Zuni brings together Pueblo history, art, and a landscape of forests, mesas, and canyons. This gives your trip a variety of possible focuses: historic sites and art traditions, outdoor trails, or events related to the art scene.
Hawikku and Zuni’s Art History
Hawikku was the first pueblo visited by the Spanish. Its founding is believed to date to the early 13th century. Hawikuh is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center was founded in 1992. Its Hawikku exhibit, established in 2002, includes 221 objects from the Hawikku collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Artworks elsewhere also form part of Zuni’s cultural landscape: the life-size Kachina murals in the Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe were begun by Zuni artist Alex Seowtewa and completed by him and his sons in 2006.
Zuni artists use traditional techniques for silver inlay, stone carving, and pottery. Along with the murals and the Hawikku exhibit, this look at different art forms shows how to explore the destination’s cultural themes. Those interested in art can distinguish between specific works and craft traditions.
Landscape, Trails, and Park
Zuni’s landscape includes mesas, deep and extensive arroyos and canyons, as well as pinyon-juniper woodlands, ponderosa pines, and areas of sagebrush and grassland. The Zuni Community Trails start just outside the village and lead through forests and across mesas. The marked trail system covers more than 50 miles across nine different routes; the trails are suitable for walking, jogging, running, and cycling. Trail conditions can change, so check conditions before setting out.
A smaller community space offers a different setting for outdoor activities: the 2.5-acre Ho’n A:wan Park includes a walking path, a community garden, a basketball court, and artworks related to Zuni.
Art Market, ArtWalk, and Planning Your Visit
The Zuni Pueblo MainStreet Festival is an annual festival dedicated to Zuni artists and entrepreneurs. Its program includes a two-day art market each year with more than 50 artists and food vendors. The Zuni Pueblo ArtWalk takes place year-round. This means an annual festival and a year-round ArtWalk offer different cultural occasions. If you plan to attend the festival, check the specific event date in advance.
The Zuni Visitors Center provides general visitor information and guidance on visitor etiquette, as well as photo and video permits. It is also a point of contact for signing up for tours of historic Middle Village and the village of Hawikku. Check in advance whether these tours are currently offered. During individually arranged visits with available Zuni cooks, guests can get hands-on experience baking Pueblo bread and/or preparing traditional foods; these experiences require an arrangement and a cook’s availability.
A:shiwi Transit works with Gallup Express and the Navajo Transit System. The public transportation options offered serve educational, work, and recreational travel. If you plan to use public transportation during your trip, check current schedules and the specific connection as part of your planning.
Discover more destinations: Gallup, Ramah.
For the broader travel overview: Mckinley County.
