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Explore the Duncan site in Rio Grande National Forest, near Great Sand Dunes.
NPS
Saturday July 19th 2025
10 am to 3:30 pm
RSVP Required - Space Limited
Family Archeology Day at Duncan Townsite
Join professional archaeologists from the Rio Grande National Forest and learn about the amazing cultural history of your local public lands! Explore the lives of the early settlers of the valley and learn how real archaeologists research and document historical sites.
RSVP today, space limited.
Date and time: July 19, 2025, 10:00 am—3:30 pm
Restrictions: Ages 8 and up only, 4WD high clearance vehicle required, ability to explore rugged off-train terrain necessary
Meeting place: Near Crestone, RSVP for specific location
Cost: Free!
Things to bring: Water, sunscreen, packed lunch, close toed shoes
For more information or to RSVP: Contact us by email or call 719-378-6347
Terrance Beasley reenacts the courageous Buffalo Soldiers throughout Colorado.
Courtesy Terrance Beasley
Friday, August 1, 2025
11:00 am
Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center
There will also be a similar presentation at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 2, at Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center, located 30 miles southeast of Great Sand Dunes.
Living History: The Life of a Buffalo Soldier
Buffalo Soldiers patrolled the Great Sand Dunes region from 1876-1879, courageously working to protect both settlers and tribes during a volatile era. Though these segregated Black units faced prejudice from many, Buffalo Soldiers served their country with honor and bravery, and were awarded more Medals of Honor than any other American military unit during that era. Retired US Army Medical Service Corps Officer Terrance Beasley will give a multimedia presentation about the Buffalo Soldiers in the Visitor Center at 11am, followed by an informal time of Q&A and interacting with a tent and other equipment that Buffalo Soldiers would have used in the San Luis Valley. The presentation is free, but regular park entrance fees are in effect.
On Saturday, August 2, Terrance will give a similar presentation at Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center, 30 miles southeast of Great Sand Dunes in Fort Garland.
About Terrance Beasley: While serving honorably in the active military, Terrance became inspired to carry on the legacy of the valiant frontier military (which included at least one woman documented to have served) known as the Buffalo Soldiers, in which he has had an avid interest since childhood. The Buffalo Soldiers played a pivotal role in shaping the American West, yet the history of these courageous soldiers is unknown to many. Terrance has made it his mission to keep the memory of the Buffalo Soldiers alive by raising awareness of their treasured history among various groups and audiences.
A ranger leads kids in hopping across the sand like kangaroo rats at Junior Ranger Day.
NPS
Saturday, August 2, 2025
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Dunes Parking Area
Junior Ranger Day
Join us for Junior Ranger Day! Park at the Dunes Parking Area and follow signs to the registration table to get started. There will be various stations where kids can interactively learn about the dunes, artifacts, fossils, and wildlife, and earn prizes upon completion. Stop by anytime between 9am and 1pm to participate!
This special annual event is sponsored by Friends of the Dunes, a non-profit citizen’s support group for Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. In cooperation with the National Park Service, the Friends provide a forum for citizen involvement in planning decisions, focus public interest on issues and need, and provide volunteer and financial aid for projects beyond the scope of the park’s budget. Learn more: http://www.friendsofgreatsanddunes.org/
Last year Semillas de la Tierra dancers were part of the Hispanic Heritage event. Presenters are yet to be determined for 2025.
NPS/Patrick Myers
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Late Afternoon/Evening - Times To Be Determined
Learn about and celebrate Hispanic heritage of the San Luis Valley to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month! All events this day are free, but regular park entrance fees are in effect.
