Apache Culture Center: Preserving the White Mountain Apache Heritage

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Discover the rich heritage of the White Mountain Apache Tribe through captivating exhibits and cultural demonstrations at the Apache Culture Center.

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Apache Culture Center

The Apache Culture Center, also known as Nohwike' Bágowa or 'House of Our Footprints,' is located within Fort Apache Historic Park and is dedicated to celebrating and perpetuating the heritage of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. Through exhibits, artifacts, and cultural demonstrations, visitors can gain insights into the tribe's history, traditions, and connection to the land.

A brief summary to Apache Culture Center

Scout Rd, Fort Apache, Arizona, 85926, US
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Local tips

Check the center's schedule for Apache arts demonstrations and special events to enhance your visit.
Explore the Fort Apache Historic Park, including the Kinishba Ruins, to gain a broader understanding of the region's history.
Visit General Crook's Cabin, the oldest structure at Fort Apache, to glimpse into the lives of Army officers and their families.

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Getting There

Driving

The Apache Culture Center is located within the Fort Apache Historic Park, approximately 4 miles south of Whiteriver, Arizona. From Whiteriver, head east on AZ-73. The park entrance will be on your right. Follow the signs to the Apache Culture Center. Parking is available near the museum. There are no fees for parking.
Walking

Once inside Fort Apache Historic Park, the Apache Culture Center is easily accessible by foot. From the park entrance, follow the main road towards the western end of the park. The center is located near the parade ground. Walking within the park is free.

Discover more about Apache Culture Center

Located in the Fort Apache Historic Park, the Apache Culture Center, or Nohwike' Bágowa ('House of Our Footprints' in Apache), serves as a repository and celebration of White Mountain Apache history and culture. The center is housed in a modern building designed to reflect a 'gowa,' a traditional Apache home.The center's exhibits showcase Apache heritage from the tribe's creation stories to their present-day lives. Visitors can experience a multimedia presentation of the Apache Creation Story inside a traditionally constructed 'gowa'. Rare Apache artifacts, including items on loan from other museums, are displayed alongside historic photographs and interactive exhibits that highlight the lives of the Apache people.In addition to the exhibits, the Apache Culture Center hosts regularly scheduled Apache arts demonstrations and other special events. The museum also houses the Tribe's growing archival collection, including manuscripts, publications, and a large collection of historic photographs. Visitors can also explore the nearby Kinishba Ruins, an ancient Puebloan site that highlights the Apache people's deep ties to the region.