Systems

Cherokee Heritage Museum and Gallery

164

0.9 miArt Museums

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5

774 reviews

Excellent

490

Very good

165

Average

63

Poor

32

Terrible

24

Kathryn M

1 contribution

Opening Night Magic!

May 2023 • Solo

I came to see opening night of Unto These Hills and was so happy that I did! They have made a few changes to the script and it made the story so much better. More historical accuracy and the storyline is much better. I did not know that it could get better as I have love the production in the past but this year was even better. The performers were excellent as always and the dancers were very professional. The production is well worth the relatively low price of admission. All of the staff that I interacted with were so friendly and made me feel very welcome. The only thing I would remind people of is that this show runs no matter if it rains so be prepared with a poncho, NOT AN UMBRELLA. It rained on opening night and there were many people in the audience who did not care about the ability of the people behind them to be able to see the stage and they raised large golf umbrellas which totally blocked the view of the stage. They do sell ponchos at concessions for a very low price if you don't have one. Just be considerate of those around you. This is a great show and everyone wants to have a great experience.

Written May 28, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Patrice H

9 contributions

Must See Play

Jul 2021 • Family

When I booked this show I had no idea what I was going to see. I knew very little about the Cherokee Nation experience other than what was in the history books. While I had studied the Trail of Tears, and other aspects of Native American history, clearly I just scratched the surface. I would say kind of the same thing people have done with all American history which is not European and printed in a textbook.

The play was simply outstanding, and we went in July 2021 following a year of Covid restrictions. We had great seats A level/front row. However, any seat was in a good viewing area. I would recommend you bring a jacket or a blanket because even in July it gets a bit chilly at night. We also sprayed ourselves with some insect repellent just in case.

Riveting play that has been cast every summer since 1950. Not sure about summer 2020 and Covid, but every summer! Following the play we visited Cherokee Nation the next day and visited the village and museum, and then what we saw the night prior really came together.

We had the upgraded VIP tickets, but I believe tickets start around $24 or so. We came from DC so our price point for theater was different and my husband jumped on front row seating for that is a luxury where we are. However, for a family of 4 I am told is about $110 for the evening for general seating.

Some have complained about the show in terms of historical context/characters, it took me through a range of emotions. While I didn’t cry, I can see how people do. My 11 yr old son was on the edge of his seat the entire time with the gunfire and cannons. It was a lot to keep up with, but the story and play was exceptional.

Written July 6, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

iheartTX11

38 contributions

Very well done

Jun 2022 • Couples

How is this #20 of things to do in Cherokee? It’s one of the main attractions in town. Anyways, on to the review…
I see multiple criticisms in the reviews about the dancing and music having too much ballet or other “American” influence and not enough traditional Cherokee, about not entirely historically accurate, and about the actors appearing predominantly white/black instead of Cherokee. All of these things are true, however,
1) it’s theater. They have to incorporate a few things in the dance/music/clothing for artistic production. They do have some songs/dialogue in Cherokee language.
2) it’s not a huge town. I’m betting they have attempted to draw Cherokee actors and have as many as were interested, are working with what they’ve got
3) helpful to remember that just bc they appear white doesn’t mean they aren’t Cherokee. Our tour guide at the Village today appeared white but was very much Cherokee.
None of these things were enough to detract IMO. I would recommend.

The negative things:
— seating is VERY uncomfortable. I recc bringing your own seat cushion, the one in their VIP kit is too thin. Also I’m 5’7” and my feet were dangling bc the seats are high. They provide step stools to rest your feet on which do help, so just ask the ushers for one
— no need to get reserved VIP seating. Many good seats outside of that section
— lots of stairs, so would be challenging for those with knee problems
— a lot of yelling and other loud noises for extended periods, and emotionally charged throughout, so could be unsettling for young kids or those emotionally sensitive to noise. It’s not gory at all, no stage blood. But just a lot of conflict.
— the night cools off, so I suggest a blanket or light jacket, even in summer.

