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State Indian Museum: A Window into California's Native American Heritage

Discover California's Native American heritage through captivating exhibits and cultural artifacts at the State Indian Museum in Sacramento.

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The State Indian Museum in Sacramento offers a unique glimpse into the diverse cultures and histories of California's Indigenous peoples. Established in 1940, the museum showcases artifacts, crafts, and exhibits that tell the stories of over 150 tribal groups who inhabited the region for thousands of years.

A brief summary to State Indian Museum

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a Sunday for free parking, as metered parking is enforced on other days.
  • Check the museum's website for information on events, demonstrations, and potential closures.
  • Explore the museum store for authentic Native-made jewelry, crafts, and books.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Sutter's Fort State Historic Park to understand the historical context.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, walk west along L Street towards 26th Street. Turn right onto K Street, and the State Indian Museum will be on your right, adjacent to Sutter's Fort.

  • Public Transport

    From Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) stations in downtown Sacramento, such as Archives Plaza Station, take any bus that stops along K Street near 26th Street. Several bus lines serve this route. A single ride fare is $2.50.

  • Driving

    From I-80, take Business 80/Highway 50 east. Take the Business 80 exit (north towards Reno) to the N Street exit. Travel straight on 30th Street, then turn left under the freeway at L Street and travel on L Street to 26th Street. Metered street parking is available on 26th and K Streets. Parking costs approximately $1.50 per hour, with free parking on Sundays.

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Discover more about State Indian Museum

Located in Midtown Sacramento, adjacent to Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, the State Indian Museum provides an immersive experience into the lives and traditions of California's Native American tribes. The museum's exhibits depict three major themes: Nature, Spirit, and Family, illustrating how Native peoples prospered for millennia in California. Visitors can explore a vast collection of cultural items, including traditional baskets (some of the smallest in the world), a redwood dugout canoe, ceremonial regalia, beadwork, and hunting and fishing tools, some dating back over 2,400 years. A dedicated exhibit portrays the life of Ishi, considered the last survivor of the Yahi tribe, highlighting the profound impact of outside cultures on Native communities. The museum also features photographs donated by Native people, honoring California Elders and showcasing family histories. Interactive displays offer hands-on experiences with traditional tools like the pump drill and mortar and pestle. The museum's location next to Sutter's Fort serves as a reminder of the complex history between Native Americans and early settlers, particularly the forced labor used to construct the fort. While the State Indian Museum offers valuable insights, plans are underway for a larger California Indian Heritage Center to further honor and celebrate the state's Indigenous cultures.

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