Old Town Museum: A Glimpse into Prairie Life

Old Town Museum in Burlington, Colorado, offers visitors an immersive journey into the past, showcasing life on the eastern plains during the late 1800s and early 1900s. This 6.5-acre complex features 21 fully restored buildings, each filled with authentic artifacts that bring history to life. The museum was established in 1986, commemorating Burlington's centennial and preserving the legacy of Colorado's early settlers. Visitors can explore a variety of buildings, including a schoolhouse (constructed in 1911), a church (dating from 1921), and a grand old family house built in 1915. The oldest building on site is the Depot, built in 1889 by the Rock Island Railroad company in Bethune, CO. Old Town Museum offers a range of activities and exhibits, including live gunfight reenactments and can-can dancing during the summer months. The Emporium offers handcrafted local gifts and a soda fountain. The museum's collection includes tens of thousands of photographs, artifacts, and documents, most of which belonged to original residents of Burlington and the surrounding areas. Special events, such as the Wild West Dinner Theater, provide an entertaining and engaging way to experience the Old West. Buildings of note include the Old Town Barn, built in 1937, which can hold over 180 tons of hay and is available for rent for various events. The Boese House, constructed in 1915 south of Vona, CO, features original wallpaper and curtains in the upstairs sewing room, offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers.