Nestled between Colorado’s iconic mountain peaks and sprawling high plains, the state’s small museums offer some of the most surprising, charming, and deeply personal windows into history, art, and culture you’ll find anywhere in the American West. Here are 10 small museums worth visiting in the great state of Colorado.
#1 Global Village Museum, Fort Collins
Where: 200 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 5 pm
The Global Village Museum of Arts and Culture in Fort Collins is a great family friendly way to explore different cultures around the world under one roof. Experience the rotating main exhibit, which changes every four months, so you can keep coming back and learning new things! Immerse yourself in Mundoville, the exhibit of miniatures, with one of the largest Losel Doll collections in the world. And explore the gift shop, full of handmade items from around the world. The museum is located near the heart of Old Town, so after a fun visit to the museum, spend some time experiencing downtown Fort Collins.
#2 The Forney Museum of Transportation, Denver
Where: 4303 Brighton Boulevard Denver, Colorado, 80216
Hours: Thursday – Monday 10 am – 5 pm
The Forney Museum of Transportation is a one of a kind collection with artifacts relating to historical transportation. Not only cars, but buggies, steam locomotives, aircrafts, and more! This museum is a fun and immersive experience and a great way to learn more about the history of vehicles.
#3 Pioneer Village Museum, Hot Sulphur Springs
Where: 110 E Byers Ave, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO, 80451
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
Housed in an original Hot Sulphur Springs schoolhouse, the Pioneer Village Museum tells the story of the development of the area. Explore a large variety of artifacts including early tools of the Grand County inhabitants, pioneer clothing, and a skiing display. Surrounding the Museum are several other historic buildings, including the county’s original courthouse and jail from the 19th century. This family friendly museum is not only educational, but also a beautiful place to visit.
#4 Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys, Lakewood
Where: 830 Kipling St. Lakewood, CO, 80215
Hours: Friday – Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 1 – 4pm
The Denver Museum Of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys has four unique exhibits each year. They display a wide variety of items ranging from vintage toys and doll houses, to miniature tea cups. This museum is an easy way to get lost for hours, and the perfect place for miniature enthusiasts!
#6 May Natural History Museum, Colorado Springs
Where: 710 Rock Creek Canyon Road, Colorado Springs, CO, 80926
Hours: May 1 to October 1, 9 am to 6 pm daily
The May Natural History Museum is a fun and creative way to learn more about the bugs that surround us. Name an insect, they probably have it. This family friendly museum is often referred to as the “Bug Museum” to children around Colorado. It is a great place for insect enthusiasts, scientists, school groups, and anyone who is interested in learning more about the crawling friends around us
#7 Tiny Town and Railroads, Morrison
Where: 6249 S. Turkey Creek Rd., Morrison, CO, 80465
Hours: 10 am to 5pm 7 days a week, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Tiny Town is a fun family friendly way to learn about the past. This is an outdoor 1/6 size town that offers a glimpse into the past. Tiny Town is the perfect place to spend the day enjoying a mix of education, and family fun with train rides, and picnics.
#8 Loveland Museum, Loveland
Where: 503 N. Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO, 80537
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: 11 am – 5 pm
Thursday & Friday: 11 am – 7 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
The Loveland Museum has a little something for everyone. There’s a history exhibit providing information about the vast history of Loveland, including the sugar beet industry. It also has rotating art exhibits featuring local and international artists.
#9 Museo De Las Américas, Denver
Where: 861, Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO, 80204
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 12 – 6 pm
Saturday & Sunday 12 – 5 pm
Museo De Las Américas is a Latin American art museum celebrating traditional folk art, as well as contemporary art. They highlight unique experiences from around the world within their exhibits.
#10 Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, Golden
Where: 200 Violet Street, Suite 140, Golden CO, 80401
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the history and tradition of quilting. They showcase all kinds of quilts from bed coverings, to contemporary artworks. Whether you love to quilt, want to get into quilting, or just need a fun activity to fill your day this museum is the perfect place for you!