One of the most surprising and rewarding things to find when traveling is a hidden monument or piece of art in a place you otherwise wouldn’t expect. Maybe you’ll find an itty bitty chapel on the side of the road, a seasonal attraction inside a hotel, or a museum attached to a restaurant. It feels like a little secret, like something that can only be seen by people willing to put in the effort to explore the world around them. Today, we’re going to take a look at the Kayenta Burger King in Arizona, an unexpected place hiding a nice gem.

Kayenta is a town of about 5,500 residents on the Navajo Nation, just a few miles shy of the Utah border and the last Arizona town you’ll encounter before reaching Monument Valley.
kristin2xyz/Flickr
Our little secret is located inside this building which looks pretty normal so far.
BABAS76000/TripAdvisor
Walk inside and you’ll find a typical Burger King set up with seating, ordering area, and then...
Leslie Delehoy/Google
You'll spot this! It's not every day you find a small museum display inside a fast food restaurant which makes this one of the most unique Burger Kinds around.
DrunkPhotography.com/TripAdvisor

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If you are not familiar with Navajo Code Talkers, here is a little historical background.
Wikimedia Commons
The code talkers were part of an encrypted communications tactic in the military and were instrumental in transmitting coded messages through little-known languages. The Navajo Code Talkers get the most press but a number of other Indigenous tribes participated in these during the first and second World Wars, such as the Choctaw, Comanche, and Hopi.
The little set up was created by restaurant owner, Richard Mike, whose father was a Navajo Code Talker during World War II.
Melanie Wynne/Flickr
In an article published by the Arizona Republic, Mike did not know his father was a code talker until he came across a postcard while moving some things around decades after the war.
Wikimedia Commons
It took some time to get his father, King Mike, to be open to talking about his experiences but this eventually led Mike to display some of the items in the Burger King. This also became a touching tribute when his father passed away in 1996.
While the display seems to be a decent size, it only represents a fraction of the items King Mike brought back home with him after the war and is a larger collection than what you'll find in actual museums!
Melanie Wynne/Flickr
You’ll find a collection of photos, postcards, documents, books, helmets, and plenty of other items.
The best part is that the display is open to the public and is free to see and is the first Navajo Code Talker display in Arizona.
Melanie Wynne/Flickr
Of course, it helps if you purchase something while at the restaurant but it’s pretty cool that a museum exhibit exists in such an ordinary place.

You can find the Navajo Code Talker Display in Arizona inside the Kayenta Burger King, located near the junction of Highways 160 and 163. See this map for the location.

If you want to see another unconventional museum display, then you’ll want to our article, Here Are 6 Museums In Arizona That Are Just Too Weird For Words, for ideas of some places around the state to visit!

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More to Explore

Museums In Arizona

Melissa Mahoney | March 08, 2021

What are the best little known museums in Arizona?

There are many little-known museums in the Grand Canyon State, many of which have free admission. Did you know that our very own Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport has its own museum? You don’t even have to be heading out on a flight to visit and see the art and aviation exhibits. If you love art, head to the Northern Arizona University campus in Flagstaff to visit the NAU Art Museum and its collection of contemporary art. Learn more about these museums and others you may wish to visit in our previous article, 8 Little Known Museums In Arizona Where Admission Is Free.

What are the most unique museums in Arizona?

The Mini Time Machine located in Tucson is perhaps the most unique one in the state. It features a vast collection of dollhouses and room boxes with intricate scenes. In Phoenix, you can visit the world’s smallest museum that’s literally called The World’s Smallest Museum. The most notable aspect of this place is the roof which is made out of recycled cans. Inside you will find a treasure trove of vintage memorabilia and historical artifacts that may make you nostalgic for your childhood.

Are there any other must-see museums in Arizona?

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix is the largest of its kind in the world and a must for anyone who is visiting the area. Displaying over 15,000 instruments from all over the globe, learn about the history of each instrument and each country it originates from. If you can, get tickets to a show at the MIM’s concert hall. With its world-class acoustics and intimate setting, you won’t want to see a show anywhere else.

 

 

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