The history of the United States is characterized by a variety of cultures developed through thousands of years, by the Nations, which are the indigenous people of the United States. Visiting Heritage Sites in US will provide the travelers with a rare chance to touch the heritage and cultural aspects of the Native American tribes. These heritage sites are a treasure trove of information about the first people to inhabit America, a living museum and cultural centers, as well as sacred landscapes and ancient cliff dwellings.
Middle East travelers have to plan a cultural trip to America slightly. In case you are traveling out of the UAE, you will require getting a US visa from Dubai prior to your journey. Applying US visa in Dubai in advance is always recommended to have a nice travel experience. As soon as you have your visa prepared, you will be able to plan a trip to some of the most interesting destinations related to Native American heritage in the country.
1. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park is a Heritage Site that is one of the most famous in the US, presenting the amazing cliff dwellings that were constructed by the Ancestral Pueblo people over 700 years ago. The park has more than 600 cliff dwellings that were carved into the sandstone cliffs with the largest and most popular one being the Cliff Palace. These ancient buildings, which were once prosperous communities, offer a peek into the day to day activities, culture, and the strength of the Puebloan people. Visitors have an opportunity to take guided tours of the cliff dwellings, hike scenic trails and visit the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum. The Mesa Verde cultural landscape is a story of survival, adaptation, and community, so anyone interested in Native American history needs to visit this site.
2. Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
Taos Pueblo is listed as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark, being one of the oldest continually inhabited places in North America. The adobe structures, many of which are more than 1,000 years old, serve as a modern reminder of Puebloan culture and tradition. What is special about Taos Pueblo as compared to other Heritage Sites in the US is that it is inhabited by about 150 people who have continued to lead their traditional lives without modern conveniences such as electricity and running water. Tourists may visit the pueblo, buy the original Native American handicraft, and discover the culture of the tribe by attending its cultural programs.
3. The Cahokia Mounds, Illinois
The Cahokia Mounds is the largest pre-Columbian site north of Mexico with a population of up to 20,000 people. The site has over 80 mounds, the largest being Monks Mound which is approximately 100 feet high. Cahokia was a huge cultural, political, and trade center that illustrates the high level of the Mississippian culture during 800-1400 AD. The interpretation center on-site has displays, exhibitions, and dioramas that teach the history of Cahokia. A visit to Cahokia Mounds enables tourists to learn about the sophistication and success of ancient Native Americans cultures in the center of the US.
4. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico
Between 850 and 1250 AD, Chaco Canyon was the hub of Puebloan culture. Today, it is one of the most spectacular Heritage Sites in the US because of the monumental stone structures, ceremonial kivas and advanced astronomical orientations. The Great Houses of Chaco, including Pueblo Bonito, indicate a sophisticated knowledge of architecture, engineering and astronomy. Visitors can take hikes through the canyon and take part in ranger-guided tours and night sky programs that emphasize the relationship ancient people had with the stars.
5. Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona
Canyon de Chelly is one of the longest inhabited landscapes in North America, having been occupied continuously since about 5,000 years ago. It is the home of spectacular cliff dwellings created by the Ancestral Puebloans, and occupied by the Navajo people. The canyon is a sacred site to the Navajo Nation and today there are still families that live and farm in the region. Visitors are allowed to explore the canyon by ranger guided tours, hiking or by a guided jeep tour with a Navajo guide who narrates about Navajo culture, history and their relation with the land.
6. Wounded Knee, South Dakota
Wounded Knee is a historic place of utmost importance to Native Americans. It is the location of the 1890 massacre when hundreds of Lakota Sioux were killed by the US cavalry, which became a sad page in American history. Nowadays, Wounded Knee is a memorial that would commemorate the lives of the people who died there and remind about the hardships that Native American tribes had to go through during the period of displacement and wars. Although it is not as striking to the eye as other Heritage Sites in the US, it is important due to the narrative it presents and the lessons it teaches about resilience, injustice and survival.
7. The National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C.
The museum is situated in the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and the museum is devoted to the life, history, and culture of Native Americans in the Americas. It contains thousands of artifacts, exhibits and interactive displays that focus on ancient traditions and modern Native life. The site is among the best places to start when a traveler wants to have a general knowledge of the Native American heritage before proceeding to visit particular tribal land and monuments in the US. It integrates the spheres of education, art and cultural preservation.
8. Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Although Mount Rushmore is a legendary American monument, the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial is one of the most important Heritage Sites in the US about Native Americans. It is a monument under construction in honor of the great Lakota leader Crazy Horse, who fought to defend his people and his land against US expansion. Crazy Horse Memorial has also a Native American cultural center, museum and educational facilities to preserve tribal traditions and teach people about Indigenous heritage.
9. Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah Border
The sandstone buttes at Monument Valley have become a symbol of the American West. To the Navajo people, however, this land is very culturally and spiritually important. The valley is included in the Navajo Tribal Park and can be visited by guided tours conducted by Navajo guides that offer cultural stories and history. It is not only a natural beauty but also a cultural adventure that gives its visitors an opportunity to explore the land through the eyes of its first inhabitants.
Preparing to Go
International travelers wishing to tour these amazing Heritage Sites in the US need to have their paperwork in place. In the case of UAE, the first step is to have a US visa in Dubai. The procedure is not complicated, but one is advised to apply US visa in Dubai as early as possible before traveling.
At most of these sites, travelers can book guided tours, cultural programs as well as education experiences. To ensure your trip is smooth and pleasant, it would be prudent to seek advice of travel professionals such as Go Kite Travel, who can help in your travel plans to the US.
Conclusion
Travelling to Heritage Sites in the US is not only a travel experience but it is a journey to the heart of the Native American culture, history, and spirituality. These places are the remains of ancient cliff dwellings in Colorado and New Mexico, as well as sacred landscapes in Arizona and South Dakota, and they preserve traditions of the first people in America and teach visitors about their legacy.
In case you are travelling to the US through Dubai, getting your US visa in Dubai is a mandatory step in your travel process. It is important to apply for US visa from Dubai ahead of time, so you can have time enjoying the cultural and historical richness of these heritage destinations. Your cultural trip in the US will be momentous and significant with help of reliable travel agents such as Go Kite Travel.
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