The Center's property in Camp Verde contains a prehistoric pit house village below ground. The initial investigation identified eight to ten pit house structures. Subsequent surveys have revealed that there are twenty archaeological features, mostly pit houses but extramural hearths (fire pits outside a dwelling) as well. They are arranged in an arching pattern along the east and north end of the property. One pit house was excavated. The Center decided to leave the majority of the property undeveloped and designated as a Native American Heritage Preserve with an educational pathway and traditional use garden.

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Pathway Exhibits

The primary purpose of the pathway is to provide an educational opportunity for members, residents, visitors, and children to learn about the people who lived on this property as early as 540 A.D. The plaques were fully-funded due to the generosity of our members. 

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Yavapai-Apache Wickiup - Most Yavapai and Apache Indians lived in wickiups. Wickiups are small round or cone-shaped houses made of a willow frame covered with brush. While there is no direct evidence that either the Yavapai or Apache lived on this property, it is likely that the Yavapai associated with the people of this pit house village. The exhibit is sponsored by George and Pat Witteman and the bench is sponsored by Todd and Heidi Bostwick.