Photo by Anderson Schmig
Gallup was settled in 1880 and was originally used as a stagecoach stop and construction headquarters for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. Situated between multiple Indian Reservations, it now functions as a service station for surrounding Native communities and has a rich Native culture and history. Gallup is a great destination for travelers flocking to Route 66 for a nostalgic experience or vacationers looking to escape the daily grind for a relaxing place to enjoy nature.
Red Rock Park
Red Rock Park is a scenic expanse of towering, 200 million-year-old red cliffs and sprouting with desert plant life. A truly beautiful place to hike and camp, this location will leave you mesmerized and actively engaged with plenty to do. Consisting of an abundance of hiking trails, and natural attractions like Pyramid Rock. Take in the views from up above on a hot air balloon ride, or visit in December to experience the Red Rock Balloon Rally, one of the largest balloon expos in the nation with over 150 balloons lining the sky.
Gallup Cultural Center
The Gallup Cultural Center is home to educational exhibits that will enrich your mind, and leave you with a sense of appreciation for the history of those who made Gallup what it is today. Home to the Storyteller Museum, which is currently housing southwestern art, and the Navajo Code Talkers exhibit dedicated to the brave Navajo heroes of WWII who helped create a complex code that remained unbroken throughout the war. You can also pop into their cafe for a good meal and a cup of coffee.
We the People Park
We the People Park is a sculpture garden set on a quarter-mile walking trail, featuring a 110-foot sculpture for which the park is named. Offering a wide array of sculpture art including nods to Gallup’s past mining history, and a larger-than-life tribute to Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead, this is a memorable way to spend the afternoon.
Gallup 9th Flea Market
Nestled conveniently near Route 66, the Gallup 9th Street Flea Market is a must-see for all travelers in search of something one-of-a-kind to take back home. This market is a cultural hub filled to the brim with a diverse range of treasures and trinkets to behold. With more than 500 vendors and as many as 10,000 visitors a week, this is one of the largest Native American flea markets in the United States. Every Saturday you can shop for anything from antiques and handcrafted Navajo jewelry, to stunning handmade rugs, and pottery. With agriculture being a driving force for the surrounding areas, don’t be surprised to find farming essentials such as bales of hay and livestock at this charming rural market. Gallup Flea Market is open year-round, with an extra emphasis on farm fresh produce in the fall.
El Morro Theatre
This charming vintage theater was first opened in 1928 and is still going strong today. This little piece of history is the only example of Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture that you will find in Gallup. It was restored in 1991 and is still used for movie screenings, art performances, and events.
No matter how you choose to spend your day in Gallup, we are confident that you will have a fabulous time.
