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Edwin Carter Museum: A Naturalist's Legacy

Explore the legacy of Edwin Carter, a naturalist who transformed his Breckenridge cabin into a museum of Rocky Mountain wildlife.

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Step back in time at the Edwin Carter Museum, housed in Carter's original 1875 log cabin. Discover the story of a gold prospector turned naturalist and explore his collection of Rocky Mountain wildlife, which formed the foundation of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

A brief summary to Breckenridge History: Edwin Carter Museum

  • Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-3 pm
  • Friday 10 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-3 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
  • Check the museum's schedule for special events or guided tours that enhance your visit.
  • Take some time to explore the other historic sites in Breckenridge, such as the Barney Ford Museum and the Red, White & Blue Fire Museum.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Main Street in Breckenridge, head north on Ridge Street. The museum is located at 111 N Ridge St, approximately a 10-minute walk from the center of town. Look for the historic log cabin with the museum sign.

  • Public Transport

    이용객은 Breckenridge Free Ride 시스템의 지역 버스 시간표를 확인해야 합니다. 노란색 노선을 타고 Breckenridge Transit Center 방향으로 가십시오. Main Street 정류장에서 하차한 다음 North Ridge Street에서 북쪽으로 약 5분 정도 걸어가십시오. 박물관은 111 N Ridge St의 왼쪽에 있습니다.

  • Car

    From Park Avenue, turn onto North Ridge Street. The Edwin Carter Museum is located at 111 N Ridge St. There are a few designated parking spaces at the museum. Street parking and town lot parking are also available. Visit the Breck Park website for current parking locations and fees. Free parking options are available around the Town of Breckenridge. Parking is prohibited in all Town of Breckenridge operated parking lots between 2 AM and 6 AM from November through April.

Unlock the Best of Breckenridge History: Edwin Carter Museum

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Discover more about Breckenridge History: Edwin Carter Museum

The Edwin Carter Museum offers a glimpse into the life and work of Edwin Carter, a man who traded gold prospecting for naturalism in the late 19th century. Arriving in Breckenridge in 1868 during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, Carter became concerned about the environmental impact of mining on local wildlife. He began collecting and preserving specimens, eventually amassing over 3,000, which he displayed in his log cabin home. Housed in Carter's original cabin since 1875, the museum showcases a selection of his taxidermied animals and artifacts from the mining era. Interactive exhibits, including a children's room and a theater, provide insights into Carter's life, conservation efforts, and the ecological changes in the region. His collection became the foundation for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Visitors can explore the museum through self-guided tours or request a guided tour from a docent. The museum also hosts events, such as talks about Ute history in the mountains. The Edwin Carter Museum offers a unique perspective on Breckenridge's history and the importance of environmental conservation.

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