chapin mesa archeological museum

603triciam

At first glance, we though this was going to be a very small, maybe one-room deal with very little, but it's actually quite informative and has several display rooms and a room for showing movies, though none were playing while we visited. It's not a huge place, but still - from outside it looked way smaller than it actually was!Also has a little gift shop with some interesting books available.

pixie007

Among its displays is a pottery bowl and corn that was in it that is at least 700 years old. Some very interesting displays.

joannemz

Many artifacts and displays of past times. It is worth visiting to help put the history of the area into perspective.

jawhiskeyman

This museum wasn't fancy, but provided a good overview video as well as many artifacts. The tour inside did not take long, but provided a way to put the cliff dwellings into an historical perspective. One could see the development of the civilizations, and see the use of improved technology to make life better for the people. Fascinating!

tdenver

Lots of knowledgeable information and artifacts on display. Great to add to all of the information you have see throughout the day. Good relaxing location after your climb back upGift area and restrooms and restaurant also

876tp

Exhibits were dated, but the dioramas were interesting. The movie was good too if only to get out of the heat for awhile.

Paula1101

We arrived in time to view the excellent slide show and video a well worthwhile endeavor.the museum is well laid out and easy to follow. Excellent stories fill in the blanks about an amazing people. We will return and take more time next time.

TheLongLongTrailer

It's located right next to the entrance to the trail to spruce tree house. Dioramas depict what life may have looked like at Mesa verde. Also lots of tools and 1500 year old ears of corn. Takes about 20 minutes to see everything and read the descriptions.

Jenazz

Ok, to be honest, I probably wouldn't have looked through everything if it hadn't been so hot outside. But it turned out to be a lot more interesting than you might think. It's easy to stick to our pre-conceived ideas of who these people were, but the artifacts - pottery from different periods, intricate baskets, weaving, weaponry etc - tell a different story, if we're willing to listen. Yes, some areas could use some sprucing up and filling in - I'm sure the NPS will get to that when they strike it rich. /sigh/I enjoyed the bookstore and giftshop, too. (I'd rather buy stuff here than send it to tax-dodging Amazon any day.)

ernieLoomisCa

25 minute movie is worth watching. Exhibets relatively interesting. Particularly the dioramas. Allowing 1 hour was plenty for us. Snack bar in the adjacent parking lot.

Stuthehistoryguy

This museum has the unenviable task of supplementing the sites at Mesa Verde, which is one of the most spectacular "living museums" on the continent. Unfortunately, it does not live up to the task. The exhibits look like what I would have expected forty years ago; indeed, one of the rangers mentioned that at least some of the dioramas might have been built by New Deal workers in the 1930s. Interestingly enough, however, the bookstore is excellent, and that may merit a look. In these days of Amazon and her sisters, however, visitors should only spend time in the museum if they have ample time for the cliff dwellings and scenic loops. These outdoor attractions will leave you quaking; Chapin Mesa Museum is a huge step down from such peak experiences.

jimenita55

this museum could use a make over - the display cases are old and a bit outdates - if they would charge they could finance something better and since it is free it is noisy and crowded just go see the pottery case.

mjrg59

The museum has great exhibits of the lives of those who lived on Mesa Verde, what they ate and how they grew or captured it, how they made pottery and the like. Plan to spend a couple of hours here. The video is shown every half hour and although the view can be obscured by the heads in front of you, it is worth the time. The large screen would best be elevated about 3 ft higher as we sat in the second row and the average sized women in front of us blocked our view and we had to peer around them.

Pheneos

Original corn bread recipies, building techniques, farming tools, cooking tools , foods, dating techniques of houses

Saranger

These haven't changed in 40 years, but are still very good. The dioramas were constructed during the 1930s (CCC) and are excellent. The museum exhibits show pottery. tools, sandals, etc. Very interesting. Museum does also have rotating exhibits from Artist in Park or art contests.