19 Largest Native American Reservations In America

Travel and Experiences
By Ella Brown

Explore the vast landscapes and vibrant cultures of the 20 largest Native American reservations in the United States.

These territories hold significant historical, cultural, and ecological importance, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of Native American communities.

From sweeping deserts to lush forests, each reservation is unique, reflecting the diverse environments and traditions found across the country. Join us on a journey to discover the beauty and stories behind these lands.

1. Uintah and Ouray Reservation

© Alaska Beacon

The Uintah and Ouray Reservation in northeastern Utah is the second-largest reservation, home to the Ute Indian Tribe. Spanning over 4.5 million acres, its terrain includes mountains, rivers, and forests, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Visitors can engage with the Ute Tribe’s rich cultural traditions, including ceremonial dances and crafts.

The reservation’s landscape offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and exploring the diverse flora and fauna. It is a place where tradition meets natural beauty, providing a serene environment for cultural immersion and outdoor activities.

2. Tohono O’odham Nation Reservation

© Tohono O’odham Nation

The Tohono O’odham Nation Reservation, located in Arizona, covers over 2.8 million acres of desert landscape. Known for its iconic saguaro cacti and desert vistas, it is a place of beauty and cultural richness.

The Tohono O’odham people, known as the “Desert People,” have deep cultural ties to the land. Visitors can learn about their traditions through local festivals and events.

The reservation offers stunning views and opportunities for hiking and photography, showcasing the serene and timeless beauty of the desert environment.

3. Cheyenne River Reservation

© Travel South Dakota

Located in South Dakota, the Cheyenne River Reservation covers nearly 2.8 million acres. It is home to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and features rolling plains and rivers.

The reservation is a place where history and tradition converge, offering cultural insights through powwows and community events.

Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the plains, engage in fishing and hiking, and experience the warmth of the local community. It is a destination that celebrates the resilience and heritage of the Sioux people through its landscapes and traditions.

4. Standing Rock Reservation

© The New Yorker

Standing Rock Reservation, straddling North and South Dakota, is home to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Covering 2.3 million acres, it is known for its expansive plains and vibrant cultural heritage.

The reservation gained national attention during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, highlighting indigenous rights and environmental concerns. Visitors can learn about the tribe’s history and participate in cultural events.

The landscape offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as horseback riding and hiking, in a setting that honors the strength and traditions of the Standing Rock Sioux.

5. Navajo Nation Reservation

© DETOURS American West

The Navajo Nation Reservation is the largest Native American reservation, spanning Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico.

Covering over 27,000 square miles, it is famed for its stunning desert landscapes, mesas, and canyons. The reservation is home to the Navajo people, who maintain a rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can explore traditional Navajo hogan homes and experience the vibrant local arts scene. The Navajo Nation fosters a strong sense of community and tradition, offering an immersive cultural experience.

Its diverse landscapes provide a unique backdrop for outdoor adventures, including hiking and photography.

6. Crow Reservation

© National Museum of the American Indian – Smithsonian Institution

The Crow Reservation in Montana covers 2.2 million acres, making it one of the largest in the United States. Encompassing portions of the Bighorn Mountains and Yellowstone River, it offers diverse landscapes.

The Crow Tribe, known for their vibrant culture and traditions, welcomes visitors to explore their land. The reservation is rich in history, evident in its annual Crow Fair and Rodeo.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in this picturesque setting, making it a destination that blends natural beauty with cultural exploration.

7. Pine Ridge Reservation

© Indianz.Com

Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Oglala Lakota Nation, covers 2.1 million acres. Known for its historical significance, it was the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre.

The reservation offers a blend of historical and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the Oglala Lakota College and Heritage Center to learn about Lakota history and art.

The landscape, characterized by its rolling hills and sweeping vistas, provides a peaceful environment for reflection and outdoor activities. It is a place of resilience and remembrance, honoring the legacy of the Lakota people.

8. Fort Peck Reservation

© Montana’s Historic Landscapes

Fort Peck Reservation in Montana spans over 2 million acres, inhabited by the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. The reservation includes diverse ecosystems, from plains to rivers.

Visitors can explore the cultural heritage of the tribes through various events and museums. The reservation is also home to the Fort Peck Dam and Lake, offering recreation options like fishing and boating.

It is a destination where natural beauty meets cultural richness, providing a comprehensive experience of the Assiniboine and Sioux traditions and the landscape they inhabit.

9. San Carlos Reservation

© NCAI – National Congress of American Indians

The San Carlos Reservation in Arizona, covering 1.8 million acres, is home to the Apache Tribe. Known for its rugged desert landscapes and mountainous regions, it is a place of natural beauty and cultural depth.

The Apache people offer a warm welcome to visitors interested in their history and traditions. The reservation provides access to outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching.

