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MacGregor Ranch Museum: A Glimpse into Colorado's Ranching Past

Explore a historic Colorado ranch and museum in Estes Park, showcasing pioneer life and a working cattle ranch since 1873.

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The MacGregor Ranch Museum in Estes Park offers a unique window into the lives of early Colorado settlers. This well-preserved homestead, dating back to 1873, showcases original buildings, furnishings, and artifacts from the MacGregor family, providing an immersive experience of ranching life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A brief summary to MacGregor Ranch Museum

Local tips

  • The museum is open seasonally, from June to August, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..
  • Consider a donation to support the museum's preservation efforts and educational programs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the ranch and exploring the outbuildings.
  • Check for special events or educational programs during your visit for a more immersive experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Estes Park, head north on Devil's Gulch Road. Turn north onto MacGregor Avenue and follow it to the ranch entrance at 180 MacGregor Lane. Parking is available on-site. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Estes Park Shuttle from various points within Estes Park to downtown. From downtown, it's approximately a 1.5-mile walk to the MacGregor Ranch Museum. Head east on Elkhorn Avenue, turn right on McGregor Avenue, and then left onto MacGregor Lane. The shuttle fare is around $5. Alternatively, you can call The Peak at 970-577-3959 to request a route deviation for pick up.

  • Walking

    From downtown Estes Park, head east on Elkhorn Avenue until you reach McGregor Avenue. Turn right onto McGregor Avenue, continue straight until you reach MacGregor Lane, and turn left. The museum is located at 180 MacGregor Lane. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 30 minutes.

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Discover more about MacGregor Ranch Museum

Step back in time at the MacGregor Ranch Museum, a living history museum that preserves the legacy of a pioneering ranching family in Estes Park. Founded in 1873 by Alexander and Clara MacGregor, the ranch remained in the family for three generations, offering a glimpse into their daily lives. Muriel MacGregor, the last of the family, bequeathed the ranch as an educational trust upon her death in 1970, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The museum complex includes the original 1896 ranch house, now serving as a museum, along with several historic outbuildings. Visitors can explore the milk house, root cellar, smokehouse, and blacksmith shop, gaining insight into the self-sufficient lifestyle of early ranchers. The main house displays original furnishings, family clothing, handcrafts, and personal memorabilia, offering a personal connection to the MacGregor family. Early historic photographs, personal diaries, and original oil paintings further enrich the visitor experience. The MacGregor Ranch Museum provides a unique educational experience, particularly for children. School groups visit the ranch for guided tours, hiking, and wagon rides, connecting with nature and learning about Colorado's homesteading history. The museum also plays a vital role in preserving the area's history, with 28 of the 42 buildings on the ranch listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The MacGregor Ranch is the last remaining working cattle ranch in Estes Park.

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