animas museum

This museum never disappoints. The once Animas City school of the early 20s now features historical literature, information, people and places from that era.

This small museum in an old schoolhouse is a good way to learn a little local history before you set out to sigh see.Be sure to visit the lovely log cabin included with the modest entrance fee.Many local books for sale, as well.

Great! I have lived in the area since 1997 and never thought to visit this little gem until a couple of weeks ago when I had a free afternoon. I was extremely surprised at the comprehensiveness of the museum without having too much that it tires you out. The displays were compact and extremely informative. I learned more than I thought. Also impressive was the old Joy cabin built in the mid-1870s that was moved from it's original location two blocks away and set right next to the museum. I've see lots of "old cabins" but this one was done right and I literally felt I had moved back 130 years. The staff was quite friendly and knowledgeable and knew the answers to my questions. I was so impressed, I bought a membership card! Now I get to go anytime I want. But you know what is really cool about it? It cost only $4 to get in. Well worth a few hours to learn about the fascinating history of my town.

We spent a couple of hours here and learned a great deal about the area. Interesting exhibits included an old-timey schoolroom, Native American displays, and stories about the lawmen and lawbreakers of the past. I especially enjoyed a video featuring three of the historical town's citizens as portrayed by actors; the commentary by the town's most successful madam was enlightening and entertaining! It's well worth a stop if you're interested in knowing more about the area's past.

Interesting museum with lots of local history and artifacts. The lady that greeted us was very helpful and spent time with our group answering our questions. The exhibits regarding early crime and lawmen was particularly interesting. In addition, there was beautiful Pueblo pottery and other native American artifacts

Keeping a teen and a pre-teen interested is always a challenge. The Animas Museum managed to do so. The staff were very personable and the introduction in the schoolroom engaged us all. Everyone enjoyed trying on the firefighter's gear and watching videos of historical characters of the time. The cabin felt as though the owners had just stepped out for a moment. Our granddaughters were surprised that over two hours passed so quickly. One even chose to donate some of her own money to help fund the museum!

Located in the old schoolhouse, this museum is of great interest to anyone looking for some history of Durango and the surrounding area.

We LOVED this museum. This is an example of a good, plain, knowledgeable MUSEUM. Not much of that 'interactive' stuff, which gives even more to the subject of MUSEUM. I loved the old school-house exhibit, especially with the exhibit where you can read all about the superintendent for all the schools and the district, the things schoolchildren had to learn, etc. The 'Wish You were Here' exhibit in the basement was also neat. You can see what the pioneers had to endure, without the luxuries of cruise control, A/C, or even a car. The Native American exhibit was interesting, especially with the small dioramas and Hopi beadwork.I loved the 'Law and Disorder' exhibit. It even had a movie, which was like a firsthand experience. I loved the little pop-out newspaper articles on the walls, the antique fire alarm, and contraband. I saluted at the bell for Durango's fallen law enforcers. You should too.Last but not least, the log cabin, the oldest standing building in Durango, was cool too. I liked the book on how the cabin was moved to museum grounds. I also liked how the cabin was set up, like the cabin was waiting for its previous owners to come back home. It was really cold, though. I highly recommend coming to this museum.

This restored historic school and pioneer log cabin are true gems, located in the north end of Durango and a little off the beaten path of the regular tourist attractions. The Animas Museum has a wide range of exhibits about local history and culture, including the community's fire department, the railroads of the area, the national forest, saddles, ranching, and historic schools. One of my favorite exhibits was about the gunfight between Durango's sheriff and marshal that took place in one of the town's saloons. The gift shop has good deals on books and photographs and is popular with the locals. If you want to know about the real Durango, come to this museum. The entry fee is very cheap--quite a deal in this day and age.

The museum is a little off the beaten path but well worth checking out. The history of Durango is included and very informative. If you are a baby boomer as we are, some of the items (school seats, for example) will bring back forgotten or wished you had forgotten memories. The history of area explains so much about the town as it is today and makes the entire stay one that was enjoyable and interesting. The caretakers of the museum are very friendly and ask that you look at all that they have to offer so you do not feel like they are rushing you even at closing time as we had the misfortune of arriving just minutes before. Great for kids but grown ups will also enjoy it.

Never fail to visit. Love all the pictures, write-ups, and history that is there. Been here many times and have purchased pictures, books, and even jewelry that was on display. Love tis place.

This is a well maintained building. It doesn't offer an abundance of displays, but what they have are nicely done. Among other things, there's information on local firefighting, the railroad,and the Ute Indians. There are some out buildings to tour, but it was pouring rain the day we were there, so we didn't take advantage of that. It only cost $4.00 for each of us and it was worth it.

Two floors of great exhibits that tell the story of the beginning of Durango - how it came to be what it is. Stories of law, order and disorder displayed in charming exhibits. Old cabin outside that can be accessed from the ground floor of schoolhouse.

My husband and I had some time to kill between other sight seeing events. I am glad we looked this place up. We learned about all of the hardships early settlers faced. We also learned about how the FBI came to be. yes, the agency was created when secret service agent Joseph A. walker was killed. We were curious who he was because we stayed in the hotel room dedicated to him at the Strater Hotel. My favorite thing at this museum was the old pioneer home we were able to go inside. I have never been inside one so it was a real treat to see how folks lived in the 1800's. Very nice museum.

Group of 10 - 9 adults 1 child - Wonderful museum full of lots of information! Lots to read! Not a ton of "artifacts", but lots of information on the area!