Things to do & places to visit in Gallup, New Mexico, United States

Located in the heart of Native America, Gallup is enriched by the cultures of numerous First Nations, including Zuni, Hopi, Acoma and Laguna Pueblo and Navajo people as well as Latin American communities. The city boasts vibrant native arts, ceremonies, jewelry and cuisine representing its blend of cultures. The land surrounding Gallup holds many mysteries and adventures as well, from the High Desert Trail System and the Mentmore Rock Climbing area to sacred Mt. Taylor and the Church Rock Trail.

Gallup city in New Mexico, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Thursday, May 02, 2024, 17:51.

Top things to do (13)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 X-Treme-Lee Fun Balloon Adventures (55 reviews)
- Must do in NM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Balloon Rides

Came here all the way from Chicago with my husband. Highly recommend bill Lee as a pilot and his crew was super friendly too. I am terrified of heights and bill made me feel very comfortable. There was a lot of communication leading up to the flight and the flight was super smooth. He would walk us through what he was doing and point out the history of the gorgeous scenery. This was truly a phenomenal experience. See more..
5.0 Nightly Indian Dancers (9 reviews)
- Great free one hour Native American dancing, music and singing
Spent < 1 hour Theatre & Performances

Located downtown Gallup in a plaza area, nightly @ 7 pm there is show or performance of native Americans. There are bleachers and parking. Good display of dancing and playing music. At the end they asked for everyone to join in a shared dance. Check with your hotel or local restaurants to verify the time/days but I believe at least in the summer it is every day!! They had some food offered from food truck and other vendors selling variety of hand made goods. One of the best unplanned events on my trip from Louisiana to Nevada. They said there is website listing performers but I don't have that...google it! See more..
5.0 Nugget Gallery (7 reviews)
- Stop and shop here!!!
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

On a trip to Gallup we made a point to stop in at The Nugget Gallery and we are so glad! Found absolutely wonderful items and the nicest owner. This family owned business has been around for many years they are local to Gallup and are respected by local artisans. The jewelry here is simply beautiful and such a variety. They have many other antiques and Native American wares as well but we were awed by the jewelry. Purchased two cuffs, earrings and Navajo Pearls. Quality goods! Fantastic people. Will be back! See more..
5.0 Route 66 Jewelry & Arts (3 reviews)
- I'm Glad I passed up all the other shops and found Omer's place!
Speciality & Gift Shops

Besides the fact that this is a beautiful part of Americana history, Gallup has Omer's Route 66 Jewelry and Arts. Omer is a great guy with amazing art work in his shop. I can't say enough about him. He had a gentleman stop in while I was there who was selling his kuchina doll. Omer asked me if I might like it (he told me the quality was good). He didn't have to do this, as it wasn't helping his shop to have me buy this beautiful piece of art. But he did and he wrapped it for me too. Please stop and see Omer. He's the kind of person you want to associate yourself with. See more..
5.0 City Electric Shoe Shop (2 reviews)
- Traditional Native American and Cowboy outfitting
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops
Moccasins (traditional to modern), boots, hats, hides, leather goods. Examine every corner you find something new. we went back 3 times. See more..
5.0 Weaving In Beauty (1 review)
- Want to learn about Navajo weaving, and see it in action?
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Lessons & Workshops
I first learned about Mary Walker and her store, Weaving in Beauty, when doing research on a rug I bought at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. Her web site alone is a huge knowledge bank on local weavers, rug auctions, and Navajo rugs in general. She is also a certified appraiser for Native American weaving arts. The store itself, on Gallup's downtown street, Coal Ave., is full of weaving supplies, including yarn, looms, a classroom, and restoration area. If you are the least bit curious about Navajo rugs and weaving, or don't want to get taken when you buy a rug, stop here first. See more..
5.0 Running Bear Trading (1 review)
- Genuine Native American Jewelry
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

If you are looking for the real thing, you have to check out this place. The jewelry is beautifully hand crafted. The prices are a little steep, but if you hit it just right, you can get the jewelry for 1/2 price. It is a wholesale place. I found two hair holders that I just couldn't live without. You will be glad that you stopped in, even if you don't buy anything. The people are very friendly. See more..
4.5 Richardsons Trading Company (175 reviews)
- Incredible artistry to admire and buy
Speciality & Gift Shops

