I have been to almost all the national parks and monuments in Arizona. This was one site that I thought I would never see because I had never been to this area. Recently I found myself passing through Ganado a lot and decided to stop by and check this place out. There is a lot of history here. Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is the location of the oldest continuously operated trading post on the Navajo Nation. Today, you can visit the visitor center and learn about the history of this place. At the trading post and park store, you can purchase Navajo arts and crafts along with grocery items and souvenirs. Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is a unique place because it was a meeting place for the Navajo people and early settlers who were in the area to trade. It functioned as a store, post office and a bank. When the Navajos were allowed to return to the Ganado area after the Navajo Long Walk deportation, they found that their land had been decimated. Not long afterwards in 1878, John Lorenzo Hubbell purchased this trading post and began trading with the Navajo people. They traded wool, sheep, jewelry, baskets and pottery for products like canned goods, flour, sugar, tobacco, tools and tobacco. Hubbell built a trading empire and ended up owning 24 trading posts. He had a major influence on Navajo rug weaving and silversmithing and introduced the Ganado Red style of weaving to the Navajo people. The Hubbell family continued to operate this trading post until it was sold to the National Park Service in 1967. The nice thing about Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is that there is no entrance fee and you can explore it at your own pace. We walked around the campus and saw the family Hubbell home, guest house, barn and some farm animals. The park offers free tours of the Hubbell home. The park rangers in the visitor center are nice and will answer any questions that you may have. It is a cool historical place to stop and check out if you are passing through Ganado. The town of Ganado has stores, restaurants and gas if you are unfamiliar with this area. Window Rock, Canyon de Chelly National Monument and Petrified Forest National Park are a short drive away if you want to explore more of this part of Arizona. read more

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Hubbell's in Ganado has been selling goods and trading Native American Art since 1878. You can visit the visitor center which gives additional context about the trading post and how it fit into the community, as well as the actual trading post itself. There was a wide variety of things being sold, from Navajo rugs (all handmade! With prices to match) to frozen mutton. Just entering the trading post felt like a step back into time, with squeaky wood floors and waist high counters. You can also ask the NPS ranger for guided peeks and tours into the Hubbell family home, depending on how busy it is. It's furnished as it was by the Hubbell family. They recreated the rugs that line the floor as the original ones were in poor condition. Knowing how much those rugs cost, the rugs on the floor are probably tens of thousands of dollars! I also wandered the grounds, but was too scared to interact with the animals. Well worth a quick stop if you're in the area. read more

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I have meant to stop here for many years. Today was the first time I had the opportunity to do so. First off, I want to give a big thank you to all of the national park service workers at this site. I have never met a more warm and greeting group of people at any park in America. They were the most friendly, courteous, helpful and knowledgeable people I have ever met at a park. Park itself is very interesting and worth the stop to explore local history. read more

Hubbell trading post is a national historical site starting 1878 and JL Hubble, whose family operated the trading Post for nearly 90 years was known among the Navajo as trustworthy and honest. It's a phenomenal place to take in some history. Inside around the Navajo rug area, I met Vanessa and at the visitor center I met William. Very nice, helpful. I WOULD RECOMMEND read more

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On a mission to find an authentic Navajo Rug for our home, we visited Hubbell Trading Post. Opened in the 1870's this trading post is the oldest active trading post in the American Southwest. As I was researching Navajo Rug styles (there are at least 28 different styles) the Ganado Red really stood out for me. Prices for these rugs are going to cost you. They average a few hundred for small sizes (think 2x2) and easily go into the thousands the larger and older they are. There's reason for the high price tag. First of all, you're investing in quality artwork created straight from the source. Navajo weaving requires a lifetime of skill and the hours put into creating a weave will take several months if not, years. Sadly, it is also becoming a dying art because as generations pass, few are willing to take on the laborious and intricate craft. Purchasing a Navajo rug is not only a tangible investment but it also ensures livelihoods since a lot of these skilled artisans rely on weaving to support their families. Each rug will come with a ticket of authenticity that indicates the size, style of rug and the weaver's name. We were fortunate to purchase a Contemporary style Ganado Red from Ruth Ann Begay. Going in, we had earmarked a budget for the rug we wanted and left with a piece that is going to be treasured for decades. Other reviewers gave this trading post poor reviews based on the fact that they arrived to the site past closing time. What they didn't know is that the Navajo Nation observes Mountain Daylight Time which is actually an hour ahead from Mountain Standard Time. So if it's 2pm in Flagstaff, then it's going to be 3pm in Ganado, AZ and the rest of Navajo Nation. This time difference is clearly indicated on their website. If you're travelling from afar, you will want to factor that into your travel time to avoid the same fate. read more

