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Mines Museum of Earth Science: A Geological Treasure Trove

Explore Earth's wonders at the Mines Museum of Earth Science: fossils, gems, minerals, and more in Golden, Colorado. Free admission!

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The Mines Museum of Earth Science, located on the Colorado School of Mines campus in Golden, Colorado, showcases an impressive collection of minerals, fossils, gemstones, and mining artifacts. With free admission, it's a fascinating destination for all ages.

A brief summary to Mines Museum of Earth Science

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
  • Participate in the family-friendly scavenger hunt to earn a free rock or mineral.
  • Don't miss the fluorescent mineral exhibit in the indoor mine cave.
  • Check the museum's website for information on special events and rotating exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Golden, the Mines Museum of Earth Science is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Head east on Clear Creek Trail, which connects to local roads leading to Maple Street. The museum is located at 1310 Maple Street on the Colorado School of Mines campus. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From the RTD light rail station in downtown Denver, take the W Line to the Golden Station. From there, transfer to the Route 3 or 5 bus. Get off at the stop closest to Maple Street and walk 5-10 minutes to the museum. A single ride on the RTD light rail and bus typically costs $3 - $5.

  • Car

    The Mines Museum of Earth Science is located at 1310 Maple St, Golden, CO 80401. From Denver, take I-70 W to CO-58 W, then follow US-6 W to 19th Street in Golden. Turn left onto 19th Street, then right onto Maple Street. Limited free street parking is available near the museum. Fee-based visitor parking is available outside the main museum entrance on the south side of the GRL building. Additional fee-based parking is available in the garage on the south side of the museum and the small lot on the north side. On weekdays, payment is required at the kiosks. Parking costs $10 before 2:00 PM and $5 after 2:00 PM on weekdays. Parking is free on weekends.

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Discover more about Mines Museum of Earth Science

The Mines Museum of Earth Science, formerly the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, stands as the oldest cultural institution in Golden, Colorado. Established in 1874, its roots lie in serving as a teaching tool for the school's mining and geology students. Over time, it has evolved into a public museum attracting around 30,000 visitors annually. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 60,000 objects, though only around 3,000 items are typically on display. Highlights include the Miss Colorado Crown, moon rocks from the Apollo 15 and 17 missions, the Allison-Boettcher gold collection, and an extensive assortment of Colorado minerals. Visitors can explore exhibits on fossils, meteorites, and mining history, including a unique indoor cave featuring phosphorescent minerals. The museum's history is intertwined with the Colorado School of Mines. Arthur Lakes, a professor and paleontologist, initiated the museum's collection in the 1870s. Over the years, the museum has moved through several locations on campus before finding its current home in the General Research Laboratory building in 2003. The museum also offers scavenger hunts for children and guided tours.

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