Learn about the Center’s own native pueblo and other regional native people as you explore the Anasazi Heritage Center inside and out. Inside permanent and special exhibits explore archaeology, local history and Native American cultures. Outside are two archaeological sites from the 12th century including the Escalante and Dominguez Pueblos, once home to Ancient Pueblo peoples. The historic site also houses to the Museum Shop, carrying items related to the Anasazi Heritage Center.
Inside the Anasazi Heritage Center
Inside the Anasazi Heritage Center you will find hands-on and interactive exhibits as well as artifacts on display from the Center’s collection of over three million objects. Start your time in the Center with The Cultural Heritage of the Great Sage Plain or Visit With Respect, two short films that explore Four Corners history through the eyes of archaeologists and Native Americans. Learn more about the archaeology and prehistory of the Four Corners as you weave on a Pueblo-style loom; grind corn into meal using stone tools like the mano and metate; examine pottery, stone, bone and plant samples under microscopes to learn about microanalysis in archaeology; touch real Anasazi tools excavated by archeologists like bone drills, stone points and pottery; discover the age of a wood sample by matching it to a tree-ring chart like archaeologists use; and experience how the early peoples lived as you step inside the history museum’s replica pithouse. In the corridor, River of Sorrows recalls the last century of history in the Dolores River Valley. Be sure to stop by the Special Exhibits Gallery, featuring topics of regional history and other Native American cultures.
Anasazi Heritage Center Gardens and Grounds
Outside the Anasazi Heritage Center enjoy gorgeous gardens and grounds. Occupying around 100 acres, the Center’s gardens and grounds are dotted with mature trees and shrubs. Gardens have been designed to blend with the landscape and offer views of the Four Corners and Sleeping Ute Mountain. Wander the paved walkways or relax on an inviting bench as you enjoy the careful stonework, natural meadows, planted flower beds and wild original forest cover.
Dominguez and Escalante Pueblos
Don’t miss Dominguez and Escalante Pueblos founded by Spanish friars who explored the area in 1776. Escalante Pueblo is a compact village from the mid-1100s and reflects the Chaco culture that was centered in Northwest New Mexico. Anasazi Heritage Center’s Dominguez Pueblo is a four-room structure, thought to be the home of one or two families during the days of the Ancestral Pueblo peoples.
Stop by the Museum Shop, operated by Canyonlands Natural History Association. Posters, replicas, videos and music as well as children’s literature and books on specialized topics such as Native American philosophy, crafts, archaeology, Southwest history, cookbooks and nature are available to purchase.
Travel Tip
- The Anasazi Heritage Center is ADA complaint.