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Western Museum of Mining & Industry: A Colorado Treasure

Explore Colorado's mining heritage with interactive exhibits, steam engines, and gold panning at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry.

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The Western Museum of Mining & Industry in Colorado Springs preserves the mining history and industrial technology of the American West. With over 4,000 artifacts on 27 acres, it offers a glimpse into the life of a miner with exhibits, tours, and interactive learning experiences.

A brief summary to Western Museum of Mining & Industry

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Take the guided tour to see the equipment in operation and learn about the history of mining in the region.
  • Check the museum's schedule to see the stamp mill in operation.
  • Pan for gold and take home whatever you find.
  • Visit the Rock N' Gift Shop for unique souvenirs, rocks, and minerals.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Western Museum of Mining & Industry is located off I-25 at Exit 156 (North Gate Blvd). Head east, and the museum will be the first right. Free parking is available on-site. Parking areas are marked as L, M, N, O, P, and Q. For daily operations, lots L and M are utilized.

  • Ride Share

    From downtown Colorado Springs or the Colorado Springs Airport, a ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to the Western Museum of Mining & Industry will cost approximately $25-$40. Confirm the fare before you start your trip. The ride is about 15 miles and should take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Unlock the Best of Western Museum of Mining & Industry

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Discover more about Western Museum of Mining & Industry

Step back in time at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI), a 27-acre indoor/outdoor museum dedicated to preserving the rich mining history of Colorado and the American West. Founded in 1970, the museum showcases over 4,000 artifacts related to mining, metallurgy, and their supporting industries. Explore exhibits featuring antique mining equipment, including steam engines and pneumatic machines, some of which are operational. See a recreation of an old assay office and scale models of mines and mills. Outdoor exhibits include live burros, a steam shovel, and a fully operational stamp mill used for crushing gold ore. The 10-stamp mill was built by museum staff in 1978 using 1800s construction methods. Visitors can pan for gold, operate a steam engine, and explore a model mine drift. Guided tours are offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and are included with admission. The museum also has a research library with 5,000 volumes of information on mining, history, and geology. The WMMI also hosts events, lectures, and rotating exhibits. The Rock N' Gift Shop sells rocks, minerals, gifts, and jewelry from local vendors.

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