Free museums in Colorado

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a museum railway located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA. It operates on a narrow gauge of 914.4 mm, equivalent to 3 feet. This historic railway offers a unique experience of the scenic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, providing a glimpse into the past of American railroading.

The Garden of the Gods is a public park that spans an area of 5.2 km². It is situated on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, right at the foot of Pikes Peak in the US state of Colorado. This location offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities.

The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, situated at 215 S. Tejon Street in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is housed in a historic granite building with a domed clock tower. This building served as the El Paso County Courthouse from 1903 to 1973, adding a layer of historical significance to the museum's location.

The Aspen Art Museum (AAM) is a non-collecting contemporary art museum situated in Aspen, Colorado, United States. This means that the museum does not have a permanent collection, but instead focuses on showcasing a rotating selection of contemporary art exhibitions. These exhibitions include a variety of mediums such as drawings, paintings, sculptures, multimedia installations, and electronic media.

Enslaved for the first 26 years of his life, Barney Ford fought through racism, f ires and financial hardship to become one of Colorado’s leading businessmen and civil rights pioneers. After advocating for his own freedom, Ford started businesses in places as far away as Nicaragua and as close a

The Peterson Air and Space Museum, located at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is an aviation museum with a focus on the history of the Air Defense Command, Aerospace Defense Command, and Air Force Space Command. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history of these significant military commands and their role in the development of aviation and space exploration.

Today, the High Line Railroad Park, which sits parallel to the original rail right of way, showcases original rail equipment and displays about the town’s railroad history. A mining and railroad themed playground is a popular attraction for families.

Mission: Wolf is a sanctuary located in the remote Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Westcliffe, Colorado. The sanctuary is home to up to 40 wolves and wolfdog crosses. The sanctuary's primary goal is to promote a better understanding of wolves and discourage attempts to keep them as pets.

The Plains Conservation Center, located in Aurora, Colorado, serves as an outdoor education center and is recognized as a state-designated natural area. This unique location offers visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about the natural environment in a hands-on and engaging way.

The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History is located in Boulder, Colorado. This museum is dedicated to the study and preservation of natural history, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the natural world.

The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, located in Arvada, Colorado, is a nonprofit, multi-use cultural facility. It was established in 1976 and has since been a hub for various cultural and artistic activities. The center is a significant cultural attraction in the Denver metro area and is known for its diverse offerings.

The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame (CSHoF) is a museum that pays tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to sports and athletic endeavors in the state of Colorado. It is a place where visitors can learn about the accomplishments of these individuals and their impact on the sports scene in Colorado.

The Museum of Northwest Colorado, situated in Craig, Colorado, was founded in 1964. Originally known as the Moffat County Museum, it was established with the purpose of preserving artifacts and legends of the Old West. This museum serves as a testament to the rich history and culture of the region, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

The Hudson Gardens & Event Center is a unique botanical garden and event venue situated in Littleton, Colorado, a mere 12 miles southwest of Denver. This location offers a serene escape from the city, providing visitors with a tranquil environment to explore and enjoy.

The Yampa River Botanic Park is a botanical garden situated outside Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It is conveniently located on Pamela Lane, just off U.S. Highway 40. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Andrews Arboretum is a quaint arboretum situated on the east side of Broadway, nestled between Grandview and Marine Streets in Boulder, Colorado. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike, offering a serene escape in the heart of the city.

The National Mining Hall of Fame, located in Leadville, Colorado, is a museum dedicated to honoring the work of miners and individuals involved in natural resources. It serves as a testament to the significant role that mining and related industries have played in shaping the nation's history and development.

The Limon Railroad Depot, located in Limon, Colorado, was a significant station for both the Union Pacific and Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. This historic site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2003, marking its importance in the history of American railroads.

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, located in southwestern Colorado, is a 170-acre research center that also serves as a 'living classroom'. It offers experiential education programs for both students and adults. This unique center provides an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the Ancient Pueblo peoples, who lived in the region over seven centuries ago.

The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is situated in the Trading Post at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This location is not only a museum but also a significant part of Colorado's music history. It provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the rich musical heritage of the state.

The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a unique botanical garden that spans across 3 hectares and is situated at an altitude of 2,460 meters (8,200 feet), making it the highest botanical garden in the world. It is located in the scenic town of Vail, Colorado. This unique location offers a distinct and diverse range of flora that can be explored and appreciated by visitors.

Temple Israel, located at 201 West 4th Street in Leadville, Colorado, is a historical site that was constructed in the summer of 1884. This building served as a synagogue for Jewish pioneers, many of whom were downtown merchants. The structure is a rare example of a frontier synagogue, providing a unique glimpse into the history of Jewish settlers in the American West.

The Wheeler Stallard House, situated on West Bleeker Street in Aspen, Colorado, is a historic site that dates back to the 1880s. This brick structure, built in the Queen Anne architectural style, has undergone two renovations in the 20th century. In 1975, it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, marking its significance in the history of the United States.

The Wall Street Assay Office, now known as the James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum, is a historic commercial building that played a significant role in the precious metal mining industry. It is located in the western outskirts of Boulder, Colorado, in an area known as Wall Street. This area was once a thriving mining town and is now a testament to the rich mining history of Boulder County.

The Castle Rock Museum, formerly known as the Castle Rock Depot, is situated at 420 Elbert St. in Castle Rock, Colorado. This historic location offers visitors a chance to delve into the rich history of the area, with the building itself being a significant part of the local heritage.

The Frisco Schoolhouse, which is now a local museum, is an original one-room schoolhouse that is located in the Frisco Historic Park in Frisco, Colorado. This historic building is registered on the National Register of Historic Places, signifying its importance and value in the history of the area.

Interesting museum dedicated to the history and present of firefighting. Historic machinery on display.

The DAC is a place where people can come together to explore and engage in arts and culture. It fosters creative expression through a variety of in-house exhibitions, performances, and educational programs that cater to all ages and abilities. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a novice, the DAC has something to offer.

The Chester M Alter Arboretum is a unique green space located on the campus of the University of Denver. Its address is 2467 South Vine Street, Denver, Colorado. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city, offering a peaceful retreat within the urban environment.

The Montrose Botanic Gardens are situated at 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose, Colorado, which is to the south of the Montrose Pavilion. This location is easily accessible and provides a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature.

The Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame is a unique institution that pays tribute to the notable figures in skiing and snowboarding. This includes athletes who have made significant contributions to these sports, as well as those who have played a crucial role in their development and promotion.

Museum dedicated to preserving and promoting the local history in a new, intriguing way. Interesting temporary exhibitions.

Interesting multi-medial exhibition space that aims to promote art and culture in the everyday life.

The Mines Museum of Earth Science, previously known as the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, is a geology museum situated on the campus of the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, United States. The museum was established in 1877 and has since been a significant center for geological studies and research. It houses a vast collection of more than 2,500 fossils, gemstones, meteorites, minerals, and mining artifacts.