Top 10 Destinations

Got the Travel Bug, even though most Americans are holding back on vacation spending for 2009? Even for folks who've survived the financial battle, just the exchange rate on the US dollar and expensive airline tickets are reasons enough to stay at home. Travel magazines, such as Conde Naste and National Geographic Traveler, estimate that 88% of overseas travelers choose exotic destinations just for the indigenous culture experience. Taking part in an adventure to discover ruins of lost civilizations, colorful arts and craft objects and abundant photo ops.

What if I was to tell you that right here, in good old USA, you can experience all this culture and more no more than a days drive from your home? Tourism is becoming a major development for tribal nations throughout Indian Country. Many reservations already have magnificent resorts. Some include a 5-star hotel, casino and golf course at old fashion rates. You can choose to stay at 5 star resorts. Or for the traveler out to discover a quieter path, many tribal communities offer unique cozy accomodations. These are generally in closer approximity to historic landmarks and National Parks. Nationally registered Indian artists sell one-of-a-kind artwork, pottery, beadwork and baskets. At least one not-to-be-missed cultural event is sponsored by each tribe once a year.

There are hundreds of awe-inspiring Indian Country destinations. 

Here are just 10 of my favorite "must see" locations that are spread across the US.

NAVAJO LAND

 

Navajoland: Utah/Arizona/New Mexico. Monument Valley and Canyon de'Chelly. Cultural event Window Rock, AZ. Experience: Tours, weavers, silver/turquoise jewelry, Navajo tacos, hogan dwellings.  

MAKAH PENINSULA

Washington State. Olympia State Park. Culture Event Neah Bay, WA. Experience: salmon bakes, traditional dancing, canoe races, museum, sport fishing

SEMINOLE GLADES

Seminole: Florida. Everglades National Park. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation not to be missed. Experience: Swamp airboat tours, wild animal safari tours, museum, living history village, artist demonstrations, known for their colorful patchwork, alligator wrestling (really!).

CHEROKEE TRAIL

Cherokee: Oklahoma. Capital city is Tahlequah, OK. Experience: Cultural center, living history village, arts & crafts, Trail of Tears, stickball game, trace your Indian heritage.

HUPA COAST:

Northern California. Main town Hoopa CA. Experience: Cultural village, casino, museums, traditional grass baskets, scenics, salmon bake,

CROW AGENCY: 

Montana. Little Big Horn Battlefield (aka Custer's Last Stand). Experience: Museum, geometric beadwork, painted hides, wild horses, wild historical re-enactment, horse races, rodeo, casino.

MANDAN HIDATSA ARIKARA:

North Dakota/South Dakota. Capital city Fort Berthold. Experience: boat tours, golf, earth lodge village, casino, buffalo herd tour, buffalo burgers, horse races,

POWHATAN VILLAGE:

Virginia. Jamestown Colony. Experience: Pocahontas fame, museum, gift shop, living history village,  Thanksgiving. Reservation located in King County has museum and local crafts.

WAMPANOAG WAMPUM: 

Massachussettes. Cape Cod, Plymouth Rock National Monument. Experience: first Thanksgiving feast, living history museum, English colony village, Mayflower ship tour, Plymouth historic tours, lobster, cranberry bogs, wax museum. Reservation located in Mashpee MA. Tribal artists specialize in pottery and wampum jewelry made from white and purple quahog clam shells.

SHAWNEE REMNANTS:

 Ohio/Kentucky. There is no longer a per-say tribal community here as unfortunately these 2 states do not recognize the remaining descendants. However, these 2 states are abundant with remnants of lost civilizations and many historic landmarks. Experience: