MUSEUMS

The museums in Gunnison County stretch to all reaches of the valley. These museums celebrate the rich heritage, extraordinary fortitude, and the wonderful, sometimes wacky, characters who have called this valley home for hundreds of years. While offering a connection to the Gunnison Valley’s history, they also hint to the great future ahead.

GUNNISON MUSEUMS

The Pioneer Museum

The Pioneer Museum, open to visitors in the summer months, highlights the history of Gunnison’s pioneers. The many artifacts, most of them donated by members of the Gunnison County Pioneer and Historical Society, tell the story of early pioneers in Gunnison County. In addition to smaller displays, the Pioneer Museum collection also includes an antique narrow gauge train and the Andy Mallett Antique and Classic Car Exhibit with over 70 classic cars and trucks.

Gunnison Valley OBSERVATORY

The Gunnison Valley Observatory’s regular season schedule begins in June through the middle of September on Friday’s and Saturdays. Each week offers a specialized lecture and meeting of local astronomical minds regardless of the weather conditions.

Gunnison Valley Observatory offers many exciting ways to support its mission and goals. You can attend the Friday lecture series and telescope viewings, volunteer, book a private showing or become a financial sponsor.

CRESTED BUTTE AND MT. CRESTED BUTTE MUSEUMS

Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum

Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum takes you back in time to the days of Tony’s Conoco, a hardware store and gas station located in downtown Crested Butte from 1883-1996. With an exhibit on the miners who made Crested Butte their home generations ago, a model train, and a feature on the history of skiing in the Gunnison Valley, there is sure to be an exhibit for everyone. The Museum also has a featured exhibit on the history of mountain biking in Crested Butte, which is said to be one of it’s birthplaces in the United States.

The Mountain Heritage Museum also offers walking tours throughout the week. Participants will learn about the history of the buildings, how Crested Butte came to be the town it is today, and stories about various community members and groups throughout the town’s history. People can sign up on the museum’s website.

Trailhead Children’s Museum

In Mt. Crested Butte, check out the Trailhead Children’s Museum. With interactive displays and fun projects, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon in Mt. Crested Butte.

GOTHIC AND MARBLE MUSEUMS

The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory’s Weldon and Rosalie Weekley Visitor’s Center features exhibits on the history of science in Gothic, Colorado. They also have a large multi-touch table exhibit featuring videos, photos and maps of the area. Acting as the home base for their sell-out Kids Nature Camp and their adult tour program, as well as featuring a gift shop, the new Visitor’s Center is a treasure in the East River Valley. The Marble Museum in Marble, Colorado documents the heyday of the marble mines, when the town had over 4,000 residents.