Yavapai-Prescott Indian Reservation is north of and adjacent to the City of Prescott. Today, there are 147 enrolled tribal members of whom approximately 115 live on the
reservation. The 1,395-acre reservation is the same elevation as
Prescott.
From prehistoric times, the Yavapai lived as hunters and gatherers
practicing occasional agriculture on over 9 million acres of central
and western Arizona. The three primary groups of Yavapai maintained
good relationships with each other and are now located at
Ft. McDowell, Camp Verde and Prescott. The Yavapai are known for
weaving excellent baskets, which are displayed in many museums.
A Yavapai Indian Culture Center is planned to preserve the culture
of the Yavapai Tribe.
In an effort to ensure economic security and jobs for its members,
the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe has developed a portion of its reservation.
The Prescott Resort and Conference Center is a 162-room
resort with gaming. Across from the entrance to the hotel are additional
gaming facilities, a smoke shop, service station, convenience
market and regional shopping center anchored by Wal-Mart and
Target retail stores.
The tribe also has an industrial park, with 17 lots for lease. The lots
are serviced by electricity, gas, sewer and water on the site. They
will accommodate buildings ranging in size from 5,000 square feet
to 50,000 square feet.
Several hundred acres on the reservation has been closed to development
to maintain its natural beauty. The reservation is a beautiful
site from which to enjoy the attractions of Prescott.
Sharlot Hall Museum and the Smoky Museum in Prescott contain an
array of pioneer and Indian artifacts which provide the flavor of the
Old West and aspects of Southwest Indian culture.
Scenic drives include the Senator Highway and the Prescott
National Forest, which covers more than 1.2 million acres. In the
area are numerous lakes such as Lynx, Willow, Granite Basin,
Watson and Goldwater. Hiking, fishing, bird-watching and hunting
are popular activities. The tribe hosts an annual Intertribal powwow in June.