This shop is enormous and has a dizzying display of every art genre - pottery, beadwork, weaving, basketry, jewelry and more. Rug and basket selections were standouts. They have incredible displays that rival any museum. Staff was helpful and knowledgeable. Must include this on any Gallup trip. See more..
4.5 Perry Null Trading Company (100 reviews)
- Best trading post
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

After visiting more than a dozen trading posts and vendors of Native American crafts in the past week or so, I've concluded that Perry Null is by far the best. There is no kitsch here; only top quality jewelry, rugs, baskets, belts and other goods. The staff is terrific. I was assisted by a young woman who was very knowledgeable about the items that interested me. When I asked a question that she couldn't answer, she got an answer for me from another staff member who had greater expertise. You can learn a lot about Native crafts and artists here and pick up some good quality pieces. The prices are fair and about the best you will find. They also have some merchandise that you won't find anywhere else. I will definitely come back . See more..
4.5 Bill Malone Trading Company (69 reviews)
- The real deal
Thursday: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM Antique Shops

We checked Trip Advisor for Top Things to Do in Gallup. Bill Malone came up as the number 1 thing, so we HAD to visit. We also had a Navaho rug and 2 Apache baskets we wanted someone to look at and tell ore about. Bill Malone himself was there. What a wonderful, soft spoken guy who obviously knows his stuff. Other family members were also there to help. Bill gave us appraisals for our items so we could get them insured. Don't miss this place. You might even want to buy the new book about Bill's challenge with the National Park Service and Hubbell Trading Post. See more..
4.5 Winfield Trading Company (33 reviews)
- Incredible Place!
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

Specializing in Turquoise and Native American Arts and Crafts. Open by appointment only Monday-Friday See more..
4.5 Central New Mexico Visitor Information Center (11 reviews)
- Nice scenery
Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

A nice rest stop. Large area and of course plenty of parking. Bad thing about this is it seems to close up making it useless for the regular traveler going there. But on the other hand it is in a great area with wonderful scenery. Just for that reason it is worth the stop. See more..
4.5 Indian Touch of Gallup (11 reviews)
- GREAT family run business
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Authentic Navajo, Zuni and Hopi items . I've been buying here for 12 years and never disappointed. Great service, selection and prices. See more..
4.5 Thunderbird Supply Company (10 reviews)
- Great source of turquoise, beads, findings, etc.
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

The Thunderbird Supply Company occupies a large warehouse-like structure. There are many, many types of beads, all kinds of silver findings. They carry both turquoise and the look-alike magnesite. The employees were quick to explain the difference quick to be sure I understood at which I was looking. You can purchase incredibly cheap (inexpensive) beads or more expensive turquoise priced by weight. There is a large selection of beading thread/string. While shopping there you are shopping alongside the local artisans and craftsmen and doing so gives one a good idea of the value of some of the retail jewelry in nearby stores. See more..
4.5 El Morro Theatre (8 reviews)
- Must see!
Movie Theaters

Enjoy a recent movie in a historic theater which as been newly renovated! Amazing sound, and overall great experience!! See more..
4.5 The 49er Lounge (2 reviews)
- Great night sitting at the bar! Highly recommend
Spent < 1 hour Bars & Clubs

Great evening here during our road trip on Route 66. Atmosphere buzzing, drinks well prepped and served by super efficient staff and great food at the bar. Friendly happy place See more..
4.0 Gallup Flea Market (86 reviews)
- An experience for sure that should not be missed
Flea & Street Markets

This was an adventure not knowing what to expect. We were there shortly after opening and spent over 3 hours here. Local foods (delicious) lot of jewelry at different price points and everything found at any flea market from tools to tires to clothing and even some animals. Became very busy by noon with everyone having a good time. Love talking to the Natives and listening to them talk about their crafts. If you are here on a Saturday morning go check it out! See more..
4.0 The Gallup Cultural Center (76 reviews)
- Not the Visitors Center
Speciality Museums

The signage in and around the area was confusing. We thought this was the visitor information area for Gallup. It had a surprising nice little museum on the 2nd floor. The displays were nice and well done. We have a daughter in a wheelchair and that made navigation a bit more challenging. Accessibility was an issue here, but glad we stopped. See more..
4.0 Navajo Code Talker Museum (67 reviews)
- A Great Stopover
Speciality Museums

