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Museum of the Mountain West: A Journey into the Old West

Explore life in the Old West with 500,000+ artifacts & historical buildings. Guided tours bring the past to life at this Montrose, Colorado museum.

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Step back in time at the Museum of the Mountain West in Montrose, Colorado, where over 500,000 artifacts and meticulously reconstructed historical buildings transport you to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Explore a recreated Old West town, complete with a saloon, general store, and more, offering an immersive glimpse into pioneer life in the Rocky Mountains.

A brief summary to Museum of the Mountain West

  • Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least two hours for a guided tour to fully experience the museum's exhibits and historical buildings.
  • Check the museum's website for current admission prices and group rates.
  • Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking around both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Museum of the Mountain West is located on US Highway 50, approximately 2.5 miles east of Montrose. From downtown Montrose, head east on US-50. Turn into the museum at 68169 Miami Rd, where you'll see the museum sign. Parking is available across from the main museum building. There is no fee for parking.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation directly to the Museum of the Mountain West is limited, you can take a local bus from Montrose to a nearby stop on US-50 and then walk to the museum. Check the local Montrose bus schedule for the closest available route and plan for approximately a 20-30 minute walk to the museum entrance. Bus fares typically cost around $1.75.

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Discover more about Museum of the Mountain West

The Museum of the Mountain West, located just outside Montrose, Colorado, offers an immersive journey into the past, showcasing life in the American West from the 1880s to the 1930s. Founded in 1997 by Richard E. Fike, a retired historical archaeologist, the museum began as a personal collection and has grown into a sprawling complex featuring meticulously restored historical buildings and over 500,000 artifacts. The centerpiece of the museum is Adobe Flats, a fictional town constructed to house and display the vast collection. Visitors can explore a recreated Old West town, complete with storefronts representing essential services and businesses of the era. Highlights include an 1890s Western saloon modeled after the Senate Bar in Kokomo, Colorado, a doctor's and dentist's office, a 1900s drugstore, and a general store. Beyond the main building, the museum grounds feature historic structures that have been relocated to the site, such as a 1913 German Lutheran Church and an 1882 Denver & Rio Grande Railroad section house. The museum also owns a historic carriage shop where Jack Dempsey, the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1919-1926, trained. Knowledgeable docents guide visitors through the exhibits, sharing fascinating stories and historical context. The museum is dedicated to educating visitors about the history and culture of the American West through its extensive collections and preservation efforts.

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