The Colorado River creates a vibrant backdrop on tribal lands south of Parker downriver to I-10.
Located south of the Parker Strip along the Colorado River, the lands of the Colorado River Indian Tribes feature 90 miles of water access. The Mohave and Chemehuevi people were indigenous to the area that became Arizona. Some Hopi and Navajo families were relocated to this area. The blending of the four cultures created a rich cultural tapestry on display today at tribal enterprises.
CRIT Museum
The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Museum is located in a shopping center east of Parker on Highway 95. At the oldest established tribal museum in Arizona, visitors see a collection of historic and modern Navajo rugs and silver-and-turquoise jewelry, Hopi beaded jewelry and Kachina dolls, Chemehuevi burden baskets and Mohave pottery. Visitors will often meet members of the tribe on-site making traditional arts and crafts. The gift shop also sells beads for guests to make their own jewelry. An unexpected exhibit at the museum chronicles the internment camp in nearby Poston, where nearly 20,000 Japanese-Americans were held for 3 years during WWII.
BlueWater Resort & Casino
From Highway 95 east of Parker, visitors see the BlueWater Casino sign but no evidence of the casino itself. The casino is a short drive away, notched below in a canyon along the Colorado River. The sprawling casino and resort hugs the riverbank and has a decidedly family-friendly vibe. Along with slots and table games for adults, the resort has an indoor waterpark plus an outdoor beach. The resort and amenities take advantage of the natural surroundings with an outdoor amphitheater and marina, plus all rooms are positioned to capture river views.
Ahakhav Tribal Preserve
As is the case along the entire stretch of Arizona’s West Coast, the water is the biggest visitor draw. In this community park, the Colorado River Indian Tribes invite visitors to explore restored marshlands and go fishing in kayaks and canoes. A fitness trail winds 5 miles through the Ahakhav Tribal Preserve, and a large playground with multiple ramadas make this a perfect outdoor spot for family picnics. The tribal community actively fosters this revegetation area for native plants and animals of the Lower Colorado River Basin, where visitors can walk among mesquite groves and relax under the shade of cottonwood and willow trees.
For More Information
Tribal Government
26600 Mohave Rd.
Parker, AZ 85344 (928) 669-9211