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A pretty small unremarkable national historic site. Grounds are well maintained. Rangers are nice. Good junior ranger program. Place seems to struggle with what makes it significant. Not a destination but worth a quick stop if in area. read more

Hubbell Trading Post is a great stop in Navajo nation if you're interested in learning more about the area, history, or even just want to get a gift, snack or stop to stretch your legs. We had not planned on visiting Hubbell Trading Post during our road trip around Arizona, but we saw a sign for it along the highway and decided to check out it out, which I'm glad we did. We didn't know what to quite expect at Hubbell Trading Post, but saw that it was on the National Historic Landmark list. When we walked inside the visitor's center portion, there was a ranger there from the Navajo tribe who was very friendly and was happy to tell us about the history of the Navajo tribe and this post. Depending on what time you visit, you can even partake in a guided tour from the ranger who takes you around the grounds. In the visitor's center, you can get a better idea of the history behind this post and area as there is much information there for it, along with maps and brochures of nearby historic places. Additionally, you can walk around the grounds, which is where you can see the farming area and the house of John Hubbell, which this post is named after. And lastly, there is an actual trading post that still stands where you can get gifts, like handmade Navajo blankets, and there are some refreshments. It's worth a visit if you're in the area, especially if you like history. read more

Hubbell Trading Post - Hubbell Trading Post - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ganado, Arizona

I had been waiting for Hubbell Trading Post to reopen after being closed for so long because of the pandemic. The Navajo Nation was hit hard by the virus. I've been checking their website almost every month for about a year so I was excited when I saw it was again open for business. The atmosphere in this post established in 1878 instantly takes you back in time. It's fun to buy just about anything here -- they do have variety so leaving empty-handed is unlikely -- but I came to visit the rug room. I've been here a few times over the years to look at the piles of old and new Navajo rugs. Now, I wanted one to bring home. It was fun to go exploring stack after stack around the room. Making a decision took a while. A newer rug looked wonderful with a predominantly red theme but it was far too large. I found a more reasonably-sized rug from the turn of the 20th century. On the way out, I saw jars of preserves -- jams, butters, salsas -- and they were on sale. After loading my rug in the car, I returned with two boxes of glass jars then drove down the rain-soaked red dirt path and on to the next adventure. read more

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Nice historic trading post. They have Indian jewelry, soap, souvenirs, Native American rugs, Native American jewelry, baskets, books & other things for sale. It's a neat old building . We enjoyed looking around. read more

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Ranger Alvis gave an awesome tour of the Hubble home. He showed us the amazing Navajo rugs and artwork displayed through the home. I was blown away by his introduction he gave us in Navajo (before translating for the group). It is obvious how much this place means to him and any tour he gives is well worth your time. read more

Very interesting stop along the area but we stopped during a snow storm and was limited in what we could do. The old store was very interesting and the artifacts were cool to see. The store is still an active store and carries many items as well as the tourist type of things. Many Navajo Rugs, Jewelry and art for sale as well. We walked around some of the old building and enjoyed our time there. May go back to check it out next time when weather is better. read more

We didn't know what to expect and were so pleased. The trader knew his stuff and educated us. We watched Navaho weavers bring in rugs they wove to sell. We went next door and watched an amazing weaver create an awesome rug. But probably best was NPS Ranger Alvis Burbank. He was a traditional Navaho and we were honored to be asked to take a personalized tour of the Hubbell House. It had amazing art, history, woven goods and more. There were zillions of red colored renderings of members of 128 tribes by an artist named Burbank who had lived with the Hubbells for 15 years. Alvis' family was given that name back in the day. lots of history, culture, and interactions between the Hubbells and the Navaho. Lots of respect which has not been universal between anglos and the Navaho. very worthwhile read more

