Anasazi Heritage Center: Archaeology in Southwest Colorado

Anasazi Heritage Center Museum
in Mesa Verde Country^®

The Anasazi Heritage Center is a federal museum, research center, and curation facility that introduces visitors to Four Corners prehistory. Approximately three million records, samples, and artifacts from public lands throughout southwestern Colorado form the Center's holdings. The Heritage Center is also the visitor center for the new Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Please Touch the Exhibits!! Exhibits in the museum encourage visitor interaction with computers, microscopes, corn grinding implements, a loom and other weaving materials, and "touch me" drawers.

A holographic image, orientation film, archaeological test trench profile, partially reconstructed full-size pithouse, and permanent artifact exhibits round out the Center's offerings. Special exhibits, guest speakers, a library and bookstore examine broader aspects of life in the Four Corners.

Adjacent to the Center are the 12th century archaeological sites named after the Spanish Franciscan friars who were the first to record prehistoric sites in Colorado. The Dominguez site is located right outside the Museum building and consists of four rooms with low stone walls--all that remains of the structure constructed around A.D. 1123.

Escalante Pueblo, located a half-mile walk up the hill from the Museum, experienced three periods of habitation. The main complex constructed in A.D. 1129 was a Chacoan outlier, part of the vast trading network with the people at Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. After a short abandonment the pueblo was reoccupied about A.D. 1150. A final occupation of very short duration occurred sometime around A.D. 1200. Two kivas were part of the Pueblo, but only one has been excavated. Escalante Pueblo offers a panoramic view of the Four Corners Area. The trail to Escalante also provides an opportunity to learn about native plants. A guidebook is available at the base of the trail.

VISITING the HERITAGE CENTER

The Heritage Center is located on State Highway 184, three miles from Dolores, CO. The Center is open year-round except for New Year's, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. An admission fee is charged. In order to view all the exhibits and take the hike to Escalante, plan to spend at least a half day at the Center. Restrooms and water are available. Restaurants are available in nearby communities. You may want to combine your visit with a half-day trip to Lowry Pueblo for a full day of archaeological activities. The Museum and the trail to Escalante Pueblo are handicapped accessible.

If you prefer, you may visit the Anasazi Heritage Center's website which also has a list of current and future exhibits and events.

· HOME · SITE MAP · REQUEST TRAVEL GUIDE · SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTER ·

Photo Credits #13