Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Small Town Vibe
Population >11,000

Gallup, NM: 5 Amazing ways to explore History, Nature and Native American Culture

Small Town Vibe

March 2024: Our spring break road trip on parts of Route 66 led us Gallup, NM (pop.21,899*) our first night. Although we generally focus on small towns under 10,000 people – given Gallup is on Route 66 and has a beautifully restored historic downtown, we decided to give it a shout out as a small-ish town with a big vibe!

Gallup is located on the edge of the Navajo reservation, and a substantial percentage of Gallup’s population is Native American, with residents from the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes. Fun Fact – not only is Gallup on U.S. Route 66, it is also on the Trails of the Ancients Byway, one of the designated New Mexico Scenic Byways. Gallup is a unique place to visit, in part because it is located at the cross-roads of Route 66 automotive Americana and Ancient Indigenous culture!

It is the county seat of McKinley County and the most populous city between Flagstaff and Albuquerque, along Interstate 40, co-mingling with historic Route 66.

Gallup – A Brief History

The Gallup area thrived as a crossroads of Native American trade long before the City itself came along. Once known as Na’Nizhoozhi, or “The Bridge” among the Navajo/Dine’ people, Gallup’s history began well before the city was founded in 1881 as a headquarters for the southern transcontinental rail route, and continued to grow to the unique destination it is today.

In 1880, the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad built headquarters for paymaster David L. Gallup in a rural New Mexico area.

Founded in 1881 as a headquarters for the southern transcontinental rail route, the town draws its name from David L. Gallup, a paymaster for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad (later part of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad). Workers started using the phrase “going to Gallup” when they discussed picking up their paychecks!

6 Unique ways to explore the cross-roads of History, Nature and Native American Culture

#1 – Stay at the El Rancho Hotel, so much more than a good night’s sleep!

We pulled up to the El Rancho Hotel at twilight, a perfect time to showcase its classic Moter Hotel neon sign lighting. This Hotel is an area landmark with ties back to 1930s and 1940s Hollywood Western movie production, often becoming a home base for film crews.

Inside, the two-story lobby is wonderous, featuring a giant fireplace as a focal point, comfy seating and a double staircase leading to a 2nd story balcony overlook and hundreds of old Hollywood Western Movie photos. We had dinner in the Silver Screen restaurant, specializing in southwest flavors. We also stopped by the 49ers Lounge, with a fun old Hollywood Western vibe.

Our room was Route 66 themed, beautifully decorated and functional in all the best ways. This place has a fascinating history and is a wonderful and unique place to visit!

  • El Rancho Motel – all lit up at night!
  • El Rancho Motel on historic Route 66
  • Lobby
  • Route 66 themed room
  • Route 66 themed bathroom
  • 49ers Lounge
  • Hollywood old west stain glass art
  • Hollywood old west stain glass art

See more options for places to stay at their VisitGallup website.

#2 – Eat, Drink and Shop in Gallup’s beautifully restored Historic Downtown

The next morning, we headed downtown to a local coffee shop for breakfast. The historic downtown has beautifully restored buildings with many old neon signs from days gone by. They are the home of an amazing variety of shops, restaurants and other entertainment.

We found easy parking and headed to the Gallup Coffee Company for a delicious breakfast of coffee and pastries. Right next door is an amazing Fiber and Weaving shop called Weaving in Beauty. I love yarn and fiber, and this place is fantastic with a huge selection of yarn, specializing in “expanding the appreciation and knowledge of the textiles of the Navajo people of what is now the southwestern United States.  Here, you’ll find yarns, looms, tools for weaving the Navajo way.  We also carry select contemporary Navajo textiles.” Their website has lots of classes. Cool!

We learned that The Coal Avenue has recently experienced a restoration project called Coal Avenue Commons, and is located in “the heart of downtown where the community has come together to envision what our blocks would look like for events, infrastructure, and sharing of our unique identity”.

#3 … and then shop some more!

There is a HUGE variety of shops specializing in Native Art and Jewelry. A few examples are:

#4 – Downtown Mural and Tiny Art walking tour

We love the vibrancy and storytelling nature of murals! After our coffee break, we walked around downtown Gallup to enjoy their public art. We found out later that there is a Murals of Downtown walking tour map available in the Visitors Guide to see even more!

“Over the years, various artists were commissioned to tell Gallup’s story through a series of murals on downtown buildings. Each mural is unique in style and captures the dynamic heritage and history of Gallup (source: Gallup Visitors Guide)

In addition to Murals, the Gallup ARTS nonprofit also sponsors Tiny ART Projects!

#5 – Explore Gallup Art and Culture

More to Explore!

    A little online research indicates there is MUCH more to explore near Gallup, especially if you are interested in Adventures in Nature or Native Culture.

    Events

    • Every Saturday 9am-5pm: Gallup Flea Market, located on North 9th Street
    • Summer: Rodeo Events at Red Rocks Park!
    • August: Annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial – Every August, Gallup, New Mexico, hosts one the nation’s oldest celebrations of Native American arts and culture in a massive showcase of arts, dance, music, rodeo, and more.
    • December: Red Rock Balloon Rally – one of the largest balloon rallies in North America, has been held annually since 1981

    Economic Development and Art Programs

    Map of Gallup

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