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Ute Indian Museum: A Journey Through Ute History and Culture

Explore the rich history and culture of the Ute people at the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose, Colorado.

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The Ute Indian Museum in Montrose, Colorado, preserves and presents the history and culture of the Ute people, Colorado's longest continuous residents. Located on the historic homestead of Chief Ouray and his wife Chipeta, the museum features exhibits, artifacts, and beautiful grounds that tell the story of the Ute tribe from their nomadic past to their present-day life.

A brief summary to Ute Indian Museum

  • Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the summer months for warm weather and special events like storytimes, craft workshops, and dance performances.
  • Allow ample time to explore the museum's three main galleries, focusing on Ute history, culture, and art.
  • Don't miss the outdoor attractions, including the Chief Ouray Memorial Park, Chipeta's crypt, and the native plants garden.
  • Check out the gift shop for Ute-made jewelry, pottery, and other Native American arts and crafts.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Ute Indian Museum is located at 17253 Chipeta Rd, Montrose, CO 81403, about 3 miles south of downtown Montrose. From downtown, head south on US-550/S Townsend Ave. Turn right onto Chipeta Rd, and the museum will be on your right. Parking is available on-site. There is no fee for parking.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options directly to the Ute Indian Museum may be limited, you can take a local bus to a nearby stop and then walk or take a short taxi or ride-share to the museum. Check the local Montrose bus schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. A short taxi or ride-share from downtown Montrose to the museum will typically cost around $10-$15.

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Discover more about Ute Indian Museum

Nestled in the heart of the traditional Uncompahgre Ute territory near Montrose, Colorado, the Ute Indian Museum offers a unique and immersive experience into the history and culture of the Ute people. Built in 1956 on the 8.65-acre homestead of Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta, the museum stands as a tribute to the Ute tribe, who have called Colorado home for centuries. The museum's exhibits showcase the Ute's history of adaptation and resilience, highlighting significant locations and events that shaped their culture. Visitors can explore topics such as Ute cultural survival, political determination, economic opportunities, and the celebration of the Bear Dance. The museum also features artifacts, some of which have never been displayed before, including a velvet dress belonging to Chipeta. Contemporary Ute life is also represented, with displays including items like a beaded cell phone case and a Bear Dance shawl. Beyond the exhibits, the museum grounds offer a serene and contemplative environment. Visitors can stroll through the Chief Ouray Memorial Park, visit Chipeta's crypt, and explore the native plants garden, which features plants used by the Ute people for nutritional, medicinal, and practical purposes. The grounds also include teepees that visitors can enter and a memorial to the Spanish conquistadors who traveled through the area in 1776. The museum is linked to the city-wide trail system and includes shady picnic areas and walking paths.

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