Discover Zuni: Pueblo History, Art, and Landscape

Zuni brings together Pueblo history and art traditions with a varied landscape. When planning your trip, cultural sites, outdoor trails, and events can each offer a different focus.

Pueblo History and Art in Zuni

Hawikku was the first Pueblo visited by the Spanish; it is believed to have been founded in the early 13th century. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Middle Village is considered the oldest part of Zuni Pueblo—two different starting points for exploring the area’s history.

The Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe features life-size Kachina murals. Zuni artist Alex Seowtewa began them; in 2006, he completed the works together with his sons. The A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center also focuses on Hawikku: the museum was founded in 1992, and an exhibition established in 2002 includes 221 items from the Hawikku collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

Zuni art traditions include silver inlay, stone carving, and pottery. Zuni artists use techniques passed down through generations. Alongside the murals and the Hawikku exhibition, these works offer further perspectives on art and cultural heritage in Zuni.

Landscape and Trails

The Zuni landscape includes mesas, deep and extensive arroyos and canyons, as well as pinyon-juniper woodlands, ponderosa pines, and areas of sagebrush and grassland. The marked trail system extends for more than 50 miles and includes nine different routes.

The Zuni Community Trails run near the village through woodlands and over mesas. They are suitable for walking, jogging, running, and biking. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Another place for outdoor recreation and relaxation is the 2.5-acre Ho’n A:wan Park. The community grounds include a walking path, a community garden, a basketball court, and artworks related to Zuni. Its designated features therefore range from a path and garden to sports and art.

Events and Local Traditions

The Zuni Pueblo MainStreet Festival is an annual festival dedicated to Zuni artists and entrepreneurs. Every year, it includes a two-day art market with more than 50 artists and food vendors. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates in advance. The Zuni Pueblo ArtWalk takes place throughout the year.

Hands-on food experiences can also be part of a visit: with individually arranged visits and Zuni cooks available, visitors can bake Pueblo bread and/or prepare traditional foods. Baking and food preparation are possible parts of these visits; if interested, confirm the individual arrangements and the availability of a cook.

Visitor Information and Tours

The Zuni Visitors Center offers general visitor information and guidance on visitor etiquette, as well as photo and video permits. It is also a place to sign up for tours of historic Middle Village and the historic village of Hawikku. If one of these tours is important to your plans, check in advance whether it is offered on your preferred date.

Discover more destinations: Gallup, Ramah.

Return to the main travel overview: Mckinley County.