Step back in time at the Colorado Springs Ghost Town Museum, an immersive museum situated in an old railroad warehouse. Browse through original buildings and thousands of everyday items taken from real Colorado gold rush towns, walk along pioneer-era wooden sidewalks, and get your hands dirty in 19th-century style as you churn butter or pan for gold.
Get up to speed on the historical context by watching a short film about Colorado’s gold rush era. The state opened up to gold miners in 1858, prompting thousands of eager prospectors to flood into the area and establish new settlements. There would often be little to no gold actually found, however, and entire towns were abandoned as the gold rush move on. By the end of the 19th century, the Colorado landscape was home to countless so-called ‘ghost towns’, forsaken by their original inhabitants.
The Ghost Town Museum is home to its own makeshift town, which has been reconstructed using original materials to give a typical abandoned boomtown experience. Wander through the ghost town’s many original buildings, and step inside to see an arrangement of real period objects as animated figurines that represent some different pioneer personalities. Highlights include the jail and the motel, as well as an apothecary that houses a remarkable antique display case.
Try a variety of hands-on activities in the area around the museum. During the warmer months, you can pan for gold – a certain hit with the kids. You can churn butter and fire an old rifle at the shooting gallery any time of year.
Visit the museum store to peruse its collection of jewellery, books, and snacks with a ghost town theme. Head to the Colorado Mountain Brewery, which is located on-site, and enjoy an old-style sarsaparilla on the patio.
The Ghost Town museum is open every day except national holidays. Admission costs a fee, and guided tours are available for an additional charge. Students and groups pay less. The museum is just a couple of miles from the city center, with a bus stop right outside and free car parking available on-site.
