Hovenweep's Centennial

 

Hovenweep's centennial logo shows all that Hovenweep has to offer, from our incredible ancestral Puebloan structures to our dark night skies and much, much more.

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"100 years of park, thousands more of culture"

In 2023, Hovenweep National Monument celebrates 100 years of national monument status. A lot has happened in the last 100 years, especially at the monument. We added more sites, built a visitor center, welcomed a new neighbor in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, became a International Dark Sky Park, and thoroughly enjoyed having paved roads to town (at least, the rangers have).

We also acknowledge that Hovenweep has been a special place for a lot longer than 100 years. The first people to explore this canyon were Paleoindians thousands of years ago. Ancestral Puebloans built the structures here 800 years ago. We hope to not only celebrate the monument’s centennial, but the thousands of years of Hovenweep’s cultural significance and history. Please join us in celebrating and commemorating this special place in 2023 and beyond!

 

Events and Activities

 

Hovenweep's centennial stamp is only available at the visitor center.

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Throughout 2023

Ranger Programs: Star programs, porch talks, tables of wonder, and more. Learn about all that Hovenweep has to offer.

Art Packs: Borrow art supplies to create a masterpiece during your visit. Keep your completed artwork or donate it to Hovenweep’s centennial gallery.

Centennial Junior Ranger (only available in-person): Learn about the park and the centennial by completing the Hovenweep junior ranger book and centennial activity insert. Participants will receive the standard Hovenweep junior ranger badge and a special, limited edition Hovenweep centennial badge.

Centennial Passport Stamp: Commemorate this special year with a special passport stamp.

Centennial Merchandise: Hovenweep and Canyonlands Natural History Association collaborated on a series of items to celebrate the centennial. Purchase pins, patches, mugs and more online or in person.

 

Dated Events

All event dates are tentative and subject to weather, safety, and staffing concerns. Detailed information will be added as soon as able.

March 2: Hovenweep’s official birthday

1pm - 2pm, Hovenweep Visitor Center
What better way to kick off Hovenweep’s centennial year than with a birthday party? Join us for birthday cake on Thursday, March 2, from 1-2pm at the visitor center.

June 18 – 24: Summer Solstice, Holly Solstice Panel viewing and solar activities

Early risers can watch the Holly Solstice Panel in action with a ranger. Those who sleep in can still celebrate the monument and the summer solstice with solar viewing activities throughout the day.

August 25: Founders Day (National Park Service birthday)

The National Park Service celebrated its centennial in 2016, but we’ll take any excuse to celebrate all the NPS has to offer.

September 15 – 17: Astronomy Festival, special astronomy activities

Astronomy programs will happen throughout the summer, but this weekend will emphasize Hovenweep’s dark skies with extra programming.

October 14: Annular Solar Eclipse

The best way to ring out the centennial year is being in the path of totality for a solar eclipse. Come watch the eclipse with us!

 

Join The Celebration

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  Plan Your Visit

  Read more about things to do and places to go at Hovenweep.

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