One of the most fascinating tours to consider while visiting Colorado is retracing the history of the Native Americans. From the Paleolithic era to the Anasazi to the Utes, Apache, Comanche, Arapahoe and others, Colorado’s history is intricately woven with that of the Native Americans. Some of the most important historical sites can be seen by following the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway – Trail of the Ancients. Passing through Southwestern Colorado, the suggested tour on the byway site will take you to Mesa Verde, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, the Four Corners Monument, Hovenweep, and Crow Canyon Arechaeological Center. This six day itinerary is a great place to start planning your visit. Another great research site trip is Mesa Verde Country. Lowry Pueblo and the Anasazi Heritage Center are covered here.
While the Trail of the Ancients covers a lot of ground, no study of the Native Americans in Colorado would be complete without a visit to Eastern Colorado to visit the Sand Creek Massacre. This site commemorates the attack on a Cheyenne and Arapahoe village in 1864. According to the National Park Service cite, they had been told to await a meeting with a peace delegation, when they were attacked by volunteers with the US Army. While visiting Southeast Colorado on this Native American history visit, don’t miss Bent’s Old Fort, a National Historic Site – Bent’s Old Fort. This is a reconstructed 1840’s trading fort. Find more to do in Southeast Colorado here – SE Colorado.
Back in the Front Range, continue your vist at the Denver Art Museum, and the new American Indian Art Gallery, displaying 18000 art objects – see Am Indian Art. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science hosts the North American Indian Cultures display – DMNS. The Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum also has a Native American.
With so much Native American history to explore and discover, Colorado is a perfect destination for history buffs and Indian Art enthusiasts to fill an entire visit.
