Palm Springs / Rancho Mirage / Cathedral City

Palm Springs, a vibrant desert oasis nestled in the Coachella Valley, boasts a rich and fascinating history deeply intertwined with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. For countless generations, this resilient tribe has called the Palm Springs area home, their ancestral connection to the land predating recorded history. The very name "Agua Caliente," meaning "hot water" in Spanish, speaks to the naturally occurring hot mineral springs that have been central to the tribe's cultural and spiritual life, used for healing and as a connection to their sacred traditions. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians are the original inhabitants and largest landowners in Palm Springs, their reservation forming a unique checkerboard pattern of ownership throughout the city and surrounding areas.

Today, the legacy of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is vibrantly present through their cultural institutions and economic endeavors. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in downtown Palm Springs offers a compelling journey through the tribe's history, traditions, and contemporary life. Furthermore, the tribe has significantly shaped the region's hospitality and entertainment landscape through the Agua Caliente Casinos. With locations in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Cathedral City, these casinos offer a wide array of gaming, dining, and entertainment options, contributing significantly to the local economy while allowing the tribe to continue to thrive and exercise their sovereignty in the modern era. Their presence serves as a constant reminder of the deep historical roots and enduring spirit of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in the Palm Springs area.