If the idea of a national park visit speaks to your soul, then you must visit Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.
The park features more than 5,000 archeological sites of ancient Native American dwellings, beautiful walking trails and breathtaking views.
Within this historic park lies Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center which is a great place to start your tour.
The Visitor Center offers a wealth of information and exhibitions that document the park’s unique history, geology and wildlife.
Since it was built in 2013, it has functioned as the park’s primary facility for tourists and visitors.
Here we present everything you need to know when visiting Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center.
Where is Mesa Verde Visitor Center located?
Mesa Verde Visitor Center is located in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado just by the park entrance.
To get there from Cortez or Mancos, take US Highway 160 to the park entrance.
One of the most remarkable things you will notice on approaching Mesa Verde Visitors Center is the breathtaking view of the park’s sprawling terrain.
You will be able to see the tour routes, the park’s recognizable cliff dwellings, and the magnificent Mesa Verde plateau.
After taking in the view of the park and surrounding area, it is time to head into the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center.
What’s offered at Mesa Verde Visitor Center?
The Mesa Verde National Park Visitor Center features a variety of exhibits and displays that provide an overview of this unique area, including its history, geology and wildlife.
The lobby is spacious and well-organized with a clean and modern look complete with well-lit displays of the park’s history.
The staff here are warm, professional, and knowledgeable about all things Mesa Verde.
They will provide you with maps, tickets, schedules of events, and any other information related to your visit.
Exhibits at Mesa Verde Visitor Center
Most visitors agree that Museum Gallery is one of the most fascinating exhibits in the Visitor Center.
It showcases the area’s history, and how ancient Pueblo people built their famous towering stone structures.
In the museum collection, you will find great displays highlighting various archeological artifacts and rare photographs of the park’s unique architecture that dates back to a thousand years ago.
There is an animated display showing the layout of the landscape and elaborate 3D models that depict how the structures must have looked at the time.
You can also see exhibits about the iconic dwellings such as Cliff Palace and Balcony House.
You can take your time to explore this section because it is truly awe-inspiring.
If you have kids in tow, stop by Discovery Area, a whimsical place where young ones can explore and touch objects that capture their imagination and learn more about the park’s history in an engaging way.
The Discovery Area offers a variety of activities that range from playing games, art projects and engaging story-telling about the life of the ancient people that inhabited the park.
Kids can also get their Junior Ranger book and badges at the center.
Sculpture at Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center
Just outside the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, you will find a beautiful sculpture called ‘The Ancient Ones’.
The cliff climber monument is created by American artist Edward J. Fraughton and was installed in 2013, when the visitor center was completed and opened to public.
It is twenty feet high and is an amazing work of art.
The sculpture depicts an ancestral Pueblo Indian climbing the steep sandstone cliff with a basketful of firewood.
Exploring Mesa Verde National Park
After checking out the exhibits, you can round out your Mesa Verde Visitors Center experience with a scenic drive through the park.
There are many hiking trails in Mesa Verde that present you with different bird-eye views of the park’s serene landscape.
Whether on foot or by car, you have near-immediate access to a variety of tour sites around the park.
The rangers at the center can even help you plan which routes to take to optimize your day trip, especially if you are coming with family or a group of friends.
Also Read: 17 Best Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is a true treasure and a great place to begin exploring the National Park.
You’ll find that there is so much to do and you will not want to miss a thing.
Spend your day learning about the history and culture of the park, hiking the many trails that lead to cliff dwellings or taking a guided tour in the park.
Visit sites such as Far View Visitor Center and the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum to see more exhibits and learn about the ancestral Pueblo culture.
It is a great way to make some beautiful memories and a fantastic way to get in touch with some of the country’s fascinating ancient history.
At the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, you’ll find more than enough to keep you occupied for an entire day so don’t miss out!