FORT MCDOWELL YAVAPAI NATION​

Where Culture, Sovereignty and Spirit Shape Every Experience

Welcome to Fort McDowell — not just a destination, but the homeland of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Here in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, culture and commerce come together under wide desert skies, creating unforgettable experiences for visitors while preserving and honoring the land, legacy, and strength of the Yavapai people.

Learn More About Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation

ABOUT FORT MCDOWELL

A LAND WORTH PROTECTING

Set just 23 miles northeast of Phoenix, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation resides on a 24,000-acre stretch of land marked by rugged mountains, peaceful desert, and the flowing Verde River. This land has always been home to the Abaaja (Yavapai), one of the remaining distinct bands of the Yavapai people indigenous to Central Arizona.

A HISTORY OF RESILIENCE

Centuries ago, Spanish explorers first encountered the Yavapai. Later, European settlers mistakenly grouped them with the Apache and branded them adversaries. The result: forced removal and 25 years of imprisonment at the San Carlos Reservation. But the Yavapai people endured.

In 1903, an executive order by President Theodore Roosevelt established the Fort McDowell Mohave-Apache Indian Reservation. Despite attempts to relocate them again—this time for irrigation development—tribal leaders and advocates like Dr. Carlos Montezuma fought to protect their land and identity.

From the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 to the fight for Arizona Indian voting rights in 1948, from defeating a proposed dam in 1981 to the historic 1992 Stand for Sovereignty, the Yavapai have continually defended their home and autonomy with pride.

A THRIVING SOVEREIGN NATION

Today, Fort McDowell is a shining example of tribal self-determination, operating a diverse set of enterprises that fuel the economy, support its people, and welcome visitors from around the world.

These include:

  • We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort: AAA Four Diamond luxury resort with Vegas-style gaming, dining, and award-winning amenities.
  • We-Ko-Pa Golf Club: Arizona’s ultimate desert golf experience with two acclaimed courses.
  • Fort McDowell Adventures: Desert activities from horseback rides and cattle drives to authentic cookouts.
  • Eagle View RV Resort: Premium hookups and amenities, steps from the Verde River.
  • Fort McDowell Tribal Farm: A legacy of sustainability and food sovereignty.
  • Fort McDowell Chevron Baja Station: A modern, full-service travel stop for guests on the go.

MORE THAN A DESTINATION

When you visit Fort McDowell, you’re not just checking in — you’re stepping into a story. One written over generations, forged through perseverance, and told with pride.

Explore the Destination. Discover the Legacy.