Written June 12, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Thea S

Hickory, North Carolina222 contributions

A worthwhile evening that teaches in addition to entertaining you

Jun 2021 • Family

This is not a budget evening. General admission tickets for two adults and two children were $110. However, this included the preshow, consisting of excellent singers and musicians performing early American music. The play itself was riveting, and told the story of the Cherokees in the Smokies in the early 19th century. Our grandchildren, ages eight and 11, never I spoke a word during the entire play. The gun firing was a bit scary for them. Otherwise, they understood what was happening and condemned the government for its role in moving the Cherokee to the west.I had seen the play two times previously, and I think by far this was the best rendition.

Written June 18, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robert R

1 contribution

Unto these Hills.

Jun 2021 • Couples

This was an awesome outdoor show. A stage history of the Cherokee Indians. First of all, GPS could not locate this event. The event is top of Drama Rd, not next to museum.
All the folks we met there were fabulous. Very helpful.
The show goes on, rain or shine. Bring a plastic poncho, just in case. We went on Wednesday night, it was not crowded, about 1/4 capacity. Narration and native dancing was very good.

No masks required. We did VIP, the extra charge not worth the bag, water and popcorn , but went to a great cause. We met two cast members after the show, they were nice, and answered all questions we had. They had good insight on the Cherokee history also.

Written June 11, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Valerie K

Duxbury, MA6 contributions

Outstanding Drama!

Jun 2021

As adults, we thought we knew the Trail of Tears Cherokee story but our grandchildren did not. What a great dramatization it was for them (as well as us). The acting, dancing, and singing told the tale clearly and dramatically for us all. It was so well done that I was brought to tears and our grandsons reported that they felt like crying too. The design of the outdoor theater allowed for good visibility and hearing from almost anywhere. However, we chose the 10:30 am show on a sunny Saturday and the middle section was way too hot. Both sides were shaded, however, so keep that in mind when purchasing tickets. I would see it again if I had the opportunity.

Written July 4, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Allan J

Bradenton, FL24 contributions

Entertaining and Educational Show You Must See!

Jun 2021

An outstanding show with a moving and historically important story and excellent staging. This is both a very entertaining and educational experience. The outdoor theater is a lovely setting in the woods. Recommend you arrive early enough for the pre-show where singers in costume perform a great set of Appalachian mountain country and gospel music. This is must do activity if you are visiting the Grear Smokey Mountains area!

Written July 19, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

S Harley

1 contribution

Needs more Cherokee, less Hollywood and Broadway

Jun 2021 • Couples

"Unto These Hills" tells a compelling story but has two giant flaws.
1. The background music reminded me of a John Wayne movie. Music based on native flute and drum would supercharge the experience.
2. I doubt that traditional Cherokee dancers had ballet training. The incorporation of traditional dance would be a giant improvement

In spite of these flaws I recommend people attend.

Written June 12, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amy D

7 contributions

Living History!

Jul 2022

This outdoor drama was amazing! They took history and made us feel like we were living the events along with the Cherokee Native Americans. A great way to teach children and adults about the history of North Carolina. Be sure a wear a jacket or take a blanket. It gets chilly during the performance!

Written July 18, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Perri K

Nashville, TN32 contributions

Play review

Jul 2022 • Couples

We attended a Saturday night performance. All of the staff were very nice and welcoming. The pre-show meal was your basic barbecue plate. The seating is a little awkward (seat height doesn't allow your feet to touch the ground) so they offer small step stools to prop your feet on. The pre-show music was very good. Our performance was stopped twice due to lightning in the area and never resumed. An announcement was made that we could call the box office the next day between 10am and 4pm) and ask for a credit (good for 2 years) or get a refund. I called during that time and had to leave a voicemail. We opted for a refund. I got email notification that the refund was processed in a timely manner.
We didn't get to see much of the play but what we did see was a little disappointing. The dancing was good but the speaking parts were hard to hear because the sound system was so poor. This was also compounded by the fact that some of the actors were wearing masks so their voices were muffled. Sometimes all we could hear was their breathing. An announcement was made just as the show was beginning that masks were going to be worn by some of the actors due to a COVID-19 exposure within the cast.
Also would caution someone with children or people who startled easily that there was no warning of simulated gunfire.

Written July 27, 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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