Children's Museums

Museum of the American Indian

Name: Museum of the American Indian
Address: 2200 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947, Novato, CA, US
Telephone: (415) 897-4064
Rating: 4.5

★★★★☆ 4.5 (91 reviews)

📍 2200 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947

📞 (415) 897-4064

🌐 www.marinindian.com

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	11:30 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday	11:30 AM–4:30 PM
Friday	11:30 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday	11:30 AM–4:30 PM
Sunday	11:30 AM–4:30 PM

⭐ Want to stand out? Get featured ⭐

About Museum of the American Indian

Museum of the American Indian is a children's museum in Novato, CA. Offers hands-on skills classes including traditional flintknapping and cordage making, taught by Native artisans and Elders as part of TEK-inspired (Traditional Ecological Knowledge) arts and science labs. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 91 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Natural History Museum
Focus: Indigenous Peoples of the Americas
Best For: All ages
Highlights: Summer camp, cultural workshops, hands-on TEK-inspired programs, artisan demonstrations
Summer Camp Cost: $375 per camper (ages 6-12)

💡 Did You Know?

⭐Offers hands-on skills classes including traditional flintknapping and cordage making, taught by Native artisans and Elders as part of TEK-inspired (Traditional Ecological Knowledge) arts and science labs
⭐Features a recreated Native American village outside the building, providing visitors with experiential understanding of indigenous settlement and lifestyle
⭐Camp Pathfinder summer camp (June 2026) is intentionally limited to 15 students per age group per session to maintain quality instruction and personalized learning experiences
🏛️Located in a park on historically Native American land in Novato, with direct connection to the nearby Miwok Archeological Preserve where skills classes are also offered
⭐Maintains rotating collections and hosts year-round cultural events including FARE Workshop on Native Plants, Aay-Ko Indigenous Nature-Based Playgroup, and lectures led by Native educators

💬 What Visitors Say

💬Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring both floors: the upstairs gallery features contemporary Native American art (where photography is allowed), while the first floor has exhibits and models with a no-photography policy. Also visit the recreated village outside the building for a complete experience.
💡Docent-led tours provide rich historical context about the Native Americans who originally inhabited this Novato park location. Ask for a guided tour upon arrival to enhance your educational experience and learn background stories not evident from exhibits alone.
💬Register for Camp Pathfinder summer camp by May 1st to receive a $25 discount. Space is limited to 15 students per age group per session, and an installment plan is available to help manage costs for this popular program.
💡Participate in hands-on skills classes like cordage making and flintknapping, or join the Aay-Ko Indigenous Nature-Based Playgroup and TEK-inspired arts and science labs. These interactive experiences with Native artisans and Elders offer deeper engagement than exhibits alone.
💡Check the museum's calendar for special cultural events throughout the year, including the FARE Workshop on Native Plants and Miwok Archeological Preserve skills classes. These rotating programs provide fresh experiences and deeper learning opportunities beyond permanent exhibits.