National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Mesa Verde National ParkFour O'Clocks
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Mesa Verde National Park
Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum Entrance

NPS PHOTO

Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum

Hours
Open All Year 
January to early April, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Early April to early October, 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
October to late December, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm


Location
The museum is located on Chapin Mesa, 20 miles from the park entrance.

 

Exhibits
The museum displays dioramas illustrating Ancestral Puebloan life. There are also many exhibits of prehistoric artifacts, a chronology of Ancestral Puebloan culture, and other items related to the park.


Special Programs
25-minute orientation film is shown on the hour and half-hour.  This film offers an excellent overview of the history of Mesa Verde. 
Free self-guided tours of Spruce Tree House in the spring, summer, and fall.
Free ranger-guided tour of Spruce Tree House in winter, three times daily.


Available Facilities
Bookstore, water, restrooms, snack bar, gift shop, and post office are located near the museum.

A view from Park Point overlook  

Did You Know?
Park Point, the highest elevation in the park (8427 ft/2569 m), has a 360 degree panoramic view that is considered one of the grandest in the country.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:23 EST