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Gilpin History Museum: A Glimpse into Colorado's Gold Rush Past

Explore Gilpin County's past at the Gilpin History Museum, with exhibits showcasing mining history and artifacts from the Gold Rush era.

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The Gilpin History Museum in Central City, Colorado, offers a captivating journey into the region's rich mining heritage. Housed in a restored 1870s schoolhouse, the museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that vividly depict the lives of 19th-century miners and settlers who shaped Gilpin County.

A brief summary to Gilpin History Museum

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Gilpin Historical Society website for information on guided tours of other historic buildings in Central City, such as the Teller House and the Central City Opera House.
  • Plan to visit during the week to avoid crowds and have a more personal experience.
  • Allow extra time to explore the surrounding historic district after your museum visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Central City Opera House, head east on Eureka Street towards Lawrence Street. Turn right onto Lawrence Street, then left onto E 1st High Street. The Gilpin History Museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. Free street parking is available near the museum.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Central City Free Ride shuttle to the Dragon Tiger Casino stop. From the stop, walk east on Lawrence Street, turn left onto E 1st High Street. The Gilpin History Museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. The Central City Free Ride operates on a 30-minute schedule. This service is free.

  • Driving

    From I-70, take the Central City Parkway exit. Follow the Central City Parkway to Central City. In Central City, turn left onto Eureka Street, then turn right onto County Road/Clara Brown Way, and finally, turn right onto East First High Street. The Gilpin History Museum will be on your left about a block and a half down the street. Free street parking is available in front of the museum.

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Discover more about Gilpin History Museum

Step back in time at the Gilpin History Museum, located in the heart of Central City, Colorado, a town that once held the title of "The Richest Square Mile on Earth" during the peak of the Gold Rush. Housed in a beautifully restored, two-story schoolhouse dating back to 1870, the museum offers a fascinating look into the lives of those who sought fortune and opportunity in this rugged mountain landscape. The museum's exhibits cover various aspects of life in Gilpin County, from the booming mining industry to the development of local businesses and society. You'll find a diverse collection of artifacts, including mining memorabilia, tools, and equipment that illustrate the challenges and triumphs of extracting gold from the earth. A recreated Main Street depicts the stores and businesses that thrived in Central City during its heyday, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of its residents. One of the museum's most intriguing artifacts is the Mountain Submarine, a unique vessel believed to have been constructed in the late 1890s and recovered from Missouri Lake in 1944. The museum also features rotating displays on regional and national history, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience for returning visitors. The Gilpin History Museum is more than just a repository of artifacts; it's a place where the stories of Central City's pioneers come to life.

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