Native American Museums Everyone Should Visit

Someday, I WILL visit the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC. I've traveled to DC five times, but I haven't been there since the museum opened in 2004. The museum looks spectacular and I can’t wait to go. In the meantime, I wanted to share the rest of my favorite must-visit Native American museums. 

First Americans Museum 

First Americans Museum opened in Oklahoma City in 2021 to share the collective histories of the 39 First American Nations in Oklahoma. It is beautifully designed and does an outstanding job of presenting the cultural diversity and the contributions of each of the 39 Nations. Technology helps tell the stories in a seamless way. Don't miss the outdoor exhibit about the Mound Builder cultures and definitely allow time to eat Native cuisine in the restaurant. 

Heard Museum

The Heard Museum has been a must-visit spot in Phoenix, Arizona since it was established in 1929. The museum is dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art. It tells stories of the indigenous people from a first-person perspective through traditional and contemporary artwork. The museum includes a library and amphitheater. 

Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum

The mission of the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum is to tell the stories of the American Indian children who were educated there, many by force. Located in Carson City, Nevada, the school was operated by the federal government from 1890-1980. Hearing about the experiences of some of the thousands of students who attended Stewart Indian School is powerful and eye-opening. In addition to sharing the history of Stewart, the museum also displays contemporary Native art and hosts public programming and educational activities. 

Chickasaw Cultural Center

The Chickasaw Cultural Center opened in 2010 to preserve, protect, and share Chickasaw culture, traditions, and history. The campus is enormous and stunningly beautiful, boasting a world-class exhibit center, an amphitheater, a traditional village, a library, art galleries, a cafe, and much more. There is so much to see and do as you immerse yourself in the rich Chickasaw culture. 

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center celebrates the culture of the 19 Pueblo communities through exhibits, a library, a teaching kitchen and restaurant, and community events. This award-winning Center opened in 1976 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is a wonderful place to visit and learn (and eat!). Not only is it a gathering place, but it also provides economic opportunities to Pueblo communities. 

Indian Museum of North America

The Indian Museum of North America is located at Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota. It houses art and artifacts from over 300 Native Nations and is committed to telling the stories of their diverse cultures and histories. There are daily programs, including music and dance performances. An Artists in Residence program highlights contemporary Native artists. There is so much to see and do here, all in an incredible setting.