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Native American Pueblos

The ancient traditions, customs, religion and arts of the earliest settlers of New Mexico are still observed today as well as practiced by their ancestors. The talents of the tribal people are exhibited by their pottery, jewelry, leather and silver crafts, food, clothing and more. Attending certain events such as ceremonial dances and feast days will bring you closer to an understanding of their proud heritage. Many have vacation resorts, with fine dining, casinos and spas.

Also check out the Forts, State and National Monuments page (a different page on this Web site) to find out where to visit the ruins of ancient cultures that no longer exist. Most are being restored or stabilized and include visitor centers, museums, historical programs and self-guided walking tours. There are rangers at all the monuments and many of the forts to answer your questions.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center - Historical information about the pueblos of New Mexico, including: pueblo etiquette, calendar listings for ceremonial dances and other events, directions to all the pueblos, gift shop, art gallery and ceremonial events on-site all year long. A good place to start your tour of exploring Native American life. 2401 12th Street NW (1 block N of I-40), Albuquerque, NM (505) 843-7270 or 1-800-766-4405 outside of NM.

Native American Ceremonial Dances

Click on a link below to view the schedules for ceremonial dances throughout the pueblos in New Mexico.

Pueblos of New Mexico - Scroll list for pueblo for tourism information

  • Acoma Pueblo - called "Sky City". Built on top of a 357 foot mesa hundreds of years ago for defense against raiders. The Acoma people are known for their delicately decorated black-on-white pottery. Permission needed for cameras and tours. Museum, visitor center, hotel, gift shops, casino. Located 12 miles East of Grants, NM (888) 759-2489 or (505) 552-6604
    • Museum
    • Acoma pottery
    • Pueblo Pottery Gallery
    • Pictures of Acoma Pottery
    • Sky City Casino Hotel

 

  • Cochiti Pueblo - Home of the 1st "Storyteller" figurine, Cochiti-made ceremonial drums, church dated 1628, Cochiti Lake, camping, Cochiti 18-hole golf course. Note: photos, sketching and recording prohibited. Located 45 miles north of Albuquerque and west of I-25 in Cochiti, NM (505) 465-2244.
    • Cochiti Lake - located on the Rio Grande, has a visitor center with information about area history & culture. Lake has boating, camping & picnic facilities. Observe pueblo regulations. Central New Mexico, between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, off Interstate 25 on NM 16. (505) 465-0307

 

  • Isleta Pueblo - One of the largest southwestern pueblos, St. Augustine Catholic Church dated 1612, casino, 27-hole Isleta Eagle Gold Course, fishing, picnicking, RV camping. Many feast days open to the public. Located 15 miles south of Albuquerque off I-25. (505) 869-3111
    • Isleta Pueblo
    • Isleta Casino & Resort
    • Catholic Encyclopedia - An article about the Isleta Pueblo
    • About St. Augustine Church
    • Pictures of St. Augustine Church and others

 

  • Jémez Pueblo - The pueblo itself is closed to the public except during feast days. However, Walatowa, the main village, is open to the public and offers gift shop, photo displays, and nature walks. Nearby Jemez Red Rocks Recreation Area, Jemez Springs, Jemez State Monument and the Jemez River offer Indian foods, arts, crafts and fishing! Notice: photography, sketching or recording prohibited at pueblo. For feast day calendar and other information, contact the Walatowa Visitor Center at (505) 834-7235 or click below. Located 30 miles northwest of Bernalillo via NM44. Jemez, NM
    • Walatowa Visitor and Information Center
    • Jemez State Monument - See the stone ruins of Giusewa, ancient Towa settlement stand on the banks of the Rio Grande near present-day Jemez Pueblo. The beautiful setting is shared with San Jose de los Jemez, a 17th century Spanish mission church. Located 43 miles north of Bernalillo on NM Highway 4 in the town of Jemez Springs. (505) 829-3530
    • "Catholic Encyclopedia" article
    • Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway
    • Pictures of Jemez Pottery

 

  • Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation - Near the Colorado border, the people here were Nomadic wanderers until the Europeans came. This group of people actually spread out from here to Kansas until the 1720s when they settled into the Sangre de Cristos. Lots to do here: casino, hunting , fishing, camping cross-country skiing. Museums, beadwork, baskets, paintings. Mid September feast days: Go-Jii-Ya and the Stone Lake Fiesta. In July - Little Beaver Roundup. Located 35 miles west of Chama on US 64 in Dulce, NM. (505) 759-3242

 

  • Laguna Pueblo - The largest Keresan Pueblo founded in the 1400s. Has six villages! Home of the St. Joseph of the Lake Mission Church. Feast of St. Joseph held on September 19. Note: photography, sketching and taping are forbidden without a permit. Fishing, shops and polychrome pottery. Located 46 miles west of Albuquerque off I-40. Laguna, NM (505) 552-6654
    • Pueblo Pottery Gallery
    • Visit nearby Grants, NM

 

  • Mescalero Apache Reservation - Inn of the Mountain Gods resort and casino, Ski Apache, golf, fishing, tennis, horseback riding, hunting, camping and guide services. Nearby Alamogordo, White Sands, Cloudcroft and Ruidoso. July boasts ceremonial dances, Apache Maidens' Puberty Rites, Pow wow and rodeo. Note: NO cameras are allowed. The tribal capital, Mescalero, has a museum and shopping. Located northeast of Alamogordo, off US 70. Mescalero, NM (505) 671-4494
    • Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
    • Ski Apache
    • Otero County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors bureau
    • Nearby - Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce
    • Nearby - Ruidoso Home page
    • Fishing around nearby Ruidoso

 

  • Nambé Pueblo - Famous for Nambé pottery and silver, this pueblo is located at the foothills of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Nearby Nambé Falls Recreation Area offers swimming, fishing, a double-drop waterfall and camping. Many artist studios. July 4th celebrates with the Nambé Falls ceremonial dances and arts and crafts fair. October celebrates St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Santa Fe. Note: Photography, sketching and recording by fee only. Located 22 miles northeast of Santa Fe off NM 503 (505) 455-2036

 

  • Navajo Nation - The largest reservation in the U.S., its members range up in the 200,000s! It has 16 fishing lakes, camping, hiking, hunting (with a permit). Monthly "Navajo Rug Auction" in Crownpoint, NM, sells beautiful Navajo crafts, silversmith projects, woven rugs and wall hangings. Nearby Shiprock holds the annual Navajo Fair and a Yei-Be-Chai Healing Ceremony in October. Note: no recording or photos are allowed at the ceremony. Navajo Museum, Hubbell Trading Post National Monument. The Navajo Nation is located in northwest New Mexico and includes cities such as: Farmington, Crownpoint, Shiprock, Alamo, Cañoncito, Ramah and Window Rock. For more information call (505) 871-6352
    • Navajo Museum - Window Rock, AZ
    • Hubbell Trading Post National Monument - Chamber, AZ
    • Other Navajo Nation Attractions
    • Navajo Agricultural Products Industries - 100,000-acre irrigated farm project of the Navajo tribe. Six miles south of Farmington on NM 371 (505) 327-5251

 

  • Picuris Pueblo - One of the smallest Tiwa pueblos, you can take a self-guided tour to some very interesting structures that were excavated recently. The San Lorenzo de Picuris Catholic Church was remodeled in the 1700s! Permits available to take pictures. Trout fishing, Pueblo Museum, gifts, weaving, pottery, beading all available by local artists. Located 65 miles north of Santa Fe in Peñasco, NM. (505) 587-2519
    • New Mexico Magazine site

 

  • Pojoaque Pueblo - The information center at this pueblo has the largest Indian arts and crafts shop in northern New Mexico! The people here survived war and disease, evicted squatters and today has a successful financial operation featuring a casino, hotel, restaurants and shopping. Special feast day on December 12 honors Our Lady of Guadalupe. Traditional Indian dances are presented on weekends. The Poeh Center and Museum features Pueblo art and other exhibits. Located 16 miles north of Santa Fe off US 84/285. (505) 455-2278
    • The Poeh Center
    • The Cities of Gold Casino
    • Towa Golf Resort

 

