| Manitou Cliff Dwellings Near Colorado Springs, Colorado | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings date back in history to 1100 AD. The Dwellings have been well preserved under a protective overhang of red sandstone and are a must-see for buffs of ancient culture and history. The Dwellings, which were built over 700 years ago, include a ceremonial kiva and over 40 rooms. Visitors are welcome to explore the magnificent archaeological wonder, which allow a hands-on experience. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings were home to the Anasazi Native Americans that roamed the area from 1200 BC to 1300 AD. History The Manitou Cliff Dwellings is a history preserve that is an archaeological treasure. The Cliff Dwellings first opened to the public in 1906. Since that time, thousands of visitors have experienced the fascinating structures.
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are home to petroglyphs and pictographs that appear on the rock walls in the area. The stories of the petroglyphs are fascinating and mysterious and a must-see for all visitors. The Pueblo A three-story Pueblo stands below the Cliff Dwellings. The museum and gift shop is located in the building. The architecture of the Pueblo copies that used by the Pueblo Indians of bygone days. These structures are still used as living quarters today by the Pueblo Indians that inhabit New Mexico’s Rio Grande Valley. In 1898, the first six rooms of the Pueblo were constructed. Three expansions have been built since that time. Native Americans occupied the Pueblo until 1984. Museum Tour the Anasazi Museum inside the Pueblo and view dioramas that depict the daily lives of the Anasazi people. Exhibits of pottery, tools and weapons are displayed. Take time to watch the videos that offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of this ancient people that left the remarkable legacy of the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. The Museum was founded in 1904 and opened to the public two years later. Since that time, the Museum has been greatly improved to preserve Anasazi culture. Gift Shop The gift shop is stocked with items for a unique shopping experience. Purchase books or videos on the culture and history of the Anasazi. Take home handcrafted Native jewelry, Anasazi artifacts, blankets, crafts, pottery and rugs. If desired, gifts can be purchased and shipped from the gift shop. The staff will be more than happy to pack your item and have it shipped via UPS to its destination. Native Dancing To enjoy ceremony, color and magic of the ancient Anasazi culture, visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings between June and August. These are the months when you will enjoy traditional Native dancing. Native dancers have performed for visitors since 1906, when the Cliff Dwellings opened to the public. Since 1916, members of the Tafoya family have performed original Native dancers. The Tafoya’s continue to keep ancient Native traditions alive with dancing, drumming and singing. The hoop and eagle dances that they perform, originated with the family’s ancestors who originally resided in the Cliff Dwellings. The dancers see their performances as both educational and entertaining. Tours of the Manitou Cliff Dwellings are self-guided. Take note that in order to explore the interior of the structure, you must climb ladders and stairs. There is no handicap access to the Cliff Dwellings. Getting To The Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Manitou Cliff Dwellings are located about 5 miles west of Colorado Springs in Manitou Springs, Colorado. You'll discover this ancient Native American site just of US Highway 24. 1. Traveling To Colorado Springs On I25. 2. Traveling Westbound On US 24. 3. Traveling Eastbound On US 24. Helpful Information. Manitou Cliff Dwellings Website
Gallery Photo Credits: Visitors often use misspellings and abbreviations including CO Springs, Colo Sp, |
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As you explore the rooms of the Cliff Dwellings, you have the feeling that you have stepped back in time to the life of the Anasazi people who lived here. Archaeologists and scientists have never determined why the Ancient Ones left the Cliff Dwellings and stone pueblo, but believe they were either forced out by other Native Americans or left because a famine left them without a source of food.
