Santa Ana Pueblo combines a long history and a pottery tradition with restoration work along the Rio Grande and in the Bosque, as well as golf and recreational activities. The following topics offer specific points of reference.
Tamaya: History and Pottery
The Old Pueblo of Santa Ana, known as Tamaya, is listed in the National Register of Historic Properties. Members of Santa Ana Pueblo have lived at their current location since at least the late 16th century. Tamaya, the Old Santa Ana Pueblo, was founded after the reconquest of the area in the late 17th century. The long-standing presence of Pueblo members and the later founding of Tamaya are two distinct historical points of reference. The historic church in Tamaya was also restored with funds from the Pueblo.
For centuries, Santa Ana Pueblo has made distinctive pottery for domestic and ceremonial use. Santa Ana potters make sturdy vessels from red clay gathered along the banks of the Jemez River. The Tamaya Cultural Learning Center offers tours; its museum provides a comprehensive overview of Santa Ana Pueblo’s tribal history. Participation may depend on the resort’s arrangements. If you are primarily interested in history and crafts, these topics offer a specific way to learn about Pueblo culture.
The Rio Grande and the Bosque
Santa Ana Pueblo’s restoration program is restoring six river miles of the Rio Grande, which runs through the Pueblo. The Santa Ana Rio Grande Bosque is maintained for cultural and recreational uses by tribal members and guests. The restoration program also restores habitat for native wildlife there. Together, these details highlight different aspects of the landscape: the restoration of a stretch of river and the care of a Bosque as both a habitat and an area for public use.
Golf in the High Desert Hills
Santa Ana Pueblo owns the 18-hole Twin Warriors Golf Course. The Santa Ana Golf Club comprises three nine-hole courses named Tamaya, Cheena, and Star, which wind through the high desert hills. For those who want to make golf a priority, these details provide specific information about the course formats and their locations in the high desert hills.
Water, Bowling, and Other Activities
The TWC Aquatics Center includes a lazy river, a leisure pool with a children’s play area, a waterslide, a lap pool, and a spa area. The listed areas serve distinctly different purposes, from leisure swimming to lap swimming and spa amenities. Starlight Bowling at the Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel has 36 lanes and offers open bowling and league bowling. Check bowling availability in advance.
The Santa Ana Star Casino offers slot machines, table games, a sportsbook, Keno, and video poker. Gambling offerings may change. The Corn Maiden restaurant uses local ingredients and seasonal specialties connected to the Tamaya region; its offerings may also change. Annual events include the Arts and Crafts Fair, the Community Recreation Fair, and the Tamaya’s Pastime Memorial exhibition game. If you are planning to attend an event, check the latest dates in advance.
Plan for Access
Public access to sites and events on Santa Ana Pueblo tribal lands is at the discretion of the tribal community. So check access to your specific destination in advance, especially if you want to visit a tour, an event, or another site. This helps you plan around what you actually want to see rather than assuming that all places and events are open to the public.
Discover more destinations: Bernalillo, Corrales, Ponderosa, Algodones, Placitas, Rio Rancho
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