  • Sandia Pueblo - Boasting a 24 hour casino and a huge Indian market center, Sandia Pueblo is easy to get to from Albuquerque, NM. Founded in the 1300s, this pueblo had many sad historical days in their past. The Sandia people still practice traditional ceremonies and dress, but keep up with the modern times. Traditional Sandia crafts include: Willow and yucca basket weaving, pottery - both red utility and traditional, belt weaving, embroidery, silver, turquoise, coral jewelry and Heishi bead work. Attractions are the Bien Mur Indian Market Center, Sandia Casino, Sandia Lakes Recreation Area, fishing, picnic tables and walking trails along the Rio Grande bosque. Located north of Albuquerque, I-25 exit 235. in Bernalillo, NM (505) 867-3317
    • Sandia Pueblo
    • Bien Mur Indian Market Center
    • "Past and Future Meet in San Juan Pueblo Solar Project" article about projects at the pueblo
    • Sandia Casino

 

  • San Felipe Pueblo - With one of the least altered churches still standing today, San Felipe holds their ceremonial dance and festivals in the highest tradition. Founded in the early 1700s, this community welcomes tourists to celebrate the Green Corn Dance on May 1. An annual Arts & Crafts Show is held every July and Casino Hollywood offers gambling and fun. Community Center is open for more information. Please no photos, sketching or recording devises. Located in San Felipe, NM (505) 867-3381
    • Casino Hollywood

 

  • San Ildefonso Pueblo - One of the most popular pueblos, this Tewa village is the hub of the Pueblo arts revival! Home of that fine black on black pottery developed by Maria and Julian Martinez. The pueblo is full of talented artisans who open their home studios to the public. January 23 is the Animal Dance feast day. Attractions include the Maria Poveka Martinez Museum, the San Ildefonso Pueblo Museum, visitor center, gift shop, fishing and picnic areas. You may buy a permit for non-commercial photography, sketching and recording except during feast days. Located 23 miles north of Santa Fe, NM (505) 455-3549
    • Pottery by John Gonzales
    • Pictures of San Ildefonso Pottery
    • The Pottery of Maria Martinez

 

  • San Juan Pueblo - Known for it's numerous ceremonies throughout the year, the San Juan Pueblo is home of the well-known art center, the Oke Owinge Arts and Crafts Co-Operative. Here you can watch artists demonstrate and create their jewelry, redware pottery, weaving and other forms of art. History also prevails as this pueblo was the first Spanish capital city in New Mexico! Come shop, fish in three year-round trout lakes, gamble at the casino and take photos and videos (for a fee). Stay in their hotel or RV park. Located 5 miles north of Española, NM (505) 852-4400
    • OhKay Casino

 

  • Santa Ana Pueblo - Mixing the old with the new, the Santa Ana Pueblo is unique in it's association with the general public. The original, or "old pueblo", is not open to the public except on it's special feast days. But the "new" Santa Ana village offers tourist a playland of fun including: a 27-hole golf course, native food markets, arts & craftss, native plants, trees & native New Mexican plants for sale, restaurants, the new new resort "Hyatt RegencyTamaya" resort and hotel and the Santa Ana Star Casino. At the "old pueblo" photos, drawings and recordings are not allowed. Check the feast days calendars to find out the dates you can visit the "old pueblo". The rest is open year round to the public. Located near Albuquerque, NM (505) 887-3301
    • Santa Ana Pueblo - Tribal enterprises and general information
    • Santa Ana Golf Course
    • Santa Ana Star Casino
    • Santa Ana Agricultural Enterprises - home of Tamaya Blue Corn products, gifts, and Native American foods
    • Santa Ana Garden Center - Native American trees and plants and Native New Mexican plants
    • Ta-Ma-Ya Cooperative Association - arts and crafts for sale (505) 867-6483
    • Santa Ana Blue Corn Festival - Held in September

 

