7 Best Museums In Colorado

Colorado offers some of the most diverse and comprehensive museums in the country, due in large part to Colorado’s multi-faceted history and culture. From Native culture to the wild west, agriculture and militaria, the fine arts to mining, Colorado is rich with Americana in every sense of the word. It is sure to provide unique exhibitions of what you know and love, along with captivating new discoveries. So whether you’re a student of history, an admirer of culture, or anything in between, Colorado is the surest destination for you.

Black American West Museum (Denver)

This cozy yet culturally rich institution highlights the long-overlooked contributions of Black Americans in shaping the mythology and reality of the West. Founded in 1971 by Paul Stewart, the museum in Denver began as a personal collection and has since grown into a respected archive of artifacts, photographs, oral histories, and memorabilia. The site itself is notable: the museum is housed in the former home of Dr. Justina Ford, the first licensed African American female doctor in Colorado, adding another layer of history to the visit. Visitors can explore stories of Black cowboys, lawmen, soldiers, and settlers who played pivotal roles across the Rocky Mountain frontier.

The museum’s collection is strengthened by interactive programs and tours that keep history alive for all ages. Among its best-known offerings are storytelling performances by the Jane Taylor Reenactor Guild, where interpreters bring real historical figures to life. A visit here provides an intimate look at a part of Western history that is rarely presented in mainstream accounts. Nearby, Mestizo Curtis Park is a great place for a stroll, with some tennis courts and walking trails opening up plenty of opportunities.

Colorado Railroad Museum (Golden)

For all things trains and railways, look no further than the Colorado Railroad Museum. Here, you can explore a delightful variety of historic train cars, participate in family-centric events, ride on all kinds of trains, and go on a tour of the outdoor railyard, all while learning about railway history. Situated in the lovely town of Jefferson, home of a seasonal cafe called The Hungry Moose Caboose, this museum is a quaint day-trip visit if you're not one for large crowds.

One of the most exciting summer events is a “Day Out with Thomas,” which happens every September. In this event, kids can ride on a full-size Thomas the Tank Engine, see live interactive entertainment, and play event-exclusive games. Alternatively, in the winter, there is a Polar Express event in which a reenactment of some of the most beloved Polar Express trademarks is put on display in a life-sized train.

Denver Art Museum (Denver)

The Denver Art Museum is Colorado’s premier art institution, renowned for its vast collections and striking architecture in the heart of the state’s capital. Home to more than 70,000 works across a dozen permanent collections, the museum features masterpieces by Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, and Georgia O’Keeffe.

The museum’s campus includes two landmark buildings. The Hamilton Building, designed by Daniel Libeskind, houses contemporary art and traveling exhibitions across four floors. The Martin Building, originally designed by Gio Ponti and recently renovated, spans more than 210,000 square feet across eight levels, making it the museum’s largest space and home to most of its permanent collections. Together, the buildings create a destination where visitors can spend hours exploring everything from European masters to Indigenous art. After a visit, guests can stop at The Ponti, the museum’s signature restaurant, or enjoy a coffee at the on-site Gio Café. Tours, lectures, and rotating events ensure that each visit offers something new.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Denver)

Another point on the board for Denver for this incredible museum full of elaborate and jaw-dropping displays. Offering exhibitions on Egyptian mummies, physiology, geology, Russian gem carvings, prehistoric life, space exploration, wildlife, and more, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is truly a one-of-a-kind experience found only in Colorado. Behind the scenes are about 4.3 million artifacts and specimens across 20+ collections. These include T. rex, Allosaurus, and Stegosaurus in Prehistoric Journey, the Gates Planetarium, and the giant-screen Infinity Theater.

The museum also hosts regular programs, events, shows, films, and temporary exhibitions, always evolving to keep up with the seasons and current events. It is Perfect for a whole family, a date, and anyone in between. While roaming the museum, feel free to stop by the T. Rex Cafe or the Coffee Lab to refuel during your journey.

Dinosaur National Monument (Dinosaur)

A combination museum and national landmark, the Dinosaur National Monument is a colorful exploration of history, archeology, and nature. Splayed across hundreds of thousands of acres of Colorado wilderness, there are ample opportunities to satisfy your curiosity about anything under the sun concerning prehistory. At the Quarry Exhibit Hall, a ~1,500-bone wall displays Late Jurassic fossils, including Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Camarasaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus. Just a handful of the things you can accomplish when visiting this museum are camping on the grounds, river rafting, hiking, open viewing of awesome petroglyphs, and amazing fossils. One of the nearest towns is Vernal, where one can dine on some steak at Swain Brothers or go shopping at Neighbors Thrift.

Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave (Golden)

One of the most popular and culturally significant historical attractions in Colorado, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is a must-visit for those interested in the American West, history, and cultural iconography. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic view from the observation deck of Lookout Mountain, where Buffalo Bill requested to be buried.

The inner museum provides a rich and comprehensive history of Buffalo Bill, his life and times, and how his legacy has impacted the West as well as the U.S. at large. From personal artifacts to rare voice recordings, this museum has everything when it comes to this pioneer of the West. Among the impressive collections, visitors can also enter the Wild West Arena, a space for photo-taking, posing, dressing up, and playing games. Outdoors, the museum also provides bison viewings, picnic areas, and a mountain trail that leads directly to the Lookout Mountain Nature Center.

Telluride Historical Museum (Telluride)

Focusing on all things Colorado history, the Telluride Historical Museum covers the background and culture of Ute Natives, Colorado mining, local culture, and more. Housed in the 1896 Hall’s Hospital, the museum spans ten themed rooms and stewards over 1,000 artifacts, photos, recordings, and documents. A good mixture of permanent and temporary rotational exhibitions makes successive visits dynamic and especially interesting. Past exhibitions include a history of festivals in Telluride, global epidemics, U.S. cartography, and Telluride during WWII.

The museum is interesting in the sense that it uses the local scope as a microcosm to view the rest of the world in a unique perspective, making this spot truly individual. The museum also hosts regular events, including tours, a book club, film screenings, and other unique events. This museum is also an associate of the Smithsonian Institution.

Amazing Museums In Colorado

Colorado and its museums offer a distillation of the American West, the pioneering spirit, and the wonders of anthropology that no other place can offer. This state contains a wider and more eclectic variety than most others, and this is evident in the joyousness of their museum experiences. Whether you’re coming as an artist, a historian, a curious mind, or a scientist, these Colorado museums will exact the full potential of what a museum can offer.