10 Best Museums to Visit in Colorado Springs

1. Ghost Town Museum

Travel back in time at the Ghost Town Museum. The museum focuses on the preservation of Colorado’s history.

This indoor re-creation of a Wild West town captures the spirit of Colorado’s pioneer days. Walk through the authentic buildings from the surrounding Pikes Peak area, try your hand at butter churning and gold panning, and explore the fascinating exhibits filled with artifacts from the 1800s. 

2. U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum celebrates the history and achievements of America’s Olympians and Paralympians. This state-of-the-art facility offers interactive exhibits, inspiring stories, and artifacts that highlight Team USA’s incredible achievements. 

Learn about Hall of Famers and the history of the Olympic Games. See what training and technology are used to get the athletes ready to compete. Experience what it is like to walk in the Parade of Nations.

Exhibits highlight the summer games, winter games, and the medals awarded. There are videos of inspiring moments, highlights, and the impact that the Olympics has had around the world.

3. National Museum of World War II Aviation

Aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss the National Museum of World War II Aviation. The museum is home to many artifacts and interactive exhibits that tell the story of World War II chronologically. 

They take you through the events leading up to the war and what happened during the war that led to victory. In addition to the exhibits, the museum also houses over 20 fully restored aircraft.

5. Penrose Heritage Museum

The Penrose Heritage Museum is another free museum that features exhibits on Colorado’s history by showcasing the impressive collection of the Penrose family.

Their collection ranges from 30 antique carriages, early automobiles, and artifacts that showcase the history of the Pikes Peak region. The museum also highlights the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with exhibits on the history of this thrilling motorsport event.

6. American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum

For coin collectors and history enthusiasts, the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum is a Colorado Springs gem. This museum features rare coins, currency, and fascinating exhibits on the history of money from ancient times to the present. 

Highlights include the Harry W. Bass Jr. collection of gold coins and interactive displays that dive into the art and science of minting. It’s an educational and engaging experience for all ages.

7. Space Foundation Discovery Center

Explore the wonders of space and science at the Space Foundation Discovery Center. This interactive museum and education center features exhibits on space exploration, robotics, and astronomy. 

Exhibits include detailed information about the moon, science and engineering, rockets, orbits, extreme environments, and more. With rotating exhibits and frequent events, it’s an out-of-this-world experience you won’t want to miss.

9. Western Museum of Mining and Industry

Step into Colorado’s mining past at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry (WMMI). This interactive museum offers a glimpse into the region’s gold and silver rush days. 

Highlights include working steam engines, a replica stamp mill, and hands-on exhibits where visitors can pan for gold.

10. Glen Eyrie Castle

While not technically a museum, the Glen Eyrie Castle is a beautiful historical site located on 700 acres in Colorado Springs. This historic castle, built by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, offers guided tours that dive into its fascinating history and architecture. Tours take you through the carriage house, first floor, and second floor of the castle.

You can also treat yourself to an afternoon tea at the castle.