  • Santa Clara Pueblo - Camping, hiking and fishing are just some of the activities you can do here with a permit. The Santa Clara Canyon, with its crisp and clear mountain lakes, cool, green forests and gorgeous New Mexico sky keeps people running to its side during the heat of hot New Mexico summers. Artists and artisans living in the pueblo are open for you to enjoy and buy their famous redware pottery, carved blackware and much more. Also see the Puye Cliff Dwellings and the "Top House" in the village ruins of the Santa Clara ancestral home positioned on a mesa top. Some guided tours of the pueblo are available. June and August have special feast days. Located just south of Española, NM (505) 753-7326
    • Puye Cliff Dwellings
    • Pueblo Arts - pictures of Santa Clara Pottery

 

  • Santo Domingo - If you like pottery, silver and heishi jewelry, then you will want to visit the many roadside stands the Santo Domingo artists sell from. During Labor Day weekend join in the festivites and shop at the huge Santo Domingo Arts and Crafts Market. The August 4 feast day honors the patron saint of this pueblo, St. Dominic. Visit the cultural center and small museum to learn more about this traditional Keresan pueblo. Located between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, Santo Domingo, NM (505) 465-2214
    • New Mexico Magazine Site
    • Pueblo Pottery

 

  • Taos Pueblo - Probably one of the most photographed and painted pueblos of New Mexico, the Taos Pueblo, with its multi-tiered homes, is open to the public mostly year round. The living area is private and closed to the public, but tourists can browse around the plaza and visit shops and eat native food. The Taos artists are famous for their beautiful and functional leatherwork. The San Geronimo feast day is the largest event. There is a fee for entering the pueblo and taking or sketching pictures. Alcohol is prohibited. NO pictures or recordings are allowed during feast days. "Pueblo Etiquette" is very important to know. Located in Taos, NM (505) 758-1028
    • Taos Pueblo
    • Taos Webb - a visitors guide to the areas ski resorts, museums, art and jewelry shops

 

  • Tesuque Pueblo - Located near the fascinating sandstone formation - Camel Rock - the Tesuque Pueblo is one of New Mexico's smallest and least populated pueblos. However, its people are strong traditionalists, celebrating their annual feast days and preserving their culture. The Tesuque people make and sell some of the prettiest traditional clothing, silverwork, pottery, paintings and sculptures. Tourists can gamble at nearby Camel Rock Casino, shop in the Indian Arts and Crafts Shop or camp in the year round RV park. There are a few days a year when the pueblo is closed to the public. Please call for information. Located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain, just north of Santa Fe, NM (505) 983-2667
    • Camel Rock Casino
    • A beautiful picture of Camel Rock
    • Tesuque on of the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos

 

  • Zia Pueblo - You probably have seen a "zia symbol" in your travels or studies of the desert Southwest. Well this pueblo is the birthplace of that ancient sun symbol, also seen on the state flag of New Mexico. Surrounded by the beautiful Nacimiento Mountains and the Jemez and Pajarito plateaus, the tourist can come to hike & explore, fish for trout, bass and catfish in Zia Lake, visit the Zia Cultural Center and buy pottery with geometric designs. The artists from the Zia Pueblo are known for these designs on their pottery as well as the use of plant and animal shapes on white backgrounds. You can also find paintings, sculptures, weavings and much more. Fishing and exploring is by permit only. The feast day honoring Our Lady of the Assumption is August 15. No picture taking, sketching or recording permitted. Located 18 miles northwest of Bernalillo, NM (505) 867-3304
    • Pictures of Zia pottery
    • Zia.com site

 

  • Zuni Pueblo - There is a lot to do and see at the Zuni Pueblo. Needlepoint, inlay jewelry, silver and turquoise jewelry, bead work, necklaces, belts, kachinas and fetishes are all part of the gorgeous artwork you will find here at the most populated of New Mexico's pueblos. Come during the special feast days in December to enjoy the Kachina dances, Shalako. Other feast days and dances are held in June, August and during the McKinley County Fair. Visit the mission, Our Lady of Guadalupe, with its beautiful murals painted on the walls. See the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center, the Zuni Museum Project and the Pueblo of Zuni Arts and Crafts. Hunting and fishing permits are available too! Located 34 miles south of Gallup, NM (505) 782-4481
    • Pueblo of Zuni
    • A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center
    • Pictures of Zuni Pottery
    • Zuni Fetishes


