The Pueblo, believed to have been established in the 12th century or even earlier, was chosen in part because of its defensive position against raiders. It is regarded as the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. Access to the pueblo is difficult as the faces of the mesa are sheer. Before modern times access was gained only by means of a hand-cut staircase carved into the sandstone.
There are several interpretations of origin of the name "Acoma". Some believe that the name Acoma comes from the Keresan words for the People of the White Rock, with aa'ku meaning white rock, and meh meaning people. Others believe that the word aa'ku actually comes from the word haaku meaning to prepare; a description that would accurately reflect the defensive position of the mesa's inhabitants.
Today, fewer than 50 tribal members live year-round in the earthen homes of Sky City. Those living in the community tend to the massive San Estévan del Rey Mission, completed in 1640. Both the mission and pueblo have been designated as a Registered National Historical Landmarks. Nearly 3,000 additional tribal members live in the nearby villages of Acomita, McCarty’s and Anzac.
Native Acoma guides conduct tours of Sky City. The beautiful Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum offer more insight on Acoma's living history and culture. The Haak’u Museum exhibits some of the most stunning Pueblo pottery and Southwest Indian art created by renowned Native American artists. Permanent exhibits in the main hall take visitors on a historical journey of Acoma Pueblo, while special exhibits display Indian artifacts and historical Native American pottery. In the Ts’ikinum’a Theater, visitors can experience Acoma’s history and culture through intriguing videos. Potters still craft the Pueblo’s distinctive and highly sought-after thin-walled pottery, which is available throughout the pueblo. The Yaak’a (corn) Restaurant serves native Acoman and New Mexican fare. Please call (800) 747-0181 to confirm hours and days or to make group reservations.
Make your visit to Acoma Pueblo a weekend getaway. Play at Sky City Casino, refuel and revive yourself at Huwak’a Restaurant or the Sky City Travel Center. Make your getaway complete with a stay at the Sky City Casino Hotel (888) 759-2489.
The Sky City RV Park is one of the tribes newest businesses, it opened May 1, 2007. The new state of the art RV Park is located on Interstate 40, exit 102, along side of historic Route 66. RVers are able to drive though and experience true American and native history, as Cibola County is where you will find the Acoma pueblo and the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66 in New Mexico.
The Sky City RV Park caters to the class ‘A’ RV’s; all of the 42 oversized spaces are designed for convenience for large motor homes towing other vehicles. Amenities include 100% hook-ups for electricity, water, satellite TV; waste dump stations, and a club house (within walking distance) with whirlpool spa, meeting spaces, showers, laundry facilities, convenient store, information booth and outdoor BBQ and patio with views of beautiful Mt. Taylor. Call 1-888-SKY CITY for reservations.
Acoma Pueblo of Acoma
Tribal Administration
P.O. Box 310,
Acoma Pueblo, 87034
Phone: (505) 552-6604
Phone: (888) 747-0181
info@puebloofacoma.org
acomaskycity.org
GENERAL INFORMATION
Population 2,802
Language: Keresan
Location: Northwest
Guided tours of the pueblo are available as is original white, orange and black Acoma pottery.
Entertainment
Las Vegas-style gambling is also offered at Sky City Casino, (888) 759-2489, (505) 552-6017, skycitycasino.com.
Photography Guidelines:
A still camera permit must be purchased before taking any pictures on the Acoma Pueblo Reservation during your visit. Photography is not allowed inside the San Estevan del Rey Mission and within the cemetery courtyard. For complete photography details, please contact the Sky City Visitors Center prior to your visit.
Tours, camera permits and guides are available at the Sky City Cultural acomaskycity.org
Unique Attractions:
Traditional Dances during Governors Feast Day, St. Lawrence Feast Day, St. Stephen Feast Day,
Sky City Casino & Hotel, Sky City Visitor Center & Museum
Nearby Locations:
Albuquerque, El Malpais National Monument/La Ventana Natural Arch, Grants, Laguna Pueblo, Mt. Taylor (11,301’)
Directions:
Sky City is located 60 miles (96 km.) west of Albuquerque on I-40 at Exit 102 and 12 miles (19 km.) south on Indian Route 23, Exit 108.
