California State Indian Museum, Native American cultural museum in Midtown Sacramento, United States

The California State Indian Museum stands at 2618 K Street in Midtown Sacramento, beside Sutter's Fort. Its exhibits follow three themes, Nature, Spirit and Family, and hold baskets including some of the smallest in the world, a redwood dugout canoe, ceremonial regalia, beadwork and hunting and fishing tools, some more than 2,400 years old.

The museum was founded in 1940 to preserve traditional objects from various California indigenous tribes and make them accessible to the public. It became an important repository for documenting the material culture of these communities.

The museum's name comes from the California Native peoples it interprets, and its exhibits are organised around three themes: Nature, Spirit and Family. A hands-on area lets visitors try tools such as the pump drill used to bore shell beads and the mortar and pestle used to grind acorns. Since 1978 the museum has hosted the Gathering of Honored Elders, and a wall of photographs honours California elders.

The museum sits next to the historic Sutter's Fort and is easily reached on foot. Visitors should allow about two to three hours for a thorough visit and wear comfortable shoes to explore the galleries at a relaxed pace.

The museum holds photographs donated by indigenous families that capture personal moments from earlier generations. These images connect the past directly with today's visitors and offer an intimate window into community life.