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Indian Village of Ahwahnee: A Living History

Discover the culture and traditions of Yosemite's native Ahwahneechee people at this reconstructed Miwok village.

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Step back in time at the Indian Village of Ahwahnee, a reconstructed Miwok village in Yosemite Valley that depicts life in the 1870s. Explore traditional bark houses, acorn granaries, and a ceremonial roundhouse, gaining insight into the culture and lives of the Ahwahneechee people.

A brief summary to Indian Village of Ahwahnee

  • 9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Village, California, 95389, US
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Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
  • Check the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center for information on cultural events or demonstrations happening during your visit.
  • Take the free Yosemite Valley shuttle to the Yosemite Museum and Visitor Center to easily access the village.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, follow the signs towards the Yosemite Museum. The Indian Village of Ahwahnee is located directly behind the museum. The walk is short and easy, approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the free Yosemite Valley shuttle to the Yosemite Museum/Visitor Center stop (Stop #5). The Indian Village of Ahwahnee is located a short walk behind the museum. The Yosemite Valley shuttle is free and operates frequently throughout the day. Buses arrive every 12 to 22 minutes.

  • Driving

    If driving, park in the Yosemite Village parking area and walk to the Yosemite Museum and Visitor Center. The Indian Village is located directly behind the museum. Parking in Yosemite Valley can be challenging, especially during peak season. Arrive early to find parking. A vehicle reservation may be required to enter Yosemite National Park during peak season (May 24-26, June 15-August 15, August 30-September 1) if entering between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.. The reservation costs $2. The standard entrance fee for a private vehicle is $35, valid for seven days.

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Discover more about Indian Village of Ahwahnee

The Indian Village of Ahwahnee offers a glimpse into the lives of Yosemite Valley's original inhabitants, the Ahwahneechee, a band of the Southern Miwok people. This reconstructed village, located behind the Yosemite Museum and Visitor Center, stands on the site of what was once the largest Miwok village in the valley. The original village was disbanded in the 1930s. Today, the reconstructed village serves as a cultural and educational center, actively used by the local American Indian community for ceremonies and gatherings. Visitors can explore various structures representative of a Sierra Nevada Miwok village from the late 19th century. These include bark houses used for shelter, acorn granaries for food storage, a sweathouse for purification rituals, and a ceremonial roundhouse, the center of the village's religious and social life. Signs along the path provide information about the structures and the native plants used by the Ahwahneechee for survival. The Ahwahneechee people have inhabited the Yosemite area for thousands of years. The name 'Ahwahnee' means 'gaping mouth-like place', referring to the shape of Yosemite Valley. The California Gold Rush in 1849 dramatically impacted the Miwok way of life, as thousands were killed or forced off their land. The Indian Village of Ahwahnee stands as a testament to their enduring legacy and provides an opportunity to learn about their rich cultural heritage.

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