Museums that include Native American Life

  • Salmon Ruins, Museum, and Research Library - Exhibits, artifacts and records found by the excavation of the Salmon Ruins. Available for your visit to Salmon Ruins are an 11th century Chacoan great house and an original 19th century homestead; replicas of a sweatlodge, hogans, tipis, and a pithouse for you to investigate; a museum exhibiting artifacts from the decade-long excavations of Salmon Ruins; a research library specializing in the archaeology and history of the American Southwest; and a unique gift shop offering a variety of books, Navajo weavings, quality silver jewelry, pottery, craft and kids items, and archaeological reference materials. Bloomfield, NM (505) 632-2013
  • Museum of Indian Arts & Culture - Displays, demonstrations, and workshops. Santa Fe, NM (505) 827-6344
  • Maxwell Museum of Anthropology - Albuquerque, NM (505) 277-5963
  • Los Alamos Historical Museum - Research archives open to the public by appointment. Guided tours by appointment. Prehistoric Indian ruins plus a relocated & restored Hispanic homesteaders cabin! Located at 1921 Juniper Street in Los Alamos, NM (505) 662-4493
  • Indian Pueblo Cultural Center - Historical information about the pueblos of New Mexico, including: pueblo etiquette, calendar listings for ceremonial dances and other events, directions to all the pueblos, gift shop, art gallery and ceremonial events on-site all year long. A good place to start your tour of exploring Native American life. 2401 12th Street NW (1 block N of I-40), Albuquerque, NM (505) 843-7270 or 1-800-766-4405 outside of NM.
  • Navajo Code Talker Museum - Learn the story of the Navajos whose code talking for the U.S. Military in WWII could not be broken by the Axis powers.
    103 Historic Route 66, Gallup, NM (505) 722-2228
  • The Institute of American Indian Arts Museum - a great collection of contemporary Indian art. More than 6,000 items or works by Native Americans. 108 Cathedral Place, Santa Fe, NM (505) 983-1777, (505) 983-8900
  • School of American Research Indian Arts Research Center - 10,000 pieces of Indian baskets, jewelry, and pottery. 660 Garcia, Santa Fe, NM (505) 954-7205
  • Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian - Wheelwright Museum focuses on Southwest Indian Arts and also displays exhibits on contemporary and historic Native American art. 704 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM (505) 982-4636 or (800) 607-4636
  • Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology - displays of contemporary Indian art. Ghost Ranch Conference Center; US 84 Abiquiu, NM (505) 685-4333 x118
    visit other sites about this museum: Site 1
  • Farmington Museum - Four Corners history, San Juan Basin geology exhibits and children's museum and hands-on science center! Farmington, NM (505) 599-1174
  • Linam Ranch Museum - Indian Artifacts. Located west of the Lea County Airport on U.S. 180. Hobbs, NM (505) 393-4784
  • Thelma A.Webber Southwest Heritage Room - Prehistoric Indian artifacts. Located in Hobbs, NM (505) 392-6561.
  • Lincoln County Heritage Trust Historical Museum - exhibits on Apaches and more. Lincoln, NM (505) 653-4025
  • Red Rock Museum - Native American crafts, paintings and works on paper and prehistoric Indian artifacts. Gallup, NM (505) 863-1337

 

Related Web SitesS

  • Archeological & Cultural Trip in the Southwest - Travel Northern New Mexico to Mesa Verde to Chaco Canyon and then to the Navajo Nation Fair!
  • Cliff Dwellings in New Mexico - ancient families and communities were set up high in the sides of cliffs, away from danger, near water and facing south to use the sun's heat. Check out these Web sites to cliff dwellings around the state. Visit the cliff dwellings for an exciting step back into the past!
  • Guest Life New Mexico - calendar of Native American Events
  • The New Mexico Cultural Treasure site - an alphabetical search index of historical and cultural treasures of NM
  • The National Park Service
  • Photographs of American Indians
  • "Pueblos Indian Culture" - Guidelines to visiting a pueblo and appropriate behavior.
  • Pueblo Arts
  • New Mexico's Blue Book On-Line

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