Indigenous America Travel Guide

The land we live on has been inhabited for millennia by native peoples as diverse as the land itself. There are 573 federally recognized tribes in the U.S. as well as a number of state recognized tribes and Native Hawaiian tribes – all with their own unique stories to tell. A visit to Tribal lands offers authentic experiences and a chance to learn the history of the land and its inhabitants from those who live it, who grew up with it, and who learned it from the generations that came before them.

KODIAK BROWN BEAR CENTER & LODGE - ALASKA

Kodiak has one of the largest concentration of brown bears in the world and is KBBC offers unique bear viewing opportunities, amazing fly-fishing, and the opportunity to get away from everything within the 112,000 acres owned by the Alaska Native Regional Corporation representing the Alutiiq people, who have inhabited Kodiak Island for over 7,000 years.

CHOCTAW CASINO & RESORTS - OKLAHOMA

Owned and operated by the Choctaw Nation, one of the largest tribes in the United States, the Choctaw Casino and Resorts in Durant, Oklahoma, is among the most striking resorts in the Great Plains. The award-winning property, located about a 90-minute drive north of Dallas, includes more than 1,000 luxurious rooms and suites, 20 restaurants and bars, and a full-service tranquil spa. The Vegas vibes continue outside at the water park, outfitted with a kid-friendly pool, water slides, multiple splash pads, and an adults-only pool that has a tropical cabana–themed swim-up bar. Other fun amenities include a 20-lane bowling alley, a six-screen movie theater, and over 60 arcade games. Throughout the hotel are more than 6,000 pieces of art; visitors can view 58 of them on the Choctaw Art Walk. Self-guided tours are available by simply scanning a QR code, which delivers information about the artwork and 31 local Choctaw creatives. There are also several other Choctaw Resorts located across the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma.

To learn more about the 14,000-year history of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, visit the Choctaw Cultural Center, also in Durant. Each immersive exhibit is told from the Choctaw perspective, through pictures, artwork, and artifacts. There is also a living village and a children’s activity center.

LAKOTA TIPI STAYS - SOUTH DAKOTA

A Lakota youth-led social enterprise, invites visitors to experience the homelands of the Sicangu Lakota people and connect to Grandmother Earth on the prairies of South Dakota. Guests can experience Lakota culture in the heart of the Rosebud Reservation and enjoy Lakota activities during their Tipi Stay. Cultural and recreational activities deepen cultural understanding of the Lakota people, their traditions, and the beautiful lands they call home.

TOP OF THE WORLD HOTEL - ALASKA

Located in the northernmost town in the United States, Utqiaġvik (formerly known as Barrow), the Top of the World Hotel overlooks the tundra and Alaskan wilderness. The Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, an organization representing roughly 13,000 Iñupiat Alaska Native shareholders, owns this remote property. Each of the hotel’s 70 rooms offers panoramic views of the Arctic Ocean; their decor is inspired by the hotel’s surroundings, with Alaska Native art and photographs of the local wilderness. It’s the perfect base from which to explore the nearby Birnirk National Historic Landmark (one of Alaska’s oldest continuously occupied villages, also located in Utqiaġvik), tour the surrounding borough of North Slope, or even see polar bears.

For an authentic Arctic experience, book the hotel’s North Slope Tour, during which a local guide will take you to the Iñupiat Heritage Center and the ancient remains of Iñupiat sod huts. If you’re feeling brave, sign up for the Polar Bear Plunge to take a dip in the frigid Chukchi Sea.

HAWAIIAN OUTRIGGER EXPERIENCE - HAWAII

Relive Hawaiian history and walk in the footsteps of the Ali'I as you paddle a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe. Learn about the illegal occupation of Hawaii and overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1893 and Polynesian voyagers that sailed using celestial navigation. Participate in traditional Hawaiian chants as you take in the most breathtaking views along the south coast of Maui, and swim with the turtles.

INTERCONTINENTAL SAINT PAUL RIVERFRONT - MINNESOTA

Owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and situated atop the bluffs of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul, InterContinental St. Paul offers unrivaled access to the best of the Twin Cities. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has inhabited this land for generations, preserving their rich cultural heritage. Visitors have an opportunity to explore the history and traditions of the Ojibwe and witness their deep connection to the land.

THE HACIENDA AT HOTEL SANTA FE - NEW MEXICO

Owned by the Picuris Pueblo Tribe, the stunning Taos-style hotel (think pueblo construction, exposed wood beams, lots of terra cotta elements, and rich earth tones) is also decorated with a multi-million-dollar collection of Native American art, including paintings and pottery. The hotel’s restaurant, Amaya, specializes in modern, seasonal takes on Native American food.

AKWESASNE TRAVEL & TOURS - NEW YORK

Experience the “Mohawk Spirit” from the ancient art of basket making to the proud traditions of lacrosse and music, immersive tours offer a rare opportunity to experience Mohawk and Indigenous culture. Local hosts, known for their deep knowledge and expertise, share a modern perspective about life in Akwesasne today. Situated on the international border, the Akwesasne community spans through Upstate New York, Ontario and Quebec, Canada.

