All animal museums to visit in Colorado

Delve into the diverse world of animals at 21 animal museums in Colorado. These museums showcase a variety of species, habitats, and the role of animals in our ecosystem.

Are you an animal lover looking to explore the best animal museums in Colorado? Here are your best options:

  1. Online discount!Downtown Aquarium1

    Downtown Aquarium

     Denver, CO
    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.
  2. Denver Museum of Nature & Science2

    Denver Museum of Nature & Science

     Denver, CO
    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.
  3. Denver Zoo3

    Denver Zoo

     Denver, CO
    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.
  4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo4

    Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

     Colorado Springs, CO
    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.
  5. Butterfly Pavillion5

    Butterfly Pavillion

     Westminster, CO
    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.
  6. Western Mining Museum6

    Western Mining Museum

     Colorado Springs, CO
    The Western Museum of Mining & Industry, situated at 225 North Gate Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a unique institution that delves into the rich mining history and industrial technology of the western United States. This museum provides an in-depth look into the evolution of mining and industry in the region, offering a comprehensive understanding of the role these sectors played in shaping the West.
  7. Morrison Natural History Museum7

    Morrison Natural History Museum

     Morrison, CO
    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.
  8. The Wild Animal Sanctuary8

    The Wild Animal Sanctuary

     Keenesburg, CO
    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.
  9. Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center9

    Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center

     Woodland Park, CO
    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.
  10. Mission: Wolf10

    Mission: Wolf

     Westcliffe, CO
    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.
  11. Plains Conservation Center11

    Plains Conservation Center

     Aurora, CO
    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.
  12. Edwin Carter Museum12

    Edwin Carter Museum

     Breckenridge, CO
    150 years ago, Edwin Carter built a log cabin to house a museum, eventually showcasing an astounding collection of 3,300 taxidermied animals. A true pioneer, Carter was not only a gold prospector but also a naturalist whose passion for wildlife shaped Colorado’s scientific heritage. His specimens be
  13. University of Colorado Museum of Natural History13

    University of Colorado Museum of Natural History

     Boulder, CO
    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.
  14. Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center14

    Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center

     Beulah, CO
    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.
  15. May Natural History Museum15

    May Natural History Museum

     Colorado Springs, CO
    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.
  16. Colorado Gators Reptile Park16

    Colorado Gators Reptile Park

     Mosca, CO
    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.
  17. Dinosaur Ridge Discovery Center17

    Dinosaur Ridge Discovery Center

     Lakewood, CO
    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.
  18. Pueblo Zoo18

    Pueblo Zoo

     Pueblo, CO
    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.
  19. 19

    The Gardens on Spring Creek

     Fort Collins, CO
    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.
  20. 20

    Dinosaur Journey Museum - Museums of Western Colorado

     Fruita, CO
    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.
  21. 21

    Mines Museum of Earth Science

     Golden, CO
    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.