Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in Colorado:
1Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango, COThe 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. 2U.s. Mint
Denver, COTake 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 3Colorado Railroad Museum
Golden, COThe 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. 4Forney Museum of Transportation
Denver, COThe 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. 5Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
Cripple Creek, COThe 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. 6Georgetown Loop Railroad
Georgetown, COThe 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. 7Western Mining Museum
Colorado Springs, COThe 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. 8High Line Railroad Park
Breckenridge, COToday, 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. 9Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel
Idaho Springs, COThe 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. 10Cross Orchards Historic Site
Grand Junction, COThe 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. 11Holden - Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum
Aspen, COThe 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. 12Steelworks Center of the West
Pueblo, COThe 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. 13History Colorado Center
Denver, COThe 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. 14Arvada Flour Mill
Arvada, COThe Arvada Flour Mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, marking its significance in the history of the area. 15Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour
Silverton, COThe 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. 16National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum
Leadville, COThe 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. 17Limon Railroad Depot
Limon, COThe 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. 18South Park City
Fairplay, COSouth 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. 19Denver Firefighters Museum
Denver, COThe 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. 20Cripple Creek District Museum
Cripple Creek, COThe 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. 21El Pueblo History Museum
Pueblo, COEl 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. 22Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin
Leadville, COThe 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. 23Walsenburg Mining Museum
Walsenburg, COThe 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. 24James F. Bailey Assay Office Museum
Sugarloaf, COThe 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. 25Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum
Castle Rock, COThe 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
Colorado Springs Fire Department Lester L. Williams Complex
Colorado Springs, COInteresting museum dedicated to the history and present of firefighting. Historic machinery on display. - 27
Hidee Gold Mine Tours and Panning
Central City, COThe 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.