Gallup New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gallup, New Mexico.
1. The Gallup Cultural Center
HERITAGE AND HISTORY
The Gallup Cultural Center serves as a hub for local art, history, and cultural exhibitions celebrating the rich heritage of the region. Visitors can explore specialty museums that showcase Native American crafts and the unique multicultural history of Gallup. The center frequently hosts educational programs and community events that connect tourists with authentic local traditions.
2. Bill Malone Trading Company
AUTHENTIC NATIVE CRAFTS
Bill Malone Trading Company is a highly-rated antique shop specializing in authentic Native American arts and crafts. The trading post offers visitors a chance to purchase quality Navajo rugs, jewelry, pottery, and other traditional items directly from local artisans. With a 4.7 rating, this establishment is considered one of the must-visit shopping destinations in Gallup for those seeking genuine southwestern treasures.
3. Navajo Code Talker Museum
HONORING NATIVE HEROES
The Navajo Code Talker Museum pays tribute to the Native American marines who developed an unbreakable code based on the Navajo language during World War II. This specialty museum preserves the legacy of these brave individuals through historical exhibits, photographs, and artifacts related to their crucial role in American military history. Visitors gain insight into how the Navajo Code Talkers contributed to Allied victory while learning about an important chapter in Native American service to the country.
4. Gallup Flea Market
CULTURAL TRADING HUB
The Gallup Flea Market is a vibrant outdoor marketplace where locals and visitors alike can browse an eclectic mix of Native American crafts, jewelry, food, and everyday items. This colorful gathering spot provides an authentic glimpse into the trading traditions that have defined commerce in this region for generations. The market creates a unique opportunity to interact with local vendors while hunting for one-of-a-kind souvenirs and handcrafted goods.
5. Red Rock Park
DRAMATIC DESERT LANDSCAPES
Red Rock Park features stunning sandstone formations that create a dramatic natural backdrop for outdoor recreation near Gallup. The park hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including the famous Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial which celebrates Native American culture through traditional dance, art, and music. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, camping facilities, and breathtaking vistas that showcase the natural beauty of the high desert landscape.
6. El Rancho Hotel
HISTORIC MOVIE STAR HAVEN
El Rancho Hotel stands as a historic landmark on Route 66, once known as the temporary home to numerous Hollywood stars filming Westerns in the area during the golden age of cinema. The hotel's grand lobby features an impressive collection of signed photographs from famous guests and authentic southwestern decor that transports visitors back in time. Both the hotel restaurant and accommodations offer guests a chance to experience the charm and nostalgia of this iconic establishment that has been welcoming travelers since 1937.
7. Perry Null Trading Company
AUTHENTIC NATIVE JEWELRY
Perry Null Trading Company is a highly-regarded establishment specializing in authentic Native American jewelry, arts, and crafts. The store offers a wide selection of handcrafted items including silver jewelry, pottery, rugs, and ceremonial pieces created by local artisans. With its excellent reputation and 4.6 rating, this trading post provides visitors with a trustworthy source for genuine southwestern treasures and cultural artifacts.
8. Fox Run Golf Course
DESERT GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Fox Run Golf Course offers golf enthusiasts a challenging and scenic playing experience set against the dramatic landscapes of the high desert. The course features well-maintained fairways and greens with panoramic views of the surrounding mesas and mountains that define the region. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a round while taking in the natural beauty that makes this course a unique destination for both locals and tourists.
9. Church Rock
ICONIC NATURAL FORMATION
Church Rock is a majestic sandstone formation that stands as one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Gallup area. This striking geological feature rises dramatically from the desert floor, creating an impressive silhouette against the sky that has inspired photographers and artists for generations. Visitors can hike around the base of the formation to appreciate its scale and the intricate erosion patterns that give it its distinctive character.
10. High Desert Trail System
ADVENTURE ON TWO WHEELS
The High Desert Trail System encompasses over 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking paths that wind through the stunning terrain surrounding Gallup. These well-maintained trails offer experiences for all skill levels, from beginner routes to technical challenges that attract outdoor enthusiasts from across the region. Riders and hikers can enjoy panoramic views, interesting geological formations, and the quiet solitude of the New Mexican wilderness while exploring this extensive network of recreational paths.
11. Gallup Summer Indian Dances & Art Market
LIVING CULTURAL TRADITIONS
The Gallup Summer Indian Dances & Art Market showcases authentic traditional performances from various New Mexican tribal communities in a celebration of living Native American culture. Visitors can experience firsthand the intricate dances accompanied by traditional drum, rattle, and flute music while learning about the cultural significance behind these ancient practices. The accompanying art market offers a chance to purchase handcrafted items directly from Native artisans, creating a complete immersion into the indigenous heritage of the region.
12. Zuni Pueblo
ANCIENT LIVING COMMUNITY
Zuni Pueblo is one of the most historically and culturally significant Native American communities in the Southwest, located a short drive from Gallup. The pueblo is renowned for its distinctive art traditions, particularly intricate silver jewelry featuring characteristic petit point and needlepoint designs, as well as fetish carvings and pottery. Visitors can explore this ancient settlement while learning about the Zuni people's rich cultural heritage that has been preserved for centuries in this sacred place.
13. Chaco Culture National Historical Park
ANCIENT PUEBLO CIVILIZATION
Chaco Culture National Historical Park preserves the impressive remains of an advanced pre-Columbian civilization that thrived in the region between 850 and 1250 CE. The park contains several massive great houses including Pueblo Bonito, which once stood up to four stories tall and contained over 600 rooms, demonstrating the remarkable architectural and engineering skills of the ancestral Puebloan people. Visitors can explore these ancient structures while learning about the sophisticated astronomical alignments, road systems, and cultural developments that made Chaco a major ceremonial and trade center of its time.
14. Richardson's Trading Post
HISTORIC TRADING TRADITION
Richardson's Trading Post stands as one of Gallup's most historic establishments, continuing a trading tradition that has defined commerce in the region for generations. The store is famous for its impressive collection of authentic Native American art, jewelry, rugs, and artifacts, including rare and valuable pieces kept in their notable vault. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of a genuine trading post while browsing treasures that represent the artistic heritage of the Navajo, Zuni, and other indigenous communities of the Southwest.
15. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
LIVING PUEBLO HERITAGE
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in nearby Albuquerque serves as a gateway to understanding the 19 Pueblo communities of New Mexico through exhibits, art, and cultural programs. The center features traditional Native dances, demonstrations, and educational displays that bring to life thousands of years of Puebloan history and contemporary culture. Visitors can also enjoy authentic indigenous cuisine at the center's restaurant while exploring the museum shop filled with genuine Native American arts and crafts.