otero museum

We took our grandchildren to this museum as it was something we had wanted to do anyway. Immediately the staff were available and helpful, explaining what we would be seeing, and the best order to visit the museum. Everything was detailed and exceptionally informative. There was a large collection of all sorts of things, from military to settlers to local clubs and groups collections. There are several outbuildings and the kids enjoyed exploring those, asking questions and except for the time constraint we could have spent hours there. Will definitely go back and allow more time.

I've been to a number of museums over the years and believe me when I tell you, the Otero museum is better than any you would find in the region. Recently I spent time in Taos where we viewed a number of museums. The Otero museum is far better in both quality and quantity of historic artifacts. This museum is worth checking out.

The museum's published hours are 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday, from June 1 through September 30. But, the museum is staffed by volunteers, so it would be a good idea to call 719.384.7500 to confirm that the museum will be open.This is an exceptionally well-done little museum, all the more so considering there is no professional curating staff. A tour of this museum will give you a good glimpse into life in the small railroad towns of the plains from the late 19th through the middle of the 20th centuries.The museum has an extensive railroad collection, including a telegraph office, a fine collection of historical photos, and all manner of railroad-related tools, equipment, uniforms, and documents.There is an extensive - especially considering that this is a small museum - collection of WWII memorabilia centering on the Army airbase that was established in that time for training bomber pilots.The Sciumbato house and grocery store, both of which are on the National Historic Register, are on the grounds as external exhibits to the main museum building. Both are furnished and otherwise set up as they would have been in early 20th century.Here is a page with links to exhibit photo galleries:http://www.oteromuseum.org/galleries.htmThere is no charge for admission.

I've been to western museums all over in a dozen states, but I have to say that this one was impressive and I wish I would have had some better camera equipment with Me!

When traveling through or near La Junta, CO - this is an interesting place to visit. History of the area is recorded and the pride of that heritage shine in the care.

Not open often, call first for hours. Gives history of La Junta and Otero Counties going back into the 1800s. Great artifacts, very educational.

Good collection with several building depicting businesses of the late 1800's and early 1900's.

WWII airbase pictures of the La Junta base are hard to find, this museum has a very good collection. If you are a WWII historian, don't miss htis place! Be warned, it is only open during the summer, check for dates.

Our family got a special viewing of this wonderful treasure trove during a spring break trip to the area. We called ahead, and volunteers Don and Ernie (who both built and supported this museum) met us and toured us around. From the outside, it looked like a warehouse building, but inside, my goodness, so many wonderful items donated and collected to preserve the artifacts of Colorado's past. I loved standing so close to the stagecoach, smelling the worn leather seats while imagining the hardy folks who traveled together, sitting so tightly, bumping alongside one another. The grocery store and home present as though the people just stepped out while we stepped in to take a look around. This museum may be in a small town, but it hugely represents the many people gone before us. There were items there we had no clue as to what they had been used for! A learning experience for parents and kids alike. Well worth an hour or two of your time when traveling through LaJunta!

This is a small town museum, so don't expect more than it can give. It has just about everything that was important to a small Western town from 1880 to 1950. Check it out. The docents are quite lovely people too and will point out interesting things to you. The museum includes two houses and a one room schoolhouse.