Rangely Outdoor Museum: A Glimpse into Colorado's Past

The Rangely Outdoor Museum in Rangely, Colorado, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the diverse history of the region. The museum's exhibits span three distinct periods: Native American and Prehistory, Pioneer and Ranching, and Energy Development. Visitors can explore the stories of the Fremont and Ute tribes, the challenges faced by early settlers, and the evolution of the area's oil and gas industry. The museum features three historical buildings housing a variety of artifacts. Outdoor displays include an early cable rig, the Wolf Canyon School, the Raven A-1 Memorial Pump Jack, and Rangely's first jail. Inside, you'll find exhibits on dinosaurs, drilling technology, pioneer life, and the more recent history of ranchers and oil field workers. The 1913 School House exhibit focuses on items up to the 1940s, while the Chevron Camp House displays items from the 1940s boom years. In addition to the exhibits, the museum also houses a gift shop, a research area, and an oral history collection in the Chevron Recreation Hall. The museum is open seasonally, from May to mid-October, and admission is free, though donations are appreciated. It's a great place for families to learn about the rich heritage of the Rangely area.