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South Park City Museum: A Glimpse into Colorado's Mining Past

Experience life in a 19th-century Colorado mining town at South Park City Museum, featuring authentic buildings and artifacts from the Gold Rush era.

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Step back in time at South Park City Museum, a meticulously recreated 19th-century mining town in Fairplay, Colorado. Explore over 40 restored buildings filled with more than 60,000 artifacts, offering an immersive experience of the Gold Rush era and the rugged lives of Colorado's early pioneers.

A brief summary to South Park City Museum

Local tips

  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum's 44 buildings and exhibits.
  • Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to explore the museum grounds.
  • Visit during Living History Days (second weekend of August) for reenactments by volunteers in period attire.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    South Park City Museum is located at 100 4th St in Fairplay, Colorado. From Front Street in Fairplay, walk west towards the end of the street. The museum will be on your left, marked by a wood picket fence and a sign reading 'South Park City'. The entrance and parking lot are located on 4th Street.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus from Denver, the Bustang bus line has a stop at Main & 4th Fairplay. From there, walk west on 4th St for a block to reach the museum entrance.

  • Parking

    Ample parking is available at the museum. The parking lot is located on 4th Street, adjacent to the museum entrance. Parking is free.

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Discover more about South Park City Museum

South Park City Museum, nestled in Fairplay, Colorado, offers a unique window into the past, transporting visitors to a 19th-century mining town. Founded in 1959, the open-air museum showcases the history of the Colorado Gold Rush and the subsequent Silver Boom. The museum features over 40 authentic buildings relocated from various ghost towns and mining camps in South Park, creating a remarkably accurate representation of a boomtown between 1860 and 1900. Wander through the unpaved streets and explore various buildings, including a saloon, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and bank, each filled with period-appropriate furnishings and artifacts. The Transportation Building displays vintage wagons, carriages, and a narrow-gauge railroad car. The Assay Office illustrates how precious metals were tested, and the Smithsonian Firearms Exhibit showcases historic firearms from the 1800s. South Park City Museum provides an engaging and educational experience for all ages. It offers a glimpse into the daily lives, trades, and industries that shaped the American West. The museum is open from mid-May to mid-October.

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