We visited this museum on the way through Gallup and were pleased to find it. A nicely arranged display of the Apache Code Talkers memorabilia, plus many artifacts and displays of the Native American crafts and lifestyle. Not a large museum, but definitely a place to visit. Friendly, knowledgeable staff and easy access. Highly recommend and give them a grade of A+ See more..
4.0 Rex Museum (36 reviews)
- Great things in small packages
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

We got in between two school tours and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Learned more about the history of Gallup in 30 minutes than we could have imagined. The volunteer staff really know their city and their pride shows. See more..
4.0 Manuelito Visitor Center (18 reviews)
- nice and clearn
Visitor Centers

I never get there when the staff are there, but look forward to browsing all the great informaiton. so nice. See more..
4.0 Pow Wow Indian Jewelry (4 reviews)
- Great place to buy Indian Jewelry/Pottery/Handcrafts in Gallup!
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

We had a GREAT visit at Pow Wow Jewelry. We spent about 45 minutes looking at small gifts and larger personal items. We found the staff to be helpful, tolerant of our indecision and generous in thier discounts. I wish we did/am glad we don't live closer. I'm afraid we would become regular customers!!! You will not be disappointed in a visit to Pow Wow! See more..
4.0 First American Traders (4 reviews)
- Wonderful selection
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
We were recommended to First American by Winfield's out at Zuni. We were very glad we stopped in this morning. We purchased pottery, carved alabaster sculptures, silver butter knife. I'll always treasure the traditional ceremonial Navajo pot Marlene, the storekeeper today who explained its use in detail. She was extremely patient with us. There are lots of Navajo rugs, pottery, all plainly marked with price and certification. The jewelry is made onsite by their silversmiths. And the best prices we've found anywhere. See more..
4.0 Gallup Down Town Conference Center (2 reviews)
- Gallup is a Great Historical Town Needs Drastic Improvent,This could be great visitor place? This City has great culturt
Convention Centers
This could be great place but needs improvement. Roads having pot holes ,No Smooth walking surface needs improve ment? See more..
3.5 Ellis Tanner Trading Company (3 reviews)
- Good selection of items
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

We have been here before always interesting they have a good selection from jewelry rugs Pendleton blankets paintings Native American music and books even some pawn items and craft supplies lots of parking friendly staff well organized mostly a little higher end jewelry and better known artists See more..
3.5 American Bar (2 reviews)
- Great Bar in Gallup
Thursday: 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM Bars & Clubs
American Bar is one of the iconic Gallup Bars, cold, cheap beer, no food (they have a few bags of chips) and decent service. Say hi to the owner and you might get a free round of beers out of it. On Friday nights they have a pool tournament. See more..
1.0 Turquoise Canyon Outlet (1 review)
- Caveat emptor; A Sucker is born every minute; don't give a sucker an even break
Art Galleries
Spent an hour or more admiring the many Native American art pieces. Muhi, the sales person, knew the stock and was high pressure to make a sale. We ended up with five items that we admired a lot. Zuni Belt Buckle, told the list price was $4000. Researched after sale to learn market value is about $420, max. Navajo bracelet, was told the list price was $600. Researched and learned that the market value was about $130. Zuni seed pot with 6 raised frog fetish design, told list price was $2,400. Researched and learned market value was $280. Acoma pot with pictograph designs, told price was at least $900. Researched and learned that market value was about $230. Navajo vase-shaped pot with dreamcatcher on side, told price was $560. Researched and learned that market value was about $56. List price added to $8460. Payed $3850 (more than $4,000 after tax) for a market value of under $1120. No refunds, Exchanges OK. But who wants to exchange items that would similarly be priced to extort money. I greatly admire the items. I hate having been conned on the prices. Got for 45% of list and about 3.5 times market value. See more..
The Skate Connection (0 review)
Game & Entertainment Centers
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ART123 Gallery (0 review)
Thursday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

ART123 Gallery is a project of gallupARTS, the 501(c)3 nonprofit arts council serving Gallup and McKinley County. ART123 features a new solo or group show by Gallup-area artists each month. Shows open during ArtsCrawl, every second Saturday of the month from 7 - 9pm. Bonus: ART123 Gallery hosts Artist Talks on 4th Tuesdays at 7:30pm as part of the 2nd Look on 2nd Street program (6 - 8pm). See more..
Sulver House Trading (0 review)
Speciality & Gift Shops
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