Western Museum of Mining and Industry


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Founded in 1970 after a generous donation of mining artifacts from Mr. and Mrs. Farrar, local mining legends, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry is now considered the "best of the springs" as well as the "best cultural spot" in central Colorado. This museum aims to preserve and interpret the rich mining history of Colorado and the American West and does so nicely with over 4,000 on-site artifacts. This 27-acre complex hosts both indoor and outdoor exhibits that discuss how miners drilled, blasted, mucked, and hauled ore on these grounds to and from the Ore Mill. The whole museum serves an an exciting and exceptional tool for learning about Colorado history, mining and industrial technology, geology, and environmental science, the perfect mix of regional information for your group!

Your group will get to choose between a guided tour, special heritage lecture, or just strolling around the complex on their own. The location features a Ten Stamp Ore Mill with a multipurpose center, theater, and 5,000 volume research library. Experience gold panning, explore rocks, and dress like a miner as you visit the various sections of the museum, a fan favorite being the Mine Reclamation exhibit. This exhibit features various restoration of lands back to productive use afterward, heavy with environmental science lessons. You can also visit the Reynolds Ranch House, the Queen Anne Farmhouse, or Nugget and Chism the donkeys, the museum mascots and pets. Stop by the gift shop before you go to pick up your favorite history buff a souvenir or mining artifact!