The Western Museum of Mining and Industry
Colorado Springs is full of rich history, especially when it comes to mining and the historical expansion of the American West. Planning a visit to the Western Museum of Mining and Industry will introduce you and your family to importance of mining on our daily lives through hands on exhibits, tours, displays, and more!
The museum allows visitors a chance to walk through a mine shaft, check out a steam hoist engine, as well as check out two historic mining machines. Currently, you will find a special exhibit regarding the 150th anniversary of Colorado Springs. The exhibit will be here through August 2021. In this exhibit, you will find storyboards that explain the operations of the coal industry in and around the Colorado Springs, information on the gold ore processing mills that existed to the west of the Colorado Springs, and details regarding the railroads that helped service the coal and mining industries around the area. You will also find neat coal related artifacts as well as gold ore found in Cripple Creek.
The museum also hosts a monthly lecture that is free to museum members. If you are not a member, the lecture series is just $5 dollars a person. Some series are held online only, so check out their website if you are interested in the upcoming guest speakers. You will also find events occurring throughout the year, such as a pumpkin patch in the fall, and even a saloon night!
The Western Museum of Mining and Industry is located on the north side, off exit 156 on Interstate 25. Tickets can be purchased online here, ranging from free (children 3 and under with a paid adult), to $11 a person. The museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. You will find self-guided tours upon entry, but you will have Docents and Guides along your tours to help with any questions you may have and to turn on the machinery. Don’t forget to ask about the gold panning while you’re there!
We highly recommend you take a break on a weekend and make plans to take a short walk-through Colorado Spring’s history at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry. The kids will love the hands on exhibits while they learn about our rich history and how those industries still contribute to our daily life.
Click this link to check out other museums in Colorado Springs!