Animas Museum: A Window to Durango's Past

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Discover Durango's heritage at the Animas Museum, where exhibits and archives bring local history to life in a charming, historic schoolhouse.

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Animas Museum

Housed in the historic Animas City School building, the Animas Museum in Durango, Colorado, offers a captivating glimpse into the region's history and culture. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and stories from Native American heritage to the pioneer and mining eras.

A brief summary to Animas Museum

3065 W 2nd Ave, Durango, Colorado, 81301, US
Click to display
Click to display

Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 1 pm-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 1 pm-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

Visit on weekdays for a more personal experience and quieter exploration of the exhibits.
Check the museum's website for special events, workshops, and temporary exhibits that may coincide with your visit.
Allow at least an hour to fully appreciate the exhibits and displays.
Consider downloading a self-guided walking tour map from the museum to explore historic parts of Durango after your visit.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Animas City Park

Animas City Park: Durango's Riverside Retreat

Dalla Mountain park

Dalla Mountain Park: Durango's Bouldering and Trail Haven

Memorial Park Phase II

Memorial Park Phase II: Durango's Riverside Retreat

Getting There

Walking

From downtown Durango, head west on Main Avenue, then turn left onto W 2nd Avenue. The museum is located at 3065 W 2nd Avenue, approximately a 25-minute walk from downtown. Enjoy the local scenery along the way.
Public Transport

Take Durango Transit Route 1 from the Durango Transit Center to the stop closest to W 2nd Avenue. From there, walk west along W 2nd Avenue for about 5-10 minutes to reach the Animas Museum. Check the bus schedule for the latest timings. As of August 2024, Durango Transit, including the Trolley, is free to ride.
Car

From downtown Durango, drive west on Main Avenue (U.S. Highway 550) for about 1.5 miles. Turn left onto W 2nd Avenue and continue for approximately 0.5 miles. The Animas Museum will be on your left at 3065 W 2nd Ave. Parking is available on-site. Metered street parking is available, costing $1 per hour in most downtown areas, with free parking after 6 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends. All-day parking is available at the Transit Center for $5.

Discover more about Animas Museum

The Animas Museum, operated by the La Plata County Historical Society, is a treasure trove of local history housed in the beautifully restored 1904 Animas City School building. This three-story sandstone building, originally Animas City School, served students until 1967 and stands as Durango's only history museum. The building itself was the first structure placed on Durango's Historic Register in 1992. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits that delve into the diverse aspects of La Plata County's past. These include Native American history, the impact of the railroad, pioneer life, mining, and early Colorado schools. A highlight is the restored 1905 classroom, offering a glimpse into education of the past. The museum also features a research library with a collection of historical documents, photographs, and artifacts. The Animas Museum is committed to education and community engagement, hosting workshops, lectures, and special events throughout the year. These programs offer deeper connections with the region's history and culture. The museum also provides resources for historical research, with books, photos, maps, and records.