Monuments & Sites

For more than a thousand years, Native Americans inhabited much of the present-day state of Arizona. Ruins of villages and ancient structures in the northern, southern and central regions of the state attest to the ingenuity of original settlers.

The five-story Montezuma Castle, a 20-room cliff dwelling located in the Verde Valley, served as a "high-rise apartment building" for Sinagua Indians more than 600 years ago. Meanwhile, Central Arizona’s Casa Grande, also known as "Big House," is one of the largest and most mysterious prehistoric buildings ever constructed. Both sites are among the best preserved Native American structures in North America.

Contemporary Native American tribes have continued many of the traditions of their ancestors. Artisans of the Hopi Tribe still handcraft the popular Katsina carvings, which are used in tribal rituals and festivals during different times of the year. Exploring Native American Arizona can reveal many more cultural aspects of tribes both old and new to the state. See our complete list of Native American monuments and sites here: