The ruins are close to Bernalillo Rio Rancho and of course Albuquerque small ruins of a pueblo. It is educational and a ok day trip
Very knowledgeable and interested in sharing information. Our 8-year-old daughter thought it was very cool.
Loved the Web Site Information the gives great information on the site with pictures and information.
Arrive in time for a guided tour of restored Kiva. Actually attend the annual cultural days event which was Saturday, October l8, 2014. They had booths set up. A pit was uncovered where pottery had been fired in the traditional way. On Friday we saw the pit under construction, then the pottery added and preparations for firing it. Finally, pit was covered with dirt, wood placed and then burned. Authentic Indian jewelry for sale in the small gift shop. If you are lucky a local artist might be on site. Raphael Sarracino, a Hopi Kachina Doll artist was on site along with his wife. He explained several Hopi Kachina Dolls for us.For the cultural day, Ethan Ortega, a monument employee, was making yucca fiberfor a craft project for children to make into rope.The Kiva had restored paintings in it which is very unusual. Kivas do not normally have paintings. The original paintings were in a small museum in the visitor center. While a small site located on banks of Rio Grande River, it was very interesting. Very close of Albuquerque.
Wonderful recreation of parts of this seminal Puebloan settlement. The kiva is fascinating. Guides are informative and well versed. Gift shop is great too. Come early in the evening before sunset close to Christmas for dancing and luminarias.
The museum is small, but very interesting. The outdoor exhibits are very interesting too! The location along the Rio Grande is a special treat. I recommend bringing a snack and enjoying the views of the river and mountain from one of the many picnic tables. The artifacts in the museum are displayed very well. The combination of the Spanish and Native American history is fascinating. Enjoy!
Small site in the Bernallilo/Albuquerque area that can be toured in an hour or so. Small museum and some nice reconstruction work on the property.
Interpretive trails and picnic tables along the Rio Grand river. Great views of the river and Sandia Mtns. Historic Pueblo paintings preserved in a room (no cameras allowed). Ancient Pueblo ruins that were 'recreated' in the 1930s are worth looking at, including a kiva, but remember what you are seeing isn't 100% the real thing. Much of it was rebuilt as an historic reminder of how the Ancient Peoples lived. The is a small museum also. Worthy of an hour or two of your time if you are passing through Bernalillo.
Our family (2 adults, 13 yo, and an 11 yo) had a great experience! The museum is very hands on - our kids enjoyed trying on the armor, grinding corn, picking up the animal pelts, and (most of all) playing with the musket, sword and crossbow. The two rangers on staff were extremely helpful and informative (especially Ethan). The setting is amazing - awesome views of the river and mountains beyond. It would be an easy thing to pick up lunch in nearby Bernalillo and bring it out for a picnic.
This archeological site has a restored kiva you can climb down into, and the small museum has some of the authentic wall paintings from the kiva.