The Seneca Nation of Indians was once the largest of the Iroquois member nations. Settling in current day New York state and Southern Ontario, the Seneca Indians were composed of eight clans and became known as the Keepers of the Western Door.
Anyone attempting to obtain access to the Iroquois Confederacy had to go through the Senecas or the Mohawks, Keepers of the Eastern Door, first. Under expert leadership, the Senecas continued to grow. Today, they have almost 8,000 members spread across five reservations. In fact, they even control the only city in existence that can be found contained within a reservation.
The Seneca Nation of Indians also own several casinos, including the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino and the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum. The Resort and Casino boasts beautiful rooms, wonderful restaurants, a spa and more while the museum boasts an educational classroom, thousands of artifacts, a 400-seat amphitheater and more. Visitors may walk from the casino to the new center with plenty of plans for offering hotel guests educational programs and events at the center.
Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino
This peaceful, upscale oasis is the perfect respite from your busy lifestyle. Pamper yourself in their state-of-the-art spa or work on your fitness in their workout facility. In the spa you will find a variety of services offered from Swedish massages to body wraps and facials. The current Fall specials are a Spiced Cider Pumpkin Spa Pedicure and a Pumpkin Latte Body Treatment. Still looking for more ways to relax and enjoy your stay? Visit the indoor pool or take a dip in the whirlpool.
When you’ve finished unwinding, take time to visit the casino! There are more than 1,600 slots and more than 30 table games; here, comfort and privacy are key. The slot bases are larger than most and include a foot rest and larger chairs while the table games have wider chairs and more space in between them.
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- Cattaraugus County offers gaming, outdoor fun, great dining -
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at one of the six onsite restaurants. You will find anything and everything from casual fare to fine dining. Sink your teeth into a steak at The Western Door Steakhouse or pick up something quick to eat at Seneca Cafe Express. Don’t be shy – try the Italian Patria Restaurant with an extensive and deliicous menu. Also at the hotel, the Western Door Steakhouse offered a perfectly cooked steak with some of the best service anywhere.
For more information about the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino, visit senecaalleganycasino.com.
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Seneca-Iroquois National Museum
Surrounded by indigenous Buffalo Grass, the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum has spared no attention to detail. Housed for years at a small building downtown, they moved to their new space within the Onohsagwe:de' (meaning "Open Door") Cultural Center just a few weeks ago. Just a short walk away, connected by a pathway from the casino, this 34,000 square-foot museum is bursting with artifacts and information about the Seneca Nation of Indians. During our tour, our auras were cleansed and our chakras were opened up; the spirit of the Seneca Indians is undeniable. We also witnessed traditional dances that were meant to lift the spirits. Dancers are always available upon request for a fee.
The new auditorium seats 600 and the upcoming calendar calls for educational programs, including Native lectures, cultural presentations, plays for children, even concerts. The gift shop has been expanded, and now offers online ordering of exclusive native-made and -inspired art and other keepsakes.
Outdoors, a large open air theater is still under construction along with a garden. The Longhouse beside the museum is the first Seneca Longhouse raised since 1820 – huge wooden structures that served as homes and gathering places for centuries. The Longhouse offers a large outdoor space for educational, cultural and entertainment events.
For more information about the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum, visit senecamuseum.org.
