The Gila Cliff Dwellings are one of the oldest attractions in our area and only a couple of hours from El Paso. This weekend (Aug. 25-28), in honor of the National Park Systems centennial anniversary, you can visit them for free!

According to the Las Cruces Sun-News, there will be lots of special events as well as free admission Thursday - Sunday.

Special centennial events will take place Thursday, the 100th birthday of the National Park Service, including an Atal Atal Throw, Mimbres Bowl Painting, Animal Olympics, and a token search (with prizes) along the Cliff Dwellings Trail. On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Centennial Fair will be held at Gough Park in Silver City. Smokey Bear and a wildland fire crew will represent the United States Forest Service. Grant County Search and Rescue and the Gila Amateur Radio Society will have interactive equipment displays. The Mimbres Cultural Center will present activities related to Native American history and culture. There will also be a free raffle with National Park Service prizes.

The cliff dwellings are 44 miles north of Silver City on Highway 15. For more info, call 575-536-9461 or email hugh_hawthorne@nps.gov.

More From KLAQ El Paso