Tusayan Ruins

The Tusayan Ruins and Museum, sometimes referred to as the Tusayan Pueblo, is an ancient civilization site located in the Grand Canyon National Park.

As one ne of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the state, the ruins are made up of a tiny U-shaped Pueblo, complete with living space, storage area, as well as a section for religious ceremonies, also referred to as a kiva.

Tusayan Ruins & Museum, Admission & Hours, Grand Canyon Village AZ

The ruins are found just off Desert View Drive, and are believed to have been occupied about 800 years ago. The people who lived on the Colorado Plateau at the time were Paleo-Indian nomads who hunted and gathered in the area. This nomadic lifestyle, coupled with ancient cultural practices, allowed the tribe to follow figurines and use rock art as a mark of their presence.

Years later, agriculture would emerge as a popular activity, eventually leading to villages or settlement sites (pueblos) such as the one at Tuyasan. Exploring the site allows visitors to step back in time and experience what the native tribes did. The ring dates onsite indicate that the locals started to build the villages around 1185AD.

Take a walk around and marvel at the low lying walls of the ruins that give a glimpse into life as the native tribes lived. There’s plenty of signage at the site of the ruins to offer more information on different aspects of the ancient settlements – one of the highlights being the sign of the ‘Kiva’s.’ These were round dwellings that were used for religious and ceremonial meetings and thus, held a special place in the community.

The Tusayan Museum houses some of the archaeological findings to preserve the history of the Ancestral Puebloans. This includes how they managed the land and farmed it, what they ate and how they built the houses. Some of the items on display include ancient clothing, unique artifacts, and pottery.

Other activities that visitors get to enjoy at Tusayan Ruins and Museum include a Ranger Walk to better understand the history of the ruins and a scenic drive on Desert View Drive to enjoy the Grand Canyon’s Views.