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South Park City Museum: A Glimpse into Colorado's Mining Past

Experience the Old West: Explore a meticulously recreated 19th-century Colorado mining town with authentic buildings and thousands of artifacts.

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Step back in time at South Park City Museum, a meticulously recreated 19th-century mining town in Fairplay, Colorado. Explore over 40 authentic buildings filled with 60,000+ artifacts, showcasing life during the Colorado Gold Rush and Silver Boom. It's an immersive experience for history buffs and families alike.

A brief summary to South Park City Museum

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for special events like Living History Days for an enhanced experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on unpaved streets and boardwalks.
  • Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's buildings and exhibits.
  • Bring a camera to capture the authentic details of this historic mining town.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    South Park City Museum is located in Fairplay, Colorado, just off Highway 9. From Denver, take US-285 S to Fairplay. Once in Fairplay, follow signs for South Park City Museum on 4th Street. Parking is available near the museum entrance. Limited parking may be available during peak season.

  • Public Transport

    From Denver, you can take a Bustang bus to Frisco Transit Center, then transfer to another bus to Breckenridge, and finally to Fairplay. From the Main & 4th Fairplay bus stop, the museum is a short walk away. Bus fare from Denver to Fairplay typically ranges from $12 to $55.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Fairplay, South Park City Museum is located at 100 4th Street. From most points in town, it's easily accessible by foot. Simply head west towards Front Street and follow the signs.

Unlock the Best of South Park City Museum

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Discover more about South Park City Museum

South Park City Museum offers a unique journey into Colorado's past, presenting a remarkably accurate representation of a mining town between 1860 and 1900. Founded in 1959, a century after the initial discovery of gold in the area, the open-air museum in Fairplay, Colorado, features a collection of relocated and restored buildings from abandoned camps and ghost towns in the South Park area. Explore over 40 authentic buildings, including a saloon, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and bank, filled with more than 60,000 artifacts that vividly depict the economic and social aspects of boomtown life. Among the highlights are the South Park Brewery and the Summer Saloon, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can also view the Smithsonian Firearms Exhibit, which showcases historic firearms from the 1800s. The Transportation Building displays vintage wagons, carriages, and a narrow-gauge railroad car. South Park City Museum is open daily from mid-May to mid-October. Special events, such as Living History Days, feature volunteers in period costumes demonstrating blacksmithing, gold panning, and other trades.

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