In the foothills near Colorado Springs, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings transports students into the world of the Ancestral Puebloans, who constructed rock-carved homes over 800 years ago. This site features reconstructed cliff dwellings that illustrate the architectural ingenuity of these ancient communities, showcasing kivas, stone walls, and domestic implements that highlight daily life and cultural practices.
Students can engage more deeply with the past through educational programs focusing on history, social structures, and survival methods. Hands-on experiences might involve exploring ancient tools, seeing pottery-making in action, or analyzing artifacts that reveal the Ancestral Puebloans’ resourcefulness in challenging environments. Guided tours, suitable for various grade levels, align with curriculum standards and offer an immersive introduction to the cultural legacy of the region. For students who can’t visit in person, virtual tours lead them through the dwellings online, supplemented by live discussions with site educators. Lesson plans, worksheets, and other teaching materials further enhance classroom integration, while professional development sessions assist educators in broadening their approach to Native American history. By visiting the Manitou Cliff Dwellings—either virtually or onsite—students gain an appreciation for the complexity of ancient societies and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
