gilpin history museum

Yes this museum is just the right size. Not too big and not stuffed full of everything that can be found in the attic. There was a special exhibit about death one year, but even with out special exhibits it is wonderful. The volunteer staff is friendly and helpful. On your way to the opera, during a break from gambling, a detour when driving up to see the autumn colors, this is a gem of a museum. It's not open in the winter and be prepared to climb some stairs.

We really enjoyed this museum - my mother, me, and my two kids (ages 12 and 8). They have several Victorian rooms recreated, along with a Main Street setup showing the various types of businesses they had in the 1890s. Be sure to look at the tops of each room - old buggies and various bicycles and vehicles are up there. They have collections of mining equipment and info, sports info, signatures from the walls of an old tavern, a school room, and interesting things like expandable bosoms from back then. We all found it really interesting across the age span. The volunteer there also gave the kids an activity to do throughout the museum and if they completed it, they got some candy. The museum is located in a beautiful old school house.

True relics of days gone by. You will get a feel for the life 100 years ago. Mining antiques, clothing and personal articles from the pioneers who settled Central City and Gilpin County.

I wanted to visit the museum but the reviews said it was only open between Memorial and Labor day. We went anyway because we wanted to see the last of the Fall colors and to visit the cemeteries. As we were walking around town we stopped at the visitor's center just across from the Opera House. It's a mini museum staffed by a very friendly and helpful young lady. I asked about the museum and she was more than happy to open it for us. By then, about nine folks had gathered and we all walked over to the museum. We had younger kids and she had a special task for them to do throughout the museum. If done, the reward was some rock candy! The museum itself it wonderful... full of interesting things. I loved it.

There are a few stairs to climb to get there, but this museum is GREAT! Not so big that it's takes all day, but just right. The volunteers there are wonderful, and willing to answer questions. Great pictures from Central City area life long ago, several 'rooms' recreated, artifacts from the 1800s....just a great museum.

I agree with the other 2 reviews - I loved the rooms that were restored to convey a drug store, gambling hall, miners cabin etc. There are displays about the brothels, lawyer offices and a mercantile. It does require paid admission ($6 per adult) when we went through. Please support this very worthwhile endeavor in Central City - it shows a great glimpse of the town before this round of gambling (they used to gamble in the 1890's too)

This place is very interesting. There is a lot of history to discover here including a submarine and celebrities who have appeared at the local theater/opera house. You will also get an education on mining and see some very intersting artifacts. Kids will like the displays and will be impressed that this building used to be a school house. It is a fun place to visit, and you will be glad that you stopped by.

One of the best mining boom town museums I've been to. Set it the very well preserved old schoolhouse, the curation and range of exhibits is astounding. More than just mining (the relatively nearby Leadville National Museum of Mining is probably stronger in this area), the Gilpin County museum does an excellent and whimsical job presenting exhibits about the daily lives and people who lived in Central City and surrounding towns. The curator/host on the day we went is about the most affable, garrulous human on the planet! Worthwhile.