Its cultural centers and events offer insights into Apache traditions, making it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the intersection of culture and nature.

10. Rosebud Reservation

© NPR

The Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota spans nearly 1.4 million acres and is home to the Sicangu Oyate, or Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Known for its rolling hills and vibrant communities, it is a place of both beauty and history.

Visitors can explore the reservation’s cultural heritage through museums and community events. The landscape offers opportunities for hiking and horseback riding, allowing visitors to connect with the natural environment.

The Rosebud Reservation stands as a testament to the resilience and culture of the Lakota people, offering an enriching experience for those who visit.

11. Gila River Reservation

© Native America Travel

The Gila River Reservation in Arizona, covering over 1.3 million acres, is home to the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. Known for its desert landscapes and cultural sites, it offers a rich tapestry of history and tradition.

Visitors can engage with the tribes’ heritage through art galleries and cultural events. The reservation’s diverse ecosystems include rivers and desert flora, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration.

It is a destination that celebrates the ingenuity and traditions of the Pima and Maricopa people, offering a unique blend of cultural and natural experiences.

12. Blackfeet Reservation

© Wikipedia

The Blackfeet Reservation in Montana is home to the Blackfeet Nation, covering 1.5 million acres near Glacier National Park. Its stunning landscapes include mountains, lakes, and prairies.

The Blackfeet people invite visitors to explore their culture through museums and events. The reservation’s natural beauty provides ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

It is a place where the grandeur of nature and the richness of Blackfeet traditions converge, offering an experience that is both captivating and educational.

13. Fort Hall Reservation

© WJCT

Located in southeastern Idaho, the Fort Hall Reservation is home to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, covering over 544,000 acres. Known for its grasslands and the Snake River, it is a place of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Visitors can learn about the tribes’ history through cultural centers and events. The reservation offers recreational opportunities like fishing and hiking.

It is a destination where tradition and nature coexist, providing a vibrant cultural experience amidst the beauty of Idaho’s landscapes.

14. Wind River Reservation

© WyoHistory.org

The Wind River Reservation in Wyoming covers over 2.2 million acres, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes. Known for its stunning landscapes, it includes mountains, rivers, and diverse wildlife.

Cultural experiences abound, with opportunities to learn about tribal history and traditions. The reservation’s natural beauty provides a backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing.

It is a place where the spirit of the land and the traditions of its people are intertwined, offering a rich and immersive experience.

15. Yakama Reservation

© TrailChick

The Yakama Reservation in Washington, home to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, spans over 1.3 million acres. It features diverse landscapes, from forests to rivers.

Visitors can explore the Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center to learn about the tribes’ history and traditions. The reservation offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the natural environment.

It is a destination where cultural richness meets natural beauty, providing an engaging experience for those seeking to understand the Yakama people’s heritage.

16. Turtle Mountain Reservation

© People’s World

The Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota is home to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, covering over 70,000 acres. Known for its rolling hills and lakes, it is a place of natural beauty and cultural significance.

Visitors can engage with the Chippewa culture through museums and events. The reservation offers opportunities for fishing and hiking, allowing visitors to connect with the landscape.

It is a destination that reflects the resilience and traditions of the Chippewa people, offering a rich cultural experience amidst the serene beauty of North Dakota.

17. Navajo Mountain Reservation

© Utah’s Canyon Country

Navajo Mountain Reservation, part of the Navajo Nation, is located in Utah and Arizona. Known for its breathtaking red rock formations and sacred Navajo Mountain, it covers a smaller area compared to other reservations.

Visitors can explore the cultural significance of the land through traditional Navajo stories and ceremonies. The landscape offers unique opportunities for photography and hiking.

It is a place where the spiritual and natural worlds merge, providing a deeply enriching experience for those who visit.

18. Mescalero Reservation

© New Mexico Tourism Department

The Mescalero Reservation in New Mexico is home to the Mescalero Apache Tribe, covering over 720,000 acres. Nestled in the Sacramento Mountains, it offers breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems.

The Mescalero Apache people welcome visitors to explore their culture through events and heritage sites.

The reservation provides opportunities for skiing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, making it a destination that combines natural beauty with cultural exploration. It is a place where the spirit of the land and the traditions of its people come alive.

19. Osage Reservation

© Osage News

The Osage Reservation in Oklahoma, home to the Osage Nation, spans over 1.4 million acres. Known for its rolling plains and rich history, it is a place of cultural and economic significance.

The Osage people have a storied past, particularly with the discovery of oil on their land. Visitors can learn about their history through museums and cultural centers.

The reservation’s landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a destination that blends historical exploration with natural beauty. It is a place where the legacy and resilience of the Osage people are celebrated.