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Edwin Carter Museum: A Naturalist's Legacy

Explore natural history in a preserved 1875 log cabin, showcasing a naturalist's collection of Rocky Mountain wildlife in Breckenridge, Colorado.

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The Edwin Carter Museum in Breckenridge, Colorado, preserves the legacy of Edwin Carter, a gold prospector turned naturalist. Housed in Carter's original log cabin, the museum showcases his collection of taxidermied animals, offering a glimpse into the Rocky Mountain's natural history and Carter's conservation efforts.

A brief summary to Breckenridge History: Edwin Carter Museum

  • Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-4 pm
  • Friday 11 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Allow 30-90 minutes to fully explore the museum and appreciate the exhibits.
  • The museum is free, but donations are appreciated to support its operations and preservation.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby historic sites, such as the Red, White & Blue Fire Museum, for a comprehensive Breckenridge history experience.
  • Check out the Breckenridge Welcome Center on Main Street for more on the town's mining history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Edwin Carter Museum is located at 111 N Ridge St, one block behind Main Street in Breckenridge. From Main Street, walk east on Wellington Road, then turn right into the alley. The museum will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    Breckenridge offers a free bus service called the 'Free Ride'. Several routes stop near Main Street, a short walk from the museum. Check the 'My Free Ride' app for real-time bus locations and schedules. The Summit Stage is also available for free transport throughout Summit County.

  • Parking

    Paid parking is available on Ridge Street and in nearby lots. Rates average around $0.50-$1.00 per hour. Free three-hour parking is available on French Street, one street east of Ridge Street. In the summer, free parking is available at the South Gondola Garage at 80 North Park Ave.

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Discover more about Breckenridge History: Edwin Carter Museum

Step back in time at the Edwin Carter Museum, a preserved log cabin filled with a menagerie of taxidermied creatures from the 19th-century Rocky Mountains. Edwin Carter, originally a gold prospector who came to Breckenridge in 1868, became concerned about the impact of mining on local wildlife. He transformed into a self-taught naturalist and taxidermist, documenting and preserving over 3,300 specimens of local fauna. The museum showcases Carter's collection and tells the story of his life and work. Visitors can explore interactive displays, see original taxidermy work, and learn about the region's natural history. The museum also highlights Carter's role in the founding of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, as his collection became its first exhibits. The cabin itself, with its high ceilings to accommodate large animal displays, provides a glimpse into Carter's life and the era. The Edwin Carter Museum offers a unique and engaging experience for all ages, providing insights into the life of a remarkable man and the importance of conservation.

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