This summer, the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is offering free one-hour tours of the campus and its facilities on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10 a.m., beginning May 20.

On the half-mile walking tour, participants get a behind-the-scenes look at a research center. In an one hour, they will visit a working archaeology lab, see ancient artifacts up close and explore Crow Canyon's educational facilities, including the "sandbox" that simulates the experience of an excavation. They also will visit the Pithouse Learning Center, a replica of a seventh-century Pueblo Indian dwelling.

Participants will learn about field and laboratory archaeology and hear how Crow Canyon works with Natives for a more inclusive American history.

The tour is appropriate for families and tourism professionals. Participants should gather in the Gates Building lobby at 9:45 a.m. - the tour begins promptly at 10 a.m.

The Crow Canyon center is just outside Cortez at 23390 Road K, Cortez. From the intersection of Highway 491 and County Road L northwest of Cortez, turn west on Road L. Drive about one mile to the stop sign at Road 23 (watch for the Crow Canyon sign), and turn left (south). In about one mile, Road 23 curves to the left and turns into Road K, which in turn becomes Crow Canyon's driveway.