Small, cozy museum offers hands-on exhibits and a working fossil lab where volunteers extract specimens. Peaceful atmosphere suits families, with a kid-friendly sandbox for digging dinosaur bones outdoors. Displays include local fossils and casts, creating an intimate, educational experience.
Extensive exhibits cover prehistoric Colorado and the Dinosaur Ridge area's fossil history. Knowledgeable guides explain paleontology and local geological history clearly.
Guided tours last about an hour and a half and come included with admission. Guides like Mary Ann and Doug bring passion and deep knowledge, making the experience informative and engaging.
"The museum guides here are so knowledgeable and make the displays come alive."
"The guided tours here are super informative and engaging."
"The historical sites here have guides who are incredibly knowledgeable."
Good to know
Tickets include a guided tour from an expert.
Regular tours are available at the museum.
The museum features actual fossils and allows close-up views of the lab.
Massive hangars house immaculately restored, flyable vintage aircraft arranged to evoke readiness for flight. The atmosphere blends sobering history with era-specific music, creating a unique, reflective mood. Interactive features like bi-plane flight simulators and visible restoration workshops engage visitors of all ages.
Authentic WWII artifacts and historic aircraft fill the museum. Detailed documentation and well-maintained airplanes highlight aviation history clearly.
Guided tours offer detailed insights with knowledgeable guides like Tom, John, and Randy. Visitors can join a free tour of the aircraft maintenance hangar for a deeper look at the planes.
Good to know
The museum offers guided tours to Westpac every hour.
Flying demonstrations occur on select days throughout the summer.
Fridays are ideal for a comprehensive tour of the museum.
Largest dinosaur track site in North America offers scenic ridge views and an uphill blacktop hike. Kids engage with fossil digging sandpit and dinosaur statues for photos. Outdoor areas include shaded patios and picnic tables, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.
150 million years of history unfold through smooth hikes and hourly bus tours with informative guides. The site offers a deep dive into geology and dinosaur excavation, making it a rich experience for all ages.
Bus tours feature a knowledgeable driver who shares informative and interesting details about the area. Shuttle options help cover all key discoveries efficiently.
Good to know
Finding parking can be challenging during peak hours.
A shuttle is available for $20 if you prefer not to walk.
Bring your own picnic as there are no food services.
Museum occupies a beautifully restored Victorian building once a school and home, featuring Salon Style galleries and historic architecture. Atmosphere is quiet and serious, with a strict no photography rule enhancing focus on extensive Western art collection spanning over a century. Visitors encounter diverse artworks including paintings, sculptures, and a notable gun exhibit, all presented with thoughtful curation and accessible layout.
Exploring American history through art reveals rich stories about artists and their times. The collection offers a nice historical perspective that engages even those not into art.
Guided tours last about an hour and offer knowledgeable, enthusiastic leadership. Audio devices support a self-guided option for a quieter, informative experience.
Good to know
Admission is $5, making it an affordable option for visitors.
The museum is wheelchair accessible for those with mobility needs.
Parking can be difficult and expensive; plan extra time for it.
Mansion preserved with original furnishings and historic interior details creates a beautifully maintained setting. Atmosphere blends women's suffrage history with artifacts and stories highlighting Colorado women's contributions. Guided tours add context and access to upstairs areas, enriching the experience.
Historic home tours reveal the Evans family's century-long story with guided insights into the era. Exhibits highlight women's innovations and unsung heroes who shaped Colorado's history.
Guided tours highlight the historic home and the Evans family's 100-year history. The tour at the Center for Colorado Women's History costs an extra $5 and offers detailed insights.
Good to know
Admission is $7 for access to the downstairs area only.
Joining the tour costs $10 and provides access to the upstairs.
I recommend booking the tour in advance for a better experience.
Visitor center offers stunning views of rock formations and mountains from multiple outdoor terraces and decks. It features interactive exhibits, a small museum, and a theater showing local history and geography. Free shuttle service connects to the main park, and amenities include a coffee shop, water fountains, and e-Bike rentals.
Multiple spots offer photo opportunities and share how the park became free for everyone. The Visitors Center features exhibits and a movie that explain the park's history clearly.
Booking happens on the first floor with options for jeep or vehicle tours. Both free self-guided and guided tours run from the visitor center, offering views over the main sights.
Good to know
The park and visitor center are free to visit.
The park opens at 5 am, and the visitor center opens at 9 am.
There are educational events and guided hikes available regularly.