City of Cherokee, Oklahoma
Visit Cherokee, the County Seat of Alfalfa County
Welcome to Cherokee, the county seat of Alfalfa County, Oklahoma. Cherokee is a close-knit community filled with welcoming locals, year-round community events and lots of things to do for all ages. At right around 1,500 people, it's also the largest town in Alfalfa County! It's tiny, yes, but that's part of Cherokee's biggest charms. Dotted with local businesses that have everything you need for a day at Great Salt Plains and restaurants with home-cooked lunches and dinners, Cherokee offers a rural atmosphere that makes for unforgettable getaways. Find things to do, places to shop and where to stay in Cherokee, Oklahoma.
Things to Do in Cherokee
Where to Shop
Restaurants - Food & Drink
Places to Stay
Services
What's that Sound?
Town-Wide Tornado & Fire Warnings
Don't panic if an emergency warning sounds as you're passing through town or staying overnight in Cherokee. Instead, stop, and listen closely. The city of Cherokee's unique way of sounding town-wide sirens in times of emergencies can be an exciting event to witness, but it also can be intimidating for visitors not in the know of what's going on.
If you hear a siren while in Cherokee, listen for these tones to know what to do:
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Siren sound: Three continuous long tones
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Emergency: Tornado
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Response: Seek shelter immediately in the basement of Cherokee Armory, corner of East 2nd Street and Kansas Avenue.
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Siren sound: Repeated tones lasting for several minutes
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Emergency: Fire
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Response: Pull over, if driving, and make way for volunteer firefighters to get to the Cherokee Fire Station.
Witness Cherokee's Sirens Minus An Emergency
If you want to see Cherokee's old-school, small-town siren system in action, stop in Cherokee for dinner or shopping on Thursday evenings. Volunteer firefighters stay in practice and up to code with weekly fire drills that meet Oklahoma regulations.
Cherokee Fire Drills
Time: 6 p.m. every Thursday
Best location: Grand Avenue parking, Downtown Cherokee
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Important: Please remember if you come to Cherokee to hear the Thursday-night sirens that drills are an important part of responding to actual emergencies. Always stay clear of volunteer firefighters during drill times.
Cherokee Public Services
Cherokee is a community that values accessibility, education, and safety. From city administration to public education and emergency response, Cherokee provides essential services that support residents and visitors alike. Whether you're visiting Cherokee City Hall for camping and RV reservations, attending activities at Cherokee Public Schools or needing emergency services while on a day trip, Cherokee is dedicated to serving its citizens and visitors with dependable care.
Getting Around Cherokee, Okla.
Getting to Cherokee, Oklahoma, is a scenic and easy drive through the heart of northwest Oklahoma. Located along U.S. Highway 64, Cherokee is about 50 miles northwest of Enid and just a short detour from major highways like U.S. 412. Whether you're coming from Oklahoma City, Wichita, or beyond, the journey takes you through rolling prairies, wheat fields, and wide-open skies — classic sights of the Great Salt Plains region. Once you arrive, you’ll find that Cherokee’s small-town charm makes it easy to explore, with everything from historic sites to local diners just minutes apart. So, buckle up, roll the windows down, and enjoy the road trip to Cherokee!