505QueenBee
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!
Iresf
Much of what is here is only exposed after entering the museum. They are not permitted to promote or advertise the culturally sensitive murals. I returned the next day just to walk the beautiful nature trails which take you along the Rio Grande.
DBRTrips
The Coronado State Monument, West side of the Rio Grande River offers Pueblo ruins, and Pueblo rebuilt and preserved ruins. The park is open 8:30 AM-5:00 PM Wednesday through Monday and is closed Tuesdays. Admission is $3.00, and combo ticket $5.00 to both Jemez and Coronado Historic Sites. Sunday admission for residents in New Mexico is free. Wednesday is free to New Mexico Seniors, children under 16 are always freeTrip 05/.2012, with my Mother, no children, category not below. This is a must see in a trip to the Albuquerque area. Just North of Albuquerque, Coronado State Monument 485 Kuana Rd., Bernalillo, NM 87004 is around 20 miles from the intersection of I40, and I25. The views are majestic, the ruins in different stages of restoration are incredible, the museum is educational. Walk the trails where the Native Americans lived, right up to the Rio Grande River. The River runs south right though Albuquerque, and then South of the Texas border forming the (natures changing) boundary between the United States and MexicoBring a Camera.. ( the trails are well marked, picnic benches, and plenty of parking). Come see why New Mexico is the Enchantment State.....Coronado State Monument. You will feel Peace and Serenity, while exploring New Mexico's Native American, and early Spanish past. .
mountains74
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
rachelw966
I attempted to visit in July, but it was closed on Tuesdays. I went back in January and am so glad that I did. It was a beautiful day and I chose to walk the trails. The trails are very well marked, the grounds have several benches and beautiful picnic spots so you can stop and enjoy the peace and quiet. I was able to tour Kiva - Ron (?) the docent on duty that day was incredibly well informed, was patient and obviously enjoyed what he was doing - it was a great, part of the visit! There is a video that was very interesting. The mural room is a must see when you visit. I didn't realize it, but it was very near closing time at the monument - the rangers made no attempt to hurry me or rush me out so they could go home - the lady who ran the gift shop, actually re-opened for me - very friendly and service that is not easy to find these days. As a student of Native American studies and archaeology - this will not be my last trip to Coronado - it was an honor to walk where people had walked several hundred years ago and to view their actual paintings *mural room!
E3491JRmarkd
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.
C4786PBjohnc
Loved the Web Site Information the gives great information on the site with pictures and information.
Teamchang
Very knowledgeable and interested in sharing information. Our 8-year-old daughter thought it was very cool.
F6043MGdavidc
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.
Desertdocent2012
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.
rondi3
This site records the first contact between Spanish explorer Coronado and native people who still used kivas in their village. Wall art from a kiva has been conserved and some of is on display in the visitor center. We were struck by the stylized figures and the beautiful symbolism in the art. It's a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see evidence of an advanced culture.
jlr722
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.
132dianac
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.
Xajiks
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.
T594NUmichelles
Why they would name these very interesting Indian ruins after a Spaniard is beside me. Undoubtedly the oldest example of American Indian art you can see in the US. Great rangers that toured us. Can't beat the price. Worth the short trip out to this site for sure