Attractions (in category: Museums)

Fort Garland served the U.S. between the years of 1858-1883 during a dynamic time of westward expansion. This 19th century adobe fort was restored between 1945-1950 by the Colorado Historical Society. Five of the original 22 buildings are still standing, and a sixth reconstructed building has been added. Discover the stories behind this southern Colorado military outpost including the contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers (Company G of the Ninth Cavalry) and the command of Kit Carson. Additional interpretative exhibits include: Infantry and Cavalry Barracks, Indo-Hispano culture and a permanent exhibit on preservation efforts at the fort.

Discover the World's Greatest Heavyweight Boxer of the 20th Century! Jack Dempsey (1895-1983), aka "The Manassa Mauler," was the world's heavyweight boxing champion from 1919 to 1926. Born in Manassa, Colorado, Dempsey won the heavyweight championship in 1919, after knocking out Jesse Willard and then lost the title to Gene Tunney in 1926. The museum in his honor, dedicated in Manassa in 1966, is housed in the cabin in which Dempsey was born. It contains several artifacts from Dempsey's career, including the gloves he wore in the New York fight and numerous historic photographs.

An eclectic collection of Southwest and European art, artifacts, and local arts and history unfolds to the visitor at Adams State College's Luther Bean Museum. Tucked away on campus on the second floor of historic Richardson Hall, the museum features a stunning collection of Native American and Hispano Southwest arts, paintings and bronzes by nationally and regionally known artists, and European decorative arts. Proudly featured is also a collection of memorabilia of the former Colorado Governor and ASC's founder William H. "Billy" Adams.

A trip to the Creede Underground Mining Museum is an education in mining techniques and the boom days of Creede. You'll learn about stopeing, what Lymers are, blacksmithing, mucking, blasting and assaying, all underground in the cool heart of the mountain. Twenty-two displays show how mining was done in Creede from the 1890s until the last mine closed in 1985. To lead you through the displays, there is a 30-minute self-guided audio tour or a 1-hour docent-guided tour. The museum store sells a unique selection of minerals and local history related gifts.

Dig deep into the history of the mining town of Creede at the Creede Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts and memorabilia from the local area and surrounding Mineral County. Highlights include an early hearse and fire wagon, a beautiful old bar, camera and political button collections, and historic photos of people, mines, ranches, businesses, and every-day life. A self-guided tour booklet of the museum explains many of the exhibits. The gift shop offers books on mining and local history, Creede Historical Society publications, including a walking tour booklet of the town of Creede, post cards, and photos ready to be framed.

Located in Del Norte, the Rio Grande County Museum provides an overview of the Valley's natural and cultural heritage. Exhibits and displays reveal stories about the valley's residents, including Native American life and rock art, Hispanic settlers, explorers and miners.

The Saguache County Museum opens each year on Memorial Day weekend with old-fashioned small town festivities. Enjoy the nostalgia of a parade, barbecue and ranching celebration with live music and stories. Like wandering through someone's house, this museum features eight rooms filled with the stories from early settlers of Saguache County. You'll marvel at the 1908 defibrillator; an antique gun collection; a reed pipe Clariona purchased at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair; Indian rugs, baskets and pottery; a 1908 fire wagon and hose cart; a 38-star American flag; and many more mementos you would not expect to see in a small Museum.

Located on a plaza in the San Luis de la Culebra Historic District, the San Luis Museum and Cultural Center was constructed in 1943 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Originally constructed as an Institute of Arts and Crafts and later used as a high school, the Museum houses interpretative exhibits and a diorama of the village. Additionally the Museum has a replica of a Penitente Morada, complete with religious objects and Santos (carved saints). Along with the extensive collection of local art, including traditional embroidery and murals, an array of local memorabilia can be found at the Museum.

Delve into American history at the Veterans History Center Museum on the 100-year-old campus of the Colorado State Veterans Center Homelake. The History Center Museum houses memorabilia from veterans that fought in the Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. On display is also equipment used in the infirmary 60 years ago and historic images of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home. Genealogy fans will be intrigued by the records on file for veterans from the Civil War.

The museum contains memorabilia displaying the area's multicultural heritage representing pioneers, Indians and other settlers of the San Luis Valley. Visitors will see historical photographs, a pioneer schoolroom and Trading Post, and American Indian items, including beautiful, colorful clothing made from hides. Oriental art and a Veterans memorabilia are also on display.