SALISH LODGE AND SPA - WASHINGTON

Only a 30-minute drive from Seattle and owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe, the resort thoughtfully integrates natural elements throughout its 86 luxe guest rooms - all have gas fireplaces, spa-like showers or oversized soaking tubs, and many have views of the Snoqualmie River and the historic hydroelectric power plant. The Spa specializes in Northwest-inspired treatments featuring herbs from their garden and honey from their on-site apiary.

INDIGENOUS EATS - WASHINGTON

An Indigenous-woman, family-run restaurant featuring freshly made frybread topped with bison, beef, chicken, vegetables... or huckleberry sauce for dessert!

APSAALOOKE GLAMPING - MONTANA

Luxury tipi rentals located on the banks of the Big Horn River, steps away from one of the best flyfishing spots in Montana, every site has an authentic Crow tipi that is set up by the owner's family members who are all enrolled members of the Crow Tribe, also known as the Apsaalooke Nation.

TALKING CEDAR - WASHINGTON

An exciting Pacific Northwest destination brewery, distillery, restaurant, tap room and tasting room. It is the first tribally-owned distillery in the U.S. and the first distillery allowed in Indian country since 1834. The Chehalis Tribe successfully lobbied Congress in 2018 to repeal the ban on distilleries in Indian country.

THE U.S. GRANT HOTEL - CALIFORNIA

Built by Ulysses S. Grant Jr. (son of the former president) in the early 1900s, this historic hotel was bought by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in 2003. Located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter neighborhood, the hotel features Beaux Art–style architecture, art deco design accents, ornate and oversize chandeliers, and sumptuously outfitted guest rooms that feel as if they were plucked out of The Great Gatsby.

SUN TOURS - MONTANA

Explore the rich history of Glacier National Park’s indigenous Blackfeet people. Tours focus on history and culture of this landscape the Natives call the “Backbone of the World." Blackfeet guides take guests on half-day and full-day tours of the park’s important cultural and spiritual sites, explaining how local plants and animals intersect with Blackfeet hunting traditions and preparation of medicinal teas.

BUFFALO TIGERS TOURS - FLORIDA

The Miccosukee Tribe has called the Everglades home for hundreds of years and are well adapted to the area’s unique ecology, using their expert fishing and trapping skills for trade and sustenance. You can learn about the tribes’ unique traditions and rich histories with Miccosukee family-owned and operated airboat tours through thousands of acres of lush Florida everglades, teeming with wildlife.

THE FOX TOWER AT FOXWOODS - CONNECTICUT

Add a touch of luxury to your Northeast vacation with a stay at the Fox Tower at Foxwoods, which has 825 rooms and 137 suites. Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, this upscale hotel is situated on the edge of a dense forest and has a bevy of on-site amenities. They include a casino, a fitness area, several restaurants, a theater, spa, bowling alley, arcade, ice rink, and an outdoor pool and cabana area. Great Wolf Lodge will be opening on site on June 15, 2025. Foxwoods also has a golf course, several trails that crisscross through the idyllic Connecticut woods, and a nearly mile-long zipline that takes guests at 60 miles per hour from the top floor of the hotel all the way to Long Island Sound.

To learn more about the tribe’s history, visit the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Museum. Its 85,000 square feet feature interactive exhibitions including life-size dioramas, films, a realistic 16th-century Pequot village, and traditional crafts made by Native artists.

GRAND CANYON WEST - ARIZONA

GCW gives more than 1 million annual visitors the chance to explore one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders by land, sky and water -- and the chance to experience Hualapai culture and excellent food in culturally and environmentally sensitive surroundings. Eagle Point is home of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a one-of-a-kind structure, allowing guests to walk 4,000 above the floor of the Canyon.

RED EARTH FESTIVAL - OKLAHOMA

The Red Earth American Indian Cultural Festival began in 1987 to showcase Native American dance and art. Since that time, Oklahoma City has transformed each June into the center of Native American culture in America. The award-winning festival features American Indian artists and dancers from throughout the country who celebrate the richness and diversity of their heritage with the world.

MONUMENT VALLEY TOURS - UTAH

The most famous mesas, buttes, and spires of Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii stand within the boundaries of a Navajo National Park. 17 miles of dirt roads loop around the valley’s most admired landmarks, but to go off road and admire the colossal rocks up close, take a safari into the restricted areas of the Valley where local guides share their knowledge of Navajo culture. There are also day and overnight hikes, rafting, horseback riding, and backpacking tours.

There are thousands of ways to experience and support indigenous communities across the globe. In the U.S. visit Nativeamerica.Travel or fill out the Plan A Trip Form to incorporate Indigenous experiences into your future travel plans.