Creede Underground Mining Museum: A Journey into Colorado's Mining Past

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Explore Colorado's mining heritage at the Creede Underground Mining Museum, a unique subterranean experience for all ages.

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Underground Mining Museum

Descend into the heart of a mountain at the Creede Underground Mining Museum, where you'll experience the life of a miner firsthand. Blasted out of solid rock, this unique museum showcases mining equipment and techniques from Creede's silver boom days, offering a glimpse into the town's rich history and the challenges faced by those who worked beneath the surface.

A brief summary to Underground Mining Museum

9 USFS Rd #503, Creede, Colorado, 81130, US
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Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
Thursday 11 am-4 pm
Friday 11 am-4 pm
Saturday 11 am-4 pm

Local tips

Bring a light jacket, as the temperature inside the museum remains a constant 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
Consider taking the Bachelor Loop Historic Driving Tour after your visit to see the remains of old mines and learn more about Creede's mining history.
Check the museum's hours of operation, as they vary between summer and winter.
Reservations are recommended for the live guided tours during the summer months.

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Getting There

Walking

The Underground Mining Museum is located at 9 USFS Rd #503, a short distance from downtown Creede. From Main Street, head north towards the canyon. The museum is easily accessible on foot, approximately a 5-10 minute walk from most points in town. Look for signs indicating the museum's location. There is no fee for walking.
Driving

If driving, follow Main Street north. The museum is located just off the Silver Thread Scenic Byway (Highway 149), less than 5 minutes from Creede. Free parking is available in a dirt lot off Corsair Drive and the Fairgrounds, with a free shuttle service to ease travel in town.
Public Transport

Creede offers a free shuttle service that runs throughout the town. Check the shuttle schedule for the nearest stop to your location and the museum. The shuttle is free.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Creede. Contact a local taxi service for a ride to the museum. A1 Taxi services Creede, and a quote can be obtained by calling (970) 585-4903. Taxi fares vary depending on the distance, but a short trip within town should cost approximately $10-$15.

Discover more about Underground Mining Museum

The Creede Underground Mining Museum offers a remarkable and authentic glimpse into Colorado's rich mining history. Located just north of Creede, the museum is entirely underground, carved into the cliff face of Willow Creek Canyon. In 1990, three local miners began the arduous task of blasting out the museum from solid rock, a project completed in 1992 with the help of county-hired laborers and volunteers. Inside, visitors can explore over 600 feet of drift, featuring 22 displays that illustrate mining methods and equipment from the late 19th century to modern times. Exhibits showcase various aspects of mining, including stopeing, blasting, blacksmithing, mucking, and assaying. The museum also features a gift shop and a community center, both located underground. The town of Creede owes its existence to the discovery of silver in 1889. The population boomed, reaching over 10,000 by 1891, drawing infamous figures like Robert Ford, the killer of Jesse James. However, the silver boom was short-lived, and by 1985, the last mine in Creede closed. The Underground Mining Museum stands as a testament to this era, preserving the stories and techniques of the miners who shaped the region. Visitors can take a self-guided audio tour or, during the summer, join a guided tour led by retired miners who share their personal experiences and insights.