More than 30 colorful murals shape downtown Gallup and are within walking distance of one another. They are joined by the history of Route 66, museums, and cultural events. Visitors who want to get to know Gallup through art and history will find several different points of interest. A Visitor Center run by the Chamber of Commerce is located downtown at 106 West Highway 66. Check the contact details before you travel.
Route 66 and the Historic Downtown
The El Rancho Hotel is a historic hotel on Route 66 in Gallup. It was built along U.S. Route 66 in 1936 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown also has a historic designation: it is designated as a Historic District, and many of its buildings are listed on the National Register. Today’s Coal Avenue was originally part of Route 66. These various connections make the history of Route 66 visible not just in a single building, but also throughout the historic city center.
On a historic walking tour of Gallup, some buildings date back to the late 19th century. Alongside the murals, they offer a chance to see different aspects of the cityscape: older buildings and colorful public art. The murals are within walking distance of one another, making them a distinct focus for exploring downtown.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Navajo Code Talker Museum at the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce honors the contribution of Indigenous Americans to the United States’ victory in World War II. The George Galanis Multicultural Center also brings together culture and local history: its programs and art offerings honor the neighboring Native American cultures and the history of Gallup. It also houses a collection about the history of the Navajo Code Talkers.
The Gallup Cultural Center includes the Storyteller Museum and the Route 66 Theater. The El Morro Theatre hosts film screenings, performing arts, and other cultural events. Those comparing cultural sites will find a range of focuses here: from history and art offerings to a museum, film, and performing arts. The Rex Museum is currently closed for construction work and exhibition development. Check its status again before planning a visit.
Art and Events Throughout the Year
The Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial takes place every August and showcases Indigenous art, dance, music, and rodeo. Its first event took place on September 28, 1922, so the inaugural edition was held in a different month from the current annual event in August. For travel planning, the specific dates and program details for each edition are what matter; both may vary.
The Gallup Summer Indian Dances and Art Market also takes place annually. The program includes traditional dances and offers the chance to meet dancers and musicians. The exact dates and participating groups vary. The Gallup Arts Crawl features arts and crafts activities for children, art demonstrations, book signings, open galleries, and live performances; dates may change. The Gallup 9th Street Flea Market offers food, arts and crafts, jewelry, livestock, and household goods. The items vendors offer may vary.
Red Rocks Nearby
Outside the town center, in the vicinity of Gallup, lies Red Rock Park. The site covers 640 acres and is characterized by red sandstone cliffs that formed more than 200 million years ago during the Mesozoic Era. Its geological history offers a different focus from the museums and art in downtown Gallup.
Also in the vicinity of Gallup, the Red Rock Park Museum uses interpretive exhibits to present the cultures of the Ancestral Puebloans and today’s Zuni, Hopi, and Navajo communities. Check the current opening arrangements before driving there. This will help you distinguish between the historical and cultural sites in Gallup and the geological and cultural topics in the surrounding area when planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Ramah, Zuni.
Return to the main travel overview: Mckinley County.
