Salmon Ruins Museum​ — Attraction in Four Corners States

The museum at Salmon Ruins was very well put together. Beautiful aerial photographs of the region's related archeological sites hang throughout, giving the viewer a stronger understanding of the communities that interacted in the ancient past. The hands-on displays desperately need an update, as items were missing or in disrepair. Unfortunately, a guide was not available for our tour, which usually is not an issue, except that the signage around the walking paths and sites was anything but clear. They did have infortional booklets available for visitors, which were thorough and extensive. Unfortunately, the signage and booklets did not always agree, as in the case of all signage stating visitors should stay on the pathways (which protects the sites from being damaged), and the booklet encouraging visitors to peek in windows not accessible from the path. Fences and roped delineations were in disrepair, spots in the path ways were overgrown with cactus, and there was no clear signage as to which buildings were safe to explore and which were not. For such a fascinating site (which spans Chacoan, Navajo, and homesteading cultures), it was very disheartening to see it in such disrepair. Without intervention, this treasure won't last...

We had two excellent guided tours with Tori Myers, the Museum’s Archaeologist, Ceramic Specialist, Education Coordinator, Museum Curator and Research Librarian. We spent one day in Largo Canyon in the Dinétah, primarily viewing wall art (the weather foiled plans for high elevation views), and one day in Chaco Culture National Historic Park. Tori’s deep expertise and knowledge of these important archeological sites was invaluable. We had engaging dialogue and learned a great deal that just looking at the sites or reading a guide book would not have provided. Tori did the driving, which was helpful on the rough roads!, and she arranged to bring lunch. Her advance email provided plenty of guidance about what to expect (eg. About the heat). The museum itself has some interesting exhibits and photographs and a lovely gift shop. I would highly recommend engaging the expertise of the folks at the Salmon Ruins Museum if you plan to tour...

June, 2019. . . . . I stayed just "up the street" at Moore's RV Park and Campground and I drove past the site innumerable times before visiting -- do not follow my example. Get here as soon as you can. While in the area, I had the opportunity to visit the Salmon, Aztec and Chaco Culture ruins. Have to say, though, that the experience of Salmon Ruins was the very best of the three. There is a very well-documented museum and, when I was there, a super nice and informative reception lady. I saw that there were archaeologists working at the site. The handout guide with numbered localities at the ruins was filled with interesting particulars of the use and the life of the pueblo - a much more detailed presentation than the rather expensive guidebook at the Chaco Culture site. I am so proud of the private owners of this valuable resource that they work as hard as they do to keep it up and to help...