Hands on With the Past

Cortez Cultural Center is “home to the creative spirit, cultural heritage, and natural wonder of the Four Corners.” A gallery featuring local artists is on the main floor. Native American dance performances are held nightly throughout the summer, and are free and open to the public. The Center also hosts evening art classes throughout the year, and a local lecture series on topics central to the Center’s mission.

The Cortez Cultural Center is the steward of Hawkins Preserve, one of Cortez, Colorado’s outdoor hidden gems that is free and open to the public from sun-up to sun-down, year-round.

This undiscovered gem is an intimate, off-the-beaten-path archaeological site located at the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains  in Southwestern Colorado. You’ll walk in the footsteps of the fascinating and enigmatic Ancestral Puebloans of the Chaco Canyon, following primitive pathways that haven’t changed for 1,000 years. Archaeological structures and artifacts, abundant wildlife, and its setting in the breathtaking San Juan National Forest make Chimney Rock a must-see.

The Southern Ute Museum strives to ensure the survival of Southern Ute people through meaningful education, cultural, historic, and current event exhibits, and to provide a unique museum experience for indigenous and non-indigenous visitors.

Experience the unique history of the Ute people through their eyes defining stages of Ute History. Also take part in a guided tour gaining unique insights into the exhibits and enjoy presentations provided by Southern Ute tribal member tour guides.