Like every other place in the United States, the history of Iowa was written long before it was part of the United States by many Native groups. Today, however, there is only one official Native settlement in Iowa - the Meskwaki settlement. Based around the small town of Tama, there are always opportunities to learn about the Meskwaki culture through the small museum on the grounds. However, once a year, curious and respectful visitors can experience the culture like never before - by visiting the Meskwaki Powwow, a four-day cultural festival in Iowa as Meskwaki Natives participate in traditional rites and dances. In addition to beautiful performances, the Natives also host a festival with food vendors and hand-made crafts. There is no better way to discover the traditions of Iowa's first citizens than through sharing them as welcomed guests.
The Meskwaki settlement in Iowa was established in 1857, and today it's a thriving cultural center including a museum, casino, and restaurants.
Every August, it comes alive like no other time with the Meskwaki Powwow - a four-day celebration of the culture through dance, storytelling, and traditional rites. It's the largest celebration of its type in the world.
The festival is open to the public, with the exception of certain religious ceremonies, and the Meskwaki ask that those visitors be ready to observe and learn.
Those who do will be rewarded with dazzling displays of traditional dance and tribal costumes. This is a once-a-year event, and the participants make sure to pack every bit of celebration into those four days.
Vendors and craftsmen also host booths at the festival, which allows visitors to sample traditional cuisine - including the famous frybread, made fresh daily.
Many who visit come away with a new appreciation for the Meskwaki culture, and can go to learn more at the nearby Meskwaki tribal center museum.
Inside, you'll find centuries of crafts and artifacts from the tribe and the surrounding area, as well as displays delving into the history of the region.
Have you experienced the Meskwaki Powwow in Tama? Let us know about your time at this unique cultural festival in Iowa. You can keep up with news about the 2023 Powwow through the official website and Facebook page. If you're looking for other unique experiences in Iowa in 2023, check out this list of twelve hidden gems, one for every month of the year.
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