Do not shop here for rugs. This company hires Navajos to make rugs for them at a low wage per hour. They then keep 100% of the sales. They also do not give their hired rug weavers any insurance or 401k. Please try to reach out to rug weavers directly. read more

What a great place to stop. We were lucky and there was a ranger there that could take us thru the house which was a great treat. The treading post and part of the grounds are still being used today and this was built around 1875. I would put it on your to to list. read more

Interesting place, to a certain degree. We were headed from Canyon de Chelly down south to I-40 and Winslow, so this place was on our way. I guess what I'm trying to say is this, point blank: I wouldn't go out of my way to visit, but it's OK if you are already in the area. Unless, you are a major history buff, old west enthusiast, etc., you shouldn't drive 100+ miles just to see it. I found the grounds just as interesting, if not more so, than the actual store. There's a working stable and barn area, Hubbell's home out back, as well as some old covered wagons, carts, and more. Definitely a worthwhile experience if you're in the area. read more

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The Hubble Trading Post is a worthwhile side-trip if you are in the area. However, be forewarned that the homestead tours are dependent on adequate staffing at the site. We reached the post just in time for the posted 2:30 PM tour, but were told by the NPS employee that she was the only staff present and could not leave her post in the Visitor's Center to give the tour. You cannot see inside the home unless you are on a tour. Only the trading post, which still operates, has regular hours. The Visitor's Center has interesting and educational displays, including a photographic art exhibit I enjoyed. read more

We stumbled onto this national monument on our way to many other, more well known and popular ones. We went into the trading post to say that we've been there and we're going to get back into the car and leave. The ranger, a Navaho, engaged us and asked if we wanted to tour Mr. Hubbell's house. We were pressed for time but said yes to be polite hoping to make a quick getaway. WHAT AN UNEXPECTED FIND!!! This tour was amazing and the best national park stop on our 2 week journey!!! We stayed far longer than we planned and only left because the park was closing for the night. The ranger was extremely knowledgable about every aspect of this park and others that we were planning to tour. We have been touring national parks for many years. This is now one of our favorite parks. read more

This place is an amazing historical stop. One of the oldest trading posts maintained as a working farm. The rangers are so interesting and you can take a tour! read more

Interesting historical landmark and worth the stop. Not only do you get a free tour of Hubbell's house but you also have the opportunity to shop for authentic locally made goods. read more

Hubbell Trading Post - Well preserved historical artifacts - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ganado, Arizona

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Pretty cool place if you're into historical landmarks. Has a large variety of Indian artwork and handmade items. You can learn a lot about the Navajo history from this place. read more

Remarkable historic southwestern site, steeped in late 19th-early 20th century history, beautifully preserved and maintained by the Navajo staff. The post is packed with collections of rugs, baskets, art, & weapons of the period, as well as current Navajo art and products. The trading post store is a beautiful set out of a movie, and really calls up the feeling of the original and the lives of the people who used it -- and its still in operation! The story of the Hubbell post and the traders who mediated between the Navajo and the larger world, and whose interaction and feedback helped create the worldwide interest in Navajo arts and crafts unfolds before your eyes here. Nice small museum also. Wonderful folks work here, and if it is open, the Hubbell house rooms provide a neat glimpse into a frontier life now vanished. read more

We stopped in yesterday on our way to Canyon de Chelly. It was a nice, quick stop and interesting to see a historic site in Arizona. I wouldn't come here specifically to visit, but worth a stop if in the area to see something else. read more

Great historical significant value. The staff were a bit standoffish. I had to ask if they do tours, even then the response was not too enthusiastic. The coolness of the place supersedes the staff, that's for sure. read more

Nice place to stop for a brief road break. The general store is interesting to see ... Made out of wood and a feeling from the old West. We picked up some ice cream here ... Commercial brand but helped to cool down after a long drive. read more