Our Mission is to share stories. We seek to educate and inspire our community about the cultural and natural history of Moab and the Canyonlands region. During the great uranium boom of the late 1950’s, long-time and new Moab residents began to consider the value that a museum might bring to the town. Here was a region with a past rich in geological change, paleontological remnants and a human history that stretched from pre-historic cultures to Mormon pioneer families to out-of-town investors and miners with families. Yet, there was nowhere for those fascinating stories could be preserved, exhibited and interpreted. In 1957, a group of civic leaders began to plan for a city museum and in February 1958 the museum was incorporated as the Southeastern Utah Society of Arts and Science. Housed in a County building on Center Street, the private archeological collections from Dr. J.W. “Doc” Williams and Ross Musselman provided objects for initial exhibits, with more donations provided by citizens. During its first 14 months the museum hosted more than 6000 visitors. By the mid-1980s, the museum had outgrown its original building and, in 1986, Dan O’Laurie, an associate of Charlie Steen and generous contributor to various civic projects, agreed to finance construction of a new building. The current building is Dan O’Laurie’s legacy to the community. On August 20, 1988 – some 29 years after the Museum first opened its doors – the Center Street facility was dedicated as the Dan O’Laurie Museum of Moab. In 2007 Grand County and the Museum Board agreed to transfer governance and management of the Museum to its non-profit Board of Trustees. Several name changes later – Moab Museum, Dan O’Laurie Canyon Country Museum, Museum of Moab, and Moab Museum of Natural and Cultural History – the Museum has adopted a new identify as the Moab Museum.
History & Anthropology Agriculture Children Geology Industrial heritage Local Photography Plants Railway War
#31 History & Anthropology in Utah #4 Agriculture museums in Utah #5 Children's museums in Utah #13 Geology museums in Utah #7 Industrial & heritage museums in Utah #3 Photography museums in Utah #5 Plant museums in Utah #4 Railway museums in Utah #5 War museums in Utah #133 Agriculture museums in United States #191 Geology museums in United States #33 Local museums in United States #124 Photography museums in United States #194 Railway museums in United States
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
Wednesday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
Friday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | Closed |
118 E Center St, Moab
Moab Museum has 2 ratings.
The Moab Museum offers visitors an informative look into the history and culture of the Moab area. Located in downtown Moab, this small museum covers various aspects of the region, including geology, paleontology, and local Native American history. Exhibits feature dinosaur fossils, rock art replicas, and displays on early settlers and uranium mining.
Visitors appreciate the museum's concise yet comprehensive overview of Moab's diverse history. The exhibits are well-organized and provide interesting information about the area's natural and cultural heritage. Many find the paleontology section particularly engaging, with its display of dinosaur bones and fossils.
However, some visitors note that the museum is relatively small and can be explored in about an hour. While this makes it a convenient stop for those with limited time, others feel it could benefit from more extensive exhibits or interactive displays. A few reviewers mention that some areas of the museum could use updating or expansion.
The staff is generally described as friendly and knowledgeable, often enhancing the experience with additional information. The museum's gift shop offers a selection of books and souvenirs related to Moab's history and natural environment.
Overall, the Moab Museum provides a solid introduction to the area's rich history and natural wonders. While it may not be a full-day destination, it serves as a good starting point for visitors wanting to learn more about Moab's geological and cultural significance.
This museum is an absolutely fantastic representation of the local culture and such a treat! The content and exhibitions add so much context to our explorations of the national parks, river road, the fisher towers, and more! Who knew mining had such a profound effect on this community! It's hard to imagine pink cadillacs driving down the street, the 1965 uranium queen and cattle drives on main. 5 out of 5 stars! Highly recommend.
Visited on Jun 11, 2025
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