Things to do

The hub of leadership for the Navajo Nation government, there are 24 council delegates representing 110 Navajo communities, known as Navajo Nation Chapters. The delegates discuss issues and enact legislation to determine the future on the Navajo people. While council is in session, visitors will hear the delegates carry on the tradition of speaking Navajo, providing an example of how the Navajo Nation remains is valuable cultural heritage while forging ahead with modern progress.

The Museum is a contemporary 54,000 sq. ft. building which also houses the Navajo Nation Library and conference/meeting facilities. It holds an extensive collection of archival material—including 40,000 photographs—that documents the culture and history of the Navajo people, as well as art, ethnographic and archeological material, including documents, recordings, film and videos. This material is available for on-site study and is used by many researchers and authors.With an active exhibition program, the Museum highlights the work of Navajo artisans in various media, including weaving in its ever-changing exhibits. Another important aspect of the Museum focuses on their cultural education program. This important program provides in-house and in-school programs for teaching Navajo culture to K-12 youth on the reservation.

The only tribal zoo in America, the Navajo Nation Botanical and Zoological Park is a sanctuary for nature and the spirit. Animals reside in natural habitats, surrounded by native vegetation and scenery. Most of the animals are indigenous to the Navajo Nation and part of the zoo’s dedication to exhibit animals and plants important in Navajo history and culture. There are about 30 species of wild animals, including cats and birds of prey, reptiles, coyotes, bear and many more. Many animals are received as orphans—generally, wild animals are not bred at the zoo. For visitors interested in seeing the zoo’s large mammals, remember that they are most active in the morning hours.

The small park near the Navajo Nation Administration Center features the graceful red sandstone arch for which the capital is named – Window Rock. At this location, the Navajos built a Veterans’ Memorial to honor the many Navajos that served in the U.S. Military – many of whom are recognized in the annals of history for their role as Code Talkers in WWII. Code Talkers used their language to create a code that was never broken by the enemy, and historians credit the Navajo Code Talkers for helping to win WWII.

The squeaky wooden floor greets your entry into the oldest operating trading post on the Navajo Nation. When your eyes adjust to the dim light in the “bullpen” you find you’ve just entered a mercantile. Hubbell’s has been serving Ganado selling groceries, grain, hardware, horse tack, coffee and Native American Art since 1878. Discover Hubbell Trading Post NHS, where history is made every day.