Dolores: Anasazi Heritage Center

Since the Cortez Cultural Center did not take up too much of our time, we decided to add the Anasazi Heritage Center to our afternoon outing … about 10 miles away.

Located on the outskirts of Dolores, the center bills itself as Southwest Colorado’s premier archaeological museum, focusing on “… Ancestral Puebloan, Native American, and historic cultures in the Four Corners region.” Operated by the Bureau of Land Management, the facility also serves as the visitor center for the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

The rain let up just long enough for us to walk from our car to the building. And then the skies let loose again. No matter. There were two videos to keep us entertained, as well as a museum filled with interesting artifacts, and a special exhibit entitled “Sand, Stone, and Song … Ancient Lessons from a Living Landscape.”

Definitely a “not-to-be missed” place to visit for anyone traveling in the region. In fact, we walked out of the center/visitor center discussing plans for a return visit to this part of the southwest as there is no way we’ll get to do on this road trip everything that has now captured our interest.

The rain that accompanied us continued to fall throughout the evening and is still pitter-pattering as I wrap up today’s three-part story. If the local weather forecast is to be believed, there will be more of the same tomorrow.

We are having to rethink some of our plans due to news reports of flooding and road closures. But we still have time before we have to solidify any jiggles. In the meantime, we’re looking forward to clearing weather starting on Friday 🤞🏻.Read more