Fast-forward to 2008. Instead of reading about historical events, watching
documentaries on TV, or visiting museums, visitors to southwestern Colorado's
Mesa Verde Country® can experience history, hands-on - literally.
Mesa Verde County® is home to modern towns of the "real west" set amongst
the highest density of archaeological sites anywhere in the United States.
Spectacular mesa-top villages and multi-story 800-year-old cliff dwellings
perch precariously in the alcoves of rock walls.
Anasazi Heritage Center. The Bureau of Land Management's Anasazi Heritage
Center includes interpretive programs and exhibits on archaeology, history,
and Native American culture. The Center is also the headquarters for the Canyons
of the Ancients National Monument.
Mesa Verde National Park. Designated in 1907, Mesa Verde is the nation's
seventh-oldest park, the county's largest archaeological preserve, and the
sole park dedicated to the work of Humankind. The original inhabitants, the
Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi) built incredible cliff dwellings and lived on
the mesas for hundreds of years. Exploring - allowed with a park ranger -
can include 100-foot canyon descents, ladders, stairs, and tunnels.
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center. Whether you're 10 or 100, you can
participate in significant ongoing week-long excavations and education programs
at this internationally renowned non-profit research and education center.
The center offers week-long educational and supervised dig programs throughout
the year for adults, teens, families, and school groups.
Cortez Cultural Center. A center for preservation of the living culture
of the southwest, the center hosts free performances and programs by Native
American dancers, storytellers, musicians, and artists.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. One of America's newest
National Monuments, there are more than 100 archaeological sites per square
mile. Several sites including Lowry Pueblo, Sand Canyon, and Painted Hand
Pueblo are open for your exploration.
Trail of the Ancients. The 114-mile National Scenic Byway traces the
intriguing occupation of the area by Native Americans. The Mesa Verde Country®
trip planner outlines specific recommendations for a day-long drive or a seven-day
vacation.
http://www.mesaverdecountry.com/tourism/daytrips/daytriptable.html.
Mancos Valley Stage Line. Experience more recent "old west" history
with a ride on an authentic stagecoach. Enjoy cowboy chow on a lunch or dinner
ride and learn the role the stagecoach played in the settlement of the west.
For information on these and other family-friendly Mesa Verde Country®
destinations and events, call 800-530-2998 or visit www.mesaverdecountry.com.
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