American Indian Culture

Human experience, occupation and industry in what is now Arizona can be traced back at least 12,000 years. Anthropologists have identified several groups of these earliest occupants including the Ancestral Puebloans, Hohokam, Mogollon and Salado people. At museums and Indian ruin sites throughout the state, visitors may see structures built by these people and artifacts made by them.

American Indian tribes continue to contribute greatly to the spiritual, cultural and economic life of Arizona – and experiencing their diversity and heritage is a great addition to your vacation. Learn more about the tribes and attractions in Arizona:

Enhance your Visit to Tribal Lands

While most Arizona reservations and tribal communities welcome visitors to experience their culture, tourism opportunities vary greatly among the tribes. Some, like the Navajo Nation and the White Mountain Apache Tribe, support a wide range of tourism experiences. Others limit tourism to inviting visitors to patronize their casinos.

Before you go, remember the following:

• Each reservation operates under its own government and its own rules for visitors.
• Sacred areas and graveyards are restricted areas and are not open to the public.
• Alcohol is not tolerated except in designated areas such as casinos.

We also recommend reviewing our Travel Tips page for other helpful information.

For More Information

Information on purchasing authentic arts and crafts is available from the Indian Arts and Craft Board and the Indian Arts and Crafts Association.

Information about trails and arts and crafts in Northern Arizona is available on the Northern Arizona Native American Culture Trail website.

PDF of Arizona's American Indian Lands map