5 Places for One-of-a Kind Immersive Indigenous Experiences & Shopping

Indigenous tribes have been passing down cultural identity, traditions and knowledge through their art and crafts for centuries, leaving a legacy in hand-crafted goods and the techniques and materials that go into creating them. Visiting ancestral lands and Pueblos is an immersive and unparalleled way to learn about the cultures of these tribes and the craftsmanship integral to their past, present and future.  

Sedona, Arizona

The stunning red rock landscape of Sedona, Arizona, features ancient Indigenous cliff dwellings and rock art. At Montezuma Castle National Monument, visitors can view a well-preserved 20-room prehistoric apartment carved into limestone cliffs. An easy stroll through the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site takes visitors to the largest and best-preserved petroglyphs, ancient rock art carved into stone, in the area. Take a tour of the Palatki Heritage Site in Red Rock State Park and discover cliff dwellings in brilliant red sandstone, petroglyphs and pictographs (ancient rock paintings), all telling the stories of those who once called this place home. For a quintessential Sedona retail experience, explore Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for wares created by local artisans. The shops and galleries here offer contemporary and traditional Native American jewelry, Navajo rugs, leather goods, paintings and sculptures in a shaded, garden-like setting. You may even see a local artist at work on your next treasure.

Cameron, Arizona

Cameron, located on the Navajo Nation Reserve, is a historic trading post and a must-see for those traveling to the Grand Canyon. Cameron Trading Post, one of the few remaining historic trading posts on the Reserve, serves as a cultural hub and commerce center for the area. The gift shop and gallery offer an impressive array of goods. Browse new and vintage silver and turquoise jewelry, clothing and locally made foods as well as Native American art, crafts and housewares. Shop for antique rugs, pottery and beadwork, plus a selection of Indigenous and Western artifacts for purchase. Complete your visit with a stroll through the floral gardens, a visit to the old-fashioned market or a meal at the restaurant serving local favorites like Navajo beef stew and ever-popular Navajo tacos on fry bread. Cameron Trading Post also offers an on-site RV park and motel.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Surrounded by 19 Pueblos home to descendants of the first inhabitants of the region, Santa Fe is a hub for Indigenous art and culture. Located on the Santa Fe Plaza, the New Mexico History Museum invites you to walk the halls of the Palace of the Governors. Built in 1610, this adobe-style building is the oldest continuously occupied public building in the USA. Under the portal of the Palace, the Native American Artisans Program is a unique outdoor marketplace where buyers can shop and interact directly with Indigenous artisans. Artisans in the program must hand-make their pieces using traditional techniques and materials, as well as incorporate a maker’s mark on each piece. The Santa Fe Indian Market is an annual event held the third weekend in August in downtown Santa Fe and is the world’s largest Native art market. Browse jewelry, pottery, textiles, art and crafts from over 1,000 artists and more than 200 Tribes. 

Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

Taos Pueblo is an ancient Native American community with buildings dating from 1000 – 1450 A.D. It has been continually occupied for more than 1,000 years. It is the only inhabited Indigenous community designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. These ancient dwellings are made from adobe brick and built side by side with some up to five stories tall. Taos Pueblo offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with visitors able to buy directly from artisans in family-owned stores, in-home shops and outdoor stands. Many artisans come from families that have run their businesses for generations and enjoy educating buyers about how each piece is crafted.

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Oconomowoc’s name originates from the Potawatomi term for “where the waters meet.” The area was inhabited by the Potawatomi and Winnebago tribes who were drawn to the natural resources and water features of the land. Known as the “Heart of Lake Country” in Wisconsin, Oconomowoc is situated between Fowler Lake, Lac La Belle and Oconomowoc River. Locals and visitors can enjoy beaches, trails, horseback riding, paddleboarding and boating in and along abundant waters and shorelines. Connect with the area’s Indigenous past at Silver Eagle, the largest Native American gallery in southeast Wisconsin. Shop an impressive array of jewelry, pottery, sandpaintings, Kachina dolls and Navajo rugs.

Cherokee, North Carolina

Nestled in the ancient, rolling hills of North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee is the home and cultural center of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Oconaluftee Indian Village, open spring through fall, is a replica of an 18th Century Cherokee community and lets visitors see a glimpse into the past of Cherokee Nation. Learn about the history and culture of this tribe from knowledgeable tour guides and see demonstrations of basket, arrowhead and blowgun making. In summer, sit under a blanket of stars and enjoy the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills.” This live show has been staged since 1950 and tells the tale of the trials and triumphs of the Cherokee people. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual is the country’s oldest Native American cooperative and specializes in Cherokee wood carvings and baskets. Stop by Medicine Man Crafts for books, toys and natural herbs and Native American Craft Shop for authentic, handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, Florida

The Florida Everglades is the USA’s largest subtropical wilderness and supports a vast ecosystem, including rare species like the Florida panther and American crocodile. The area is also home to the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, where visitors can witness the Seminole’s strong connection to this land. Stroll a raised boardwalk through a cypress dome, a section of the Great Florida Birding Trail, and sample both Seminole and American cuisines at the Swamp Water Cafe. The on-reservation museum, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki, boasts over 200,000 historic objects and artworks as well as hosts events and programs. Stop by the museum store for a selection of traditionally made sweetgrass baskets, beadwork, clothing and wood carvings.