The Manitou Cliff Dwellings is an archaeological and natural history preserve.
We've gathered and protected historical artifacts to enhance the centerpiece of our site,
the awe-inspiring Anasazi cliff dwellings.
THE CLIFF DWELLINGS
These
authentic cliff dwellings were first opened to the public in 1906. Since then we
have taken great care to preserve them so that generations of visitors can travel through
time to experience a great American society now long gone. When you visit us in person,
there will be no need to hurry as you follow the self-guided tour and explore each room of
these carefully preserved structures. As you do, we invite you to imagine what it was like
to live over seven hundred years ago in a structure like this. You can even have your
picture taken in front of a building that's a lot older than your Grandfather!
THE PUEBLO
Below the Cliff Dwellings is a three-story Pueblo-style
building which houses the Museum and
Gift Shop. We built the Pueblo so
visitors could see and appreciate the building style of some of the descendants of the
Anasazi. We faithfully copied the architecture of the Pueblo Indians, many of whom still
live in structures like these in the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico. Some structures,
like the five-story building at the Taos Pueblo and the Acoma Pueblo, west of Albuquerque,
have been continuously occupied for over 1,000 years. Of course, our Pueblo is not quite
that old! The first six rooms of the Pueblo were built in 1898. It has been expanded three
times since then. Until 1984 it was occupied by Native Americans.
INDIAN DANCING
When you visit from June through August, you can enjoy the
color, ceremony and magic of the traditional dances of some of our Native American
friends. Most of them are a lot younger than the Anasazi, but they do go way back! Seeing
their elaborate and ornate costumes, learning about the origins of the dances and
watching them perform, you will get a sense of their rich culture, a part our nation's
diverse fabric. Click here to learn more about the
Indian Dancers.
EDUCATION
A single visit to the Cliff Dwellings can be a fulfilling
educational experience. In addition, we offer special interactive school tours.
For the student in the family who needs information about the Anasazi or other Native
Americans, there are high-quality educational materials
in our Gift Shop.
Continue with us on this virtual journey
into history, and you'll find pictures and information about the Anasazi and the Cliff
Dwellings.
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