Visit USA 2021 Travel Planner

2 visitusa.org.uk XXXXXXX S i x o f t h e b e s t . . . N a t i v e A m e r i c a n e x p e r i e n c e s MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO This stunning national park houses a magical secret: ancient cliff dwellings and mesa-top archaeological sites, built by the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the region between A.D. 600 and A.D. 1300. Established in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt to ‘preserve the works of man’, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site, Mesa Verde is a historical treasure trove, with 24 Native American tribes, including the Hopi and Navajo, enjoying a special relationship with the park. THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN, WASHINGTON DC With a world-class collection of over 800,000 indigenous artefacts, Washington DC’s wonderful Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian also hosts concerts, festivals and workshops. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in regional native cuisine at the Mitsitam Cafe, and browse the excellent Roanoke Museum Store with its Native American jewellery, art, textiles, crafts and toys. CROW FAIR, MONTANA The Big Sky of Montana is pierced by 1,500 tepees when, for one week each August, Crow Agency becomes home to the world’s largest modern-day Native American encampment. Held by the Apsáalooke people of the Crow Indian Reservation, this vibrant celebration of indigenous culture includes rodeos, horse races, traditional dancing and powwows. ROUTE 66, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS TO SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA Stretching 2,400 miles across the USA from east to west (or west to east, depending on where you begin), Route 66 is one of the world’s most famous highways. Over half the route crosses Indian Country, and the American Indians and Route 66 trail introduces visitors to some of the tribes living along its path, highlighting points of historical and cultural interest, along with events, restaurants and places to stay. NAVAJO NATION, ARIZONA, UTAH AND NEW MEXICO Immerse yourself in Native American culture, national monuments, historical sites and natural wonders throughout the ancient lands of the Navajo Nation. Spanning 27,000 square miles across three states, this breathtaking region offers hiking, horse riding and jeep tours, led by native Navajo, to explore canyons, craters, lakes and the iconic sandstone formations of Monument Valley. OKLAHOMA Home throughout history to 67 Native American nations, Oklahoma has a wealth of rich, cultural experiences on offer throughout the state. The heritage of the Chickasaw tribe is explored at the Chickasaw Cultural Centre in Sulphur, while the Red Earth Arts Centre hosts an annual visual and performing arts festival, which sees over 100 tribes fill the streets of Oklahoma City with dancing, music and colourful, traditional dress. Pictured Main image: Native American culture thrives in Arizona; Inset: a statue stands sentinel outside the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC