Mention archaeology and you conjure up visions of lost cities,
ancient cultures, and Indiana Jones. Mention archaeology in southwestern Colorado
and you'll find yourself stepping—and maybe digging—into history dating
back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
- Mesa Verde National Park - Selected by National Geographic Traveler
as one of "50 Places to Visit in a Lifetime," Mesa Verde National Park is
one of America's greatest archaeological treasures. In addition to the popular
ranger-led tours of Cliff Palace and Balcony House, visitors may explore the
park at their own pace, with self-guided tours of Spruce Tree House, Cedar
Tree Tower, Far View Sites, and others. The park is open year-round, although
access to some sites is limited during the winter.
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument - In a region known for
its archaeological wonders, the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
has more than 100 archaeological sites per square mile - many of them as yet
unexplored. The Anasazi Heritage Center houses the monument's visitor center,
research facilities, and hands-on exhibits.
- Crow Canyon Archaeological Center - One of the premier research facilities
in the United States, archaeologists at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center,
near Cortez, excavate and preserve southwestern Ancestral Puebloan sites.
If observing isn't enough, you may join a week-long dig. The Center offers
supervised dig programs for adults, teens, families, and school groups. During
the summer, visitors also may tour the research lab and an excavation site,
as well as participate in hands-on activities to learn about this amazing
culture.
- Cortez Cultural Center - A regional center for living culture, the
center hosts performances by Native American dancers and artists. The center's
facilities include a small museum of Ancestral Puebloan and early pioneer
history, and the Hawkins Preserve, a local archaeological site dedicated to
the preservation of native plant and animal life.
- Indian Arts & Culture Festival - Each May, this festival
celebrates Native American heritage, and the archeological and historical
significance of the region. The county wide event features music, food, events,
and demonstrations, a juried Indian art market and rug auction, and special
tours of otherwise-restricted archaeological sites.
- Mesa Verde Country® Wine and Art Festival - In August, enthusiasts
gather together in Cortez for two days of wine, music, and art. The event
begins on Friday evening with the Winemakers' Dinners at several local restaurants,
including one of Colorado's top ten restaurants, the Metate Room in Mesa Verde
National Park. On Saturday, Cortez City Park turns into the tasting venue
and marketplace for wines from Colorado's top wineries, as well as music,
food from local restaurants, and exhibitions of art by local artists.
For more information about cultural heritage destinations and activities in Colorado's Mesa
Verde Country® , including lodgings and dates of special
events, call 1-800-530-2998 or visit online at www.mesaverdecountry.com.
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