Best Museums to Visit in Golden, Colorado
World-class museums that will more than satisfy your thirst for discovery
Published: June 28, 2023
Golden, Colorado is a vacationer’s paradise. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and just minutes away from Denver, Golden offers many exploring opportunities. And if your idea of the perfect vacation involves immersing yourself in culture and knowledge, you’re in luck: Golden is home to some world-class museums that will more than satisfy your thirst for discovery. From history to science and natural wonders, whatever you’re into there’s sure to be an entertaining experience waiting for you here. In this guide, we’ll show you what makes each museum unique so that when it comes time for your visit, you can make sure you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions.
Golden History Museum
This cultural center in Golden, Colorado showcases regional inventions, music, memorabilia, as well as important historical events. It also offers guests the chance to explore some of Colorado’s most famous citizens like astronaut Jack Swigert, mountaineer Gregory Crouch, and the iconic Buffalo Bill. The museum is home to an array of interactive displays and dynamic installations that will keep visitors entertained for hours.
Golden History Park
Golden History Park in Golden, Colorado is an authentic local history museum, showcasing the life in this town in the early 1800s. It consists of parkland and wooden cabins that are the same structures built by early settlers. It’s an excellent place to get a glimpse of what life was like for pioneers and observe some of the tools and artifacts used in their day-to-day activities. This authentic display also serves as a reminder of how far the area has come since then.
The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
Located in the Lookout Mountain Park in Golden, Colorado, The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is the resting place of famed Old West legend, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. It was built in his honor following his death in 1917 and serves as a reminder of the impact he had on this country’s culture. Visitors can learn about his life, explore artifacts related to him, watch multimedia shows, and visit the nearby grave site. The museum also includes a gift shop, as well as an observation deck from which you can take in the breathtaking views of Lookout Mountain.
Mines Museum of Earth Science
The Mines Museum of Earth Science in Golden, Colorado is an excellent place to learn about the geology and history of this area. It features an extensive collection of minerals, rocks, fossils, and artifacts from all over the world. You can learn about how these materials came to be formed through interactive displays, educational activities, and multimedia presentations. There are also several permanent and rotating exhibits that change throughout the year, so you’ll always have something new to see.
American Mountaineering Museum
Located in the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, Colorado, the American Mountaineering Museum celebrates the people, places, and stories of mountaineering. It offers visitors a chance to explore mountaineering history through interactive displays and multimedia presentations. You can also learn about famous climbers from around the world as well as their daring climbs. The museum even has an outdoor climbing wall where you can test your own skills and get a taste of the mountaineering lifestyle.