Museums & Historic Sites in Colorado

Museums & Historic Sites

Creede Repertory Theatre
Enjoy live theatre from one of the “10 Best Theatres Off Broadway.” Evening and matinee performances offer a broad variety of musicals, comedies, contemporary and classic dramas, live music events and more! www.creederep.org

Underground Mining Museum
Blasted from the rock in Willow Creek Canyon, this museum offers a unique experience for visitors. Displays illustrate the history and technology of mining in the area. 719-658-0811

Creede Historical Museum & Library
Housed in the old Railroad Depot in downtown Creede next to Basham Park. Contains many historical artifacts from the area, such as a hand-drawn fire wagon, gambling equipment and devices, a large photo collection, early newspapers, and large archives containing a wealth of information on homesteaders, prospectors, miners, lawmen and notorious characters of Creede’s history. 719-658-2004

Creede Cemetery
Established in 1890 and located on the mesa above town. Aged wrought iron fences and weathered wood commemorate the final resting places of generations of the working people who established this legendary mining town. Creede’s historic Catholic Church stands in front of the cemetery.

Around the Area

Lake City – Hinsdale County Museum
Featured exhibits include a millinery shop, the re-creation of a 1870’s photographer’s tent, and a collection of firefighters equipment from the early days of the town. They also offer historical walking tours. www.lakecitymuseum.com

Fort Garland Museum
Visit this historic military fort for a trip back to the time of Kit Carson and other soldiers who served the area in the early 1800’s. 719-379-3512

Alamosa – Luther Bean Museum
Features artifacts from around the world and Native American and Hispanic works of art. Also features local artists. On Adams State College campus. www.adams.edu/lutherbean  719-587-7609

Alamosa – San Luis Valley Museum
Showcases educational displays featuring artifacts, photographs, antiques and collectibles portraying early ranch and farm life.  It features exhibits of Indian artifacts, Hispanic settlers, the Japanese-American community, Adams State College, Military regalia and early railroading. 719-587-0667

Alamosa – Sacred Heart Church
Historic Catholic church on 4th Street that was constructed in 1922 in the Mission style. Designed by prominent architect and contains large murals.

Manassa – Jack Dempsey Museum
Commemorate great heavyweight champion of the world, Jack Dempsey, “The Manassa Mauler.” Museum housed in log cabin where Dempsey grew up.

Conejos – Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Colorado’s oldest parish, first dedicated in 1863.

Antonito – Conejos Museum
Features the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Silo Park, and the 1913 Warshauer Mansion.

San Luis – Stations of the Cross
Follow a pilgrimage trail with life-size bronze sculptures of Christ’s final hours to the chapel at the top of the hill.

Saguache County Museum & Hazard House Museum
Museum includes an old jailhouse, rocks and minerals, fine China dolls, and information about Alfred Packer. The Hazard House pays tribute to the affluent lifestyle of the 1920s and 1930s.

Del Norte – Rio Grande County Museum & Cultural Center
San Luis Valley historical displays featuring Native American rock art, Hispanic settlers, fur trappers and more. 719-657-2847

Monte Vista – Transportation Museum of the West
Featuring early modes of travel. 719-852-4396

Monte Vista – Old Spanish Trail
A section of the Old West route, used in the early 1800’s that connected Santa Fe to the California coast. Stone markers are visible from Hwy 160 west of Monte Vista.