Where to Learn about Native American Culture and Heritage

The State of Nebraska is rich with Native American history. From exploring local museums to attending powwows at area reservations, discover the stories and culture of the state’s Native American tribes. 

Visitor Etiquette to Keep In Mind

Nebraska’s native tribes welcome guests to visit their reservations, cultural centers and events. When visiting reservations and attending ceremonies, guest should maintain a respectful decorum. Please remember the following rules of etiquette when visiting these sites: 

  • Ask for permission before taking photos and videos. 
  • Show respect when visiting offering and burial sites. These sites are considered sacred and items should not be disturbed. 
  • Items found on reservations should not be taken as souvenirs, as it is against federal law to remove artifacts found on Native American reservations.  

Reservations 

Museums, Galleries and Attractions

Susan LaFlesche Picotte Museum | Rick Neibel / Nebraska Tourism
Susan LaFlesche Picotte Museum | Rick Neibel / Nebraska Tourism
  • The Archway – From Native Americans to frontier pioneers, The Archway explores the history of the Great Platte River Road and the travelers and explorers who followed this route across the U.S.
  • Fort Robinson History Center – Explore the storied history of this outpost, including its role in guarding the Red Cloud Agency. 
  • Genoa Indian School Interpretive Center - Learn about the education and trades studied at the state’s only federal boarding school for Native Americans.
  • Inner Maker Art Village – Shop a variety of jewelry and art crafted by registered tribal members at Inner Maker Art Village. The shop also features a collection of books on Native American history. All purchases support the American Indian Art Center.
  • Knight Museum and Sandhills Center – The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center explores the region’s history, including Native American life and culture.
  • Museum of the Fur Trade – Discover the history of the North American Fur Trade, and browse over 6,000 artifacts, including clothing, weapons, textiles, paints and dyes that were traded with the region’s Native American tribes.  
  • Petrified Wood Gallery – Along with petrified wood from around the world, discover a collection of Native American artifacts. 
  • Ponca Tribal Museum – Peruse tribal artifacts from beadwork to musical instruments at Ponca Tribal Museum.
  • Ponca Educational Trail and Earthlodge – Walk the Ponca Education Trail to hear stories of the Ponca Tribe and learn about its culture.
  • Spirit in the Wind – Spend the night in a tepee and learn about the culture and lifestyle of American Indian Tribes of the Great Plains at Spirit in the Wind. 
  • Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer – Explore the 200-acre campus of the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer to see a collection of Native American artifacts and Old West memorabilia. 
  • Susan LaFlesche Picotte Center – Visit the Susan LaFlesche Picotte Center, which was once a hospital established to serve two local tribes, to learn about the first American Indian woman physician in the United States.  
  • Trail of Tears Historical Marker – Learn the tragic history behind the Trail of Tears and how the Ponca Tribe was forced from their homeland. 

Events

Omaha Powwow | Krause, Johansen / Nebraska Tourism
Omaha Powwow | Krause, Johansen / Nebraska Tourism
  • Santee Powwow – This Santee cultural celebration is held during the third weekend in June annually.
  • Omaha Powwow – Omaha’s tribal celebration is annually held in Macy in August. Year-round, visit the Omaha mural (near Jct US Hwy 75 & NE Hwy 94) celebrating the contribution of the tribe’s women. 
  • Winnebago Powwow –The last full weekend in July, head to the Winnebago Reservation for the tribe’s annual Homecoming Powwow and Celebration. Year-round, visit the pasture of the tribe’s buffalo herd, also located in Winnebago. 
  • Ponca Powwow – The Ponca tribe holds its powwow celebration each August in Niobrara.
  • Fur Trade Days - A historic celebration of buckskinners, traders and Native Americans. Five days packed with events pay tribute to the town’s key role in the fur trade.