Mesa Verde Museum, Mesa Verde National Park

Smithsonian MagazineJul 10, 2025

From unexplained phenomena to baffling disappearances, follow the clues while discovering our country’s treasured protected areas

Museum highlights park history

13 things in this story

Cliff PalaceSightLargest cliff dwelling complex
Mesa Verde MuseumMuseumMuseum highlights park history
Long House LoopTrailWorthwhile excursion
Balcony HouseSight
Long HouseSight
Mug HouseSight
Mesa Top LoopTrail
Far View SitesSight
Elsewhere
Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor CenterSightMount Rainier National Park, United StatesPopular southern side visitor center
Westside RoadTrailMount Rainier National Park, United StatesAbandoned highway project; leads to Marine Memorial
Marine MemorialSightMount Rainier National Park, United StatesOffers views of Tahoma Glacier
Mount BaldySightIndiana Dunes National Park, United StatesSand dune where boy fell
Black Balsam RoadTrailBlue Ridge Parkway, United StatesTrailhead for bald peaks

Mesa Verde Museum