All industrial & heritage museums to visit in Colorado

Explore the impact of industry on society at 27 industrial heritage museums in Colorado. These museums showcase the history of manufacturing, technology, and labor.

Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in Colorado:

  1. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad1

    Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

     Durango, CO
    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.
  2. U.s. Mint2

    U.s. Mint

     Denver, CO
    Take a guided tour through this mint to see how coins are produced. The tour will also inform you about the history of US mints. Be sure to hop into the gift shop as well, all kinds of coins to be bought there. Before the tour, you have to go through a security screening and metal detectors. Items
  3. Colorado Railroad Museum3

    Colorado Railroad Museum

     Golden, CO
    The Colorado Railroad Museum is a non-profit organization situated on a 15-acre property in Golden, Colorado. This location is not only scenic but also historically significant, as it is where Clear Creek flows between the North and South Table Mountains. The museum was established in 1959 with the aim of preserving the rich history of Colorado's railroad era, particularly the state's pioneering narrow-gauge mountain railroads.
  4. Forney Museum of Transportation4

    Forney Museum of Transportation

     Denver, CO
    The Forney Transportation Museum, located in Denver, Colorado, is a tribute to the legacy of its founder, J.D. Forney. J.D. Forney was the founder of Forney Industries, Inc., which was established in Fort Collins. The museum is a testament to his contributions to the transportation industry and his passion for antique and classic cars.
  5. Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine5

    Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine

     Cripple Creek, CO
    The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, located near Cripple Creek, Colorado, is a historic vertical shaft mine. This mine offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of mining in the region and understand the techniques used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  6. Georgetown Loop Railroad6

    Georgetown Loop Railroad

     Georgetown, CO
    The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a historic narrow-gauge railroad located in the Rocky Mountains in Clear Creek County, Colorado, USA. It is situated west of Denver, near the Interstate 70, making it easily accessible for tourists traveling by road. The railroad offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich history and scenic beauty of the region.
  7. Western Mining Museum7

    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.
  8. High Line Railroad Park8

    High Line Railroad Park

     Breckenridge, CO
    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.
  9. Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel9

    Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel

     Idaho Springs, CO
    The Argo Gold Mine and Mill, located in Idaho Springs, Colorado, is a former gold mining and milling property. It features an intact gold mill that was built at the entrance of the Argo Tunnel. This historical site offers a glimpse into the gold mining history of the area.
  10. Cross Orchards Historic Site10

    Cross Orchards Historic Site

     Grand Junction, CO
    The Cross Orchards Historic Site, located in Grand Junction, Colorado, is a living history museum that forms part of the Museums of Western Colorado. This site provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience and learn about life on an orchard at the turn of the twentieth century.
  11. Holden - Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum11

    Holden - Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum

     Aspen, CO
    The Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum is situated on the grounds of the former Holden Lixiviation Works facility. This location is on the western edge of the city of Aspen, Colorado, in the United States. The museum offers a unique insight into the history of mining and ranching in the area, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in these industries.
  12. Steelworks Center of the West12

    Steelworks Center of the West

     Pueblo, CO
    The Steelworks Museum, situated in Pueblo, Colorado, is managed by the Steelworks Center of the West. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in the history of steel production, coal mining, railroads, and labor. It also provides insights into the impact of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company on the region.
  13. History Colorado Center13

    History Colorado Center

     Denver, CO
    The History Colorado Center, located at 1200 Broadway in Denver, Colorado, is a museum dedicated to the history of the state. Opened in April 2012, the museum offers a comprehensive look into the rich and diverse history of Colorado, making it an interesting destination for those wanting to learn more about the state's past.
  14. Arvada Flour Mill14

    Arvada Flour Mill

     Arvada, CO
    The Arvada Flour Mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, marking its significance in the history of the area.
  15. Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour15

    Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour

     Silverton, CO
    The Old Hundred Mine is a historical gold mine located in the state of Colorado in the United States. It is situated on Galena Mountain near Silverton in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, at an elevation of 3,885 meters. This mine offers a unique glimpse into the past and the rich history of mining in the region.
  16. National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum16

    National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum

     Leadville, CO
    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.
  17. Limon Railroad Depot17

    Limon Railroad Depot

     Limon, CO
    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.
  18. South Park City18

    South Park City

     Fairplay, CO
    South Park City is an open-air museum situated at the western end of Front Street in the town of Fairplay, Park County, Colorado. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the region in an immersive environment.
  19. Denver Firefighters Museum19

    Denver Firefighters Museum

     Denver, CO
    The Denver Firefighters Museum, located in downtown Denver, Colorado, is a nonprofit institution that spans an area of 11,000-square-foot. The museum houses four galleries that delve into the history of firefighting in Denver. This museum provides an insightful look into the evolution of firefighting techniques and equipment, making it an interesting visit for those curious about the history of this essential service.
  20. Cripple Creek District Museum20

    Cripple Creek District Museum

     Cripple Creek, CO
    The Cripple Creek District Museum is home to five historic buildings, each with its own unique story. These include the 1894 Colorado Trading & Transfer Company building, the 1895 Midland Terminal Depot, a turn-of-the-century Assay Office, the former one-room home of French Blanche LeCroix, and a miner's cabin dating back to between 1890 and 1930. These buildings provide a tangible link to the past and offer a unique insight into the history of the area.
  21. El Pueblo History Museum21

    El Pueblo History Museum

     Pueblo, CO
    El Pueblo History Museum is situated in Pueblo, Colorado, in the United States. It is a local history museum that showcases the history and culture of the region. The museum is a significant cultural institution in the area, providing a comprehensive understanding of the local history and heritage.
  22. Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin22

    Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin

     Leadville, CO
    The Healy House Museum is not just a historic site, but it is also recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970. Today, it is a Colorado State Historic Site and is managed as a Victorian era museum by the state under History Colorado. Alongside the Healy House, the Dexter Cabin is also part of this historic site, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the Victorian era in Leadville.
  23. Walsenburg Mining Museum23

    Walsenburg Mining Museum

     Walsenburg, CO
    The Walsenburg Mining Museum, previously known as the Huerfano County Courthouse and old Walsenburg jail, is a historic site located in Walsenburg, Colorado. These buildings hold a significant place in the history of Huerfano County and now serve as a museum, providing a glimpse into the past.
  24. James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum24

    James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum

     Sugarloaf, CO
    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.
  25. Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum25

    Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum

     Castle Rock, CO
    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.
  26. 26

    Colorado Springs Fire Department Lester L. Williams Complex

     Colorado Springs, CO
    Interesting museum dedicated to the history and present of firefighting. Historic machinery on display.
  27. 27

    Hidee Gold Mine Tours and Panning

     Central City, CO
    The Hidee Gold Mine, which was submitted for patent in 1896, began offering educational tours in the early 1980s. These tours provide a unique opportunity to learn about the history and operations of the mine.