Nature & natural history museums in Colorado

The Denver Botanic Gardens is a public botanical garden situated in the Cheesman Park neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. This 23-acre park is a haven for plant lovers, featuring a conservatory, a variety of theme gardens, and a sunken amphitheater that hosts various concerts during the summer months.

The Downtown Aquarium, previously known as Colorado's Ocean Journey, is a public aquarium and restaurant situated in Denver, Colorado. It is conveniently located at the intersection of I-25 and 23rd Ave. This makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique combination of aquatic exploration and dining experience.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a city museum situated in Denver, the capital city of Colorado in the United States. This museum is a significant cultural and educational institution in the city, offering a wide range of exhibits and programs that cater to various interests.

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a unique tourist attraction located just west of Colorado Springs, Colorado, on U.S. Highway 24 in Manitou Springs. This privately owned site features replica Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and interpretive exhibits, providing visitors with an immersive experience into the life and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan peoples.

The Denver Zoo, situated in the city of Denver, Colorado, has been a popular destination since its opening in 1896. Each year, it attracts around 2 million visitors, making it a significant attraction in the region. As a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the zoo is recognized for its commitment to animal conservation and education.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, located southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Cheyenne Mountain, is the highest zoo in the United States with an elevation of 6,714 feet above sea level. This unique location offers a distinct experience for visitors, providing a unique perspective on the animals and their habitats.

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 Butterfly Pavilion, situated in Westminster, Colorado, holds the distinction of being the first stand-alone non-profit insect zoo in the United States. It opened its doors to the public on July 15, 1995, and has since been a popular destination for those interested in butterflies and other invertebrates.

The Morrison Natural History Museum is situated in the scenic town of Morrison, Colorado. This museum is dedicated to the study and exhibition of natural history, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich biodiversity and geological history of the region.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary, located in Keenesburg, Colorado, United States, spans over 1,214 acres. The sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and care of large predators that have been ill-treated, abandoned, or are at risk of euthanasia. It provides a safe haven for these animals, ensuring they receive the necessary care and attention they need.

The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center is a unique museum that primarily exhibits fossil organisms from North America's Late Cretaceous period. This includes a wide range of species such as dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles, and fish. The museum provides an opportunity to learn about these ancient creatures and the world they inhabited.

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 Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center, located in Pueblo County, Colorado, is a multi-campus nature preserve and educational center. It offers a variety of outdoor experiences that cater to all ages, fostering environmental stewardship and appreciation of natural habitats. The center encourages self-directed outdoor activities at each of its locations and welcomes residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of Southern Colorado.

The May Natural History Museum, located in Rock Creek Park, Colorado, is an entomology museum that boasts the world's largest private insect collection. This collection was gathered by amateur naturalist James May from 1903 until his death in 1956, and the museum was established by his son, John May, in 1952. The museum's collection is unique, with 7,000 specimens of insects and spiders, some of which are now thought to be extinct.

The Colorado Gators Reptile Park, located in Mosca, Colorado, was initially opened to the public in 1990. The park, which is situated 17 miles north of Alamosa, Colorado, began as a tilapia farm in 1977. Over the years, it has expanded to include a bird sanctuary, a reptile rescue center, an educational facility, a display area, and a biodome.

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.

Dinosaur Ridge, located in Jefferson County, Colorado, near the town of Morrison and just west of Denver, is a segment of the Dakota Hogback in the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark. This area is renowned for its rich history and unique geological features, making it a popular destination for tourists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

The Pueblo Zoo, located in Pueblo, Colorado, spans across 25 acres. It is a significant attraction in the United States, offering a vast space for visitors to explore and interact with a variety of animals.

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.

The Western Colorado Botanical Gardens and Butterfly House is a beautiful 15-acre site located on the bank of the Colorado River. It is situated at the southern end of 7th Street in Grand Junction, Colorado, United States. This location offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The Gardens on Spring Creek is a botanical garden that spans 18 acres. It is situated on the Spring Creek corridor in Fort Collins, Colorado. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and horticultural diversity, making it a great place for visitors to explore and enjoy.

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.

Interesting museum that promotes mountaineering. Innovative exhibitions present its history and various forms.

Situated in the town's oldest building, this museum displays everything related to local mountains, including geology and mining.

The Dinosaur Journey Museum, also known as the Museums of Western Colorado’s Dinosaur Journey, is a prominent museum situated in the town of Fruita, within Mesa County, Colorado. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the fascinating world of dinosaurs and prehistoric 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.