Over 10,000 years of human history and culture can be found at Petrified Forest National Park. From prehistoric peoples to early explorers, from the Civilian Conservation Corps to Historic Route 66, the park has many stories to tell.

Short Publications
Archeology (view) (PDF 514kb)
Messages on Stone (view) (PDF 173kb)
Painted Desert Inn (view) (PDF 766kb)
Brief Administrative History (view)

Web Pages
1906-2006, Centennial Celebrations
Painted Desert Inn
National Register of Historic Places

Virtual Tours
History of Petrified Forest National Park (Virtual Exhibit)
Archeology and Heritage Awareness Month (Virtual Exhibit)
History of the Painted Desert Inn
Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Little Colorado River Valley National Heritage Area
Petrified Forest National Park is a proud partner in the development of the Little Colorado River Valley National Heritage Area. Park staff will provide guidance during the designation process and subsequent management. But the park is only one of many local stakeholders who seek to preserve and promote the unique natural and cultural landscapes of this region.
Map of proposed Little Colorado River Valley National Heritage Area.

A private nonprofit organization, the Center for Desert Archaeology promotes the stewardship of archaeological and historic resources in the American Southwest and Mexican Northwest. Through its Heritage Southwest program, the center builds a preservation archaeology network, combining research, preservation, and education in ways that will help stem ongoing losses to these valuable and irreplaceable resources. The Center for Desert Archaeology is the lead player in working towards the designation of a Little Colorado River Valley National Heritage Area.

Congress has established National Heritage Areas around the country in which conservation, interpretation and other activities are managed by partnerships among federal, state, and local governments and the private sector. The National Park Service provides technical assistance as well as financial assistance for a limited number of years following designation.

Additional Links
National Park Service Archeology Program: Antiquities Act
Petrified Forest National Park is one of several national park units celebrating their 100th anniversaries in 2006, thanks to the passing of the Antiquities Act in 1906.

National Park Service Archeology Program: Vanishing Treasures
Find out how many national parks are working together to combat deterioration at fragile archeological sites.

National Park Service: Interpretation and Education
If you are a teacher searching for classroom materials, a student doing research, or you just want to learn more about your national parks, then this site is for you! You'll find curriculum, games, the Web Ranger program, and a host of other fun and educational media created by the National Park Service and our partners.