Off the Beaten Path: Remarkable Native American Sites You Need to Visit

Hidden among North America's vast, rugged landscapes lie thousands of sites with a unique story of the continent's original inhabitants: the Native Americans.

Whether towering mesas, ancient cliff dwellings, or petroglyphs etched into canyon walls, each site offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people who once called the land their own

Visiting these sites not only allows us to appreciate the beauty and ingenuity of their architecture and art but also helps us connect with the spirit of these communities and understand the challenges they face today.

You'll find unique architecture, extensive rock art, and domestic and ceremonial structures here.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

Recently, archaeologists even discovered pre-Colombian chocolate at the site, one indication of trade with people in Central America and beyond.

Visitors can tour the entire area, guided by members of the local Crow tribe, and see the site of the battle, visit a museum filled with historic and prehistoric artifacts, and reflect at the Indian Memorial.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Montana

This national monument is a chance to pause, remember, and honor those who lost their lives and to learn more about the history and culture of America's Native peoples.

Effigy Mounds is open for visitors to explore during daylight hours year-round, with the exception of Christmas and Thanksgiving and during extreme weather conditions.

Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa

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