The Wigwam Motel.

Wigwam Motel

The Wigwam Motel was built by James Morris, a pioneer in Cherokee, NC tourism. There were never any wigwams to sleep in -- unlike at other wigwam-theme hotels -- but for years the adjacent gift shop had real wigwams, staffed by real costumed Indians, for photo-ops.

All that currently remains is the Wigwam Motel neon sign, which dates to the early 1950s. According to manager Carolyn Morris (daughter of James) it's "the most photographed sign in the Smokies."

Wigwam Motel

Address:: 1431 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC
Directions:: West side of US Hwy 441/Tsali Blvd, 1.5 miles north of its intersection with US Hwy 19 in Cherokee.
Hours:: 828-497-3431 Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Admission:: Free

Nearby Offbeat Places

Tinkerbell Motel Sign, Cherokee, NC - < 1 mi.

The Cherokee Trader, Cherokee, NC - < 1 mi.

25-Foot Tall Indian - Muffler Man, Cherokee, NC - < 1 mi.

In the region:

Asheville Pinball Museum, Asheville, NC - 43 mi.

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