Last updated: October 4, 2024
Thing to Do
Visit Mesa Verde's Historic Administrative District
NPS Photo
Mesa Verde was the first park to experiment with architectural designs based in strong indigenous cultural traditions. The Pueblo Revival style buildings found in the area of the museum, blend into their environment and reflect the vision of Park Superintendent Jesse Nusbaum and Aileen Nusbaum, his wife. These early historical structures; the superintendent’s residence, park headquarters, the post office, ranger club, museum and community building are all results of that vision.
Today, the Mesa Verde Administrative District, is a National Historic Landmark that you can explore. It was established in 1987 to recognize the unique place it holds in the development of architecture in this country. The Headquarters Loop includes a number of historic buildings located on top of Chapin Mesa in a fragrant pinyon and juniper forest.
Various landscape architectural features contribute to the character, atmosphere, and ambiance of the area. The paved walkways and stone steps bordered by low stone curbs meander among the buildings and provide small, intimate vistas in keeping with the small scale of the structures. The planting islands of native vegetation around the buildings, also edged by stone curbs, screen the structures from the hot summer sun and make the buildings seem indigenous to their surroundings.
Details
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
If you would like information about some of the buildings within the historic district, ask for the historic district handout at the Museum. You can also visit the online historic district story map.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are allowed on paved walkways, road, and parking areas within the historic district. They are not allowed in buildings such as the Chapin Museum Archeological Museum. Service animals are welcome.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
You Can Begin at the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
The buildings within the historic district surround the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
Accessible with assistance. (The exception is the Chapin Mesa Amphitheater which is not accessible.) This location has designated parking, restrooms, drinking fountains, and a wheelchair for loan option when the Museum is open. The trails between buildings in the headquarters area are paved. Service animals are welcome.