Native American Heritage Sites (National Park Service)

Many National Park Sites in the United States commemorate the contribution of the Native American culture(s). The term ‘Native American’ includes all cultural groups that predate the arrival of either western European explorers/settlers or east coast explorers and settlers. In this sense, Native Alaskans of both arctic and sub-arctic cultures are included with the American Indians of the continental United States. Native Hawaiians are included as the traditional cultures of the islands.

Many sites were created specifically to preserve the remains of cultures that no longer exist, such as Mesa Verde National Park or Russell Cave National Monument. Some tell the story of a vibrant culture that continues to contribute to the American culture, as with Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Yet others commemorate American Indian cultures that contributed to the development of an area, as Cape Cod National Seashore, or were a part of greater events in American history, such as Pea Ridge National Military Park. The largest number preserve the historical contributions of the Native Cultures throughout time; included in these are Devils Tower National Monument, Pipestone National Monument, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.