When planning a visit to the charming town of Crested Butte, Colorado, it’s not just the stunning mountain landscapes and outdoor adventures that captivate travelers. This picturesque destination also boasts a rich cultural heritage waiting to be explored.
What better way to dive into the area’s history, art, and natural wonders than by visiting Crested Butte museums? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey of one of the best things to do in Crested Butte with kids by visiting two remarkable museums: The Crested Butte Museum and Trailhead Children’s Museum.
Don’t forget to secure your ideal Crested Butte lodging with Crested Butte Property Management for a truly immersive experience.
About The Crested Butte Museum
Nestled in the heart of Crested Butte’s historic district, The Crested Butte Museum is a treasure trove of local history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the town’s past, this is one of the best things to do in Crested Butte. In the northern part of the Gunnison Valley, no historical museum existed between 1982 and 1993. A museum would be necessary to store and disseminate historical artifacts and tales that define, instruct, and enrich the community. In 1993, locals founded the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum to meet this critical need.
Over the following ten years, the museum operated out of a few different places before settling down permanently in 2003 at Tony’s Conoco, a well-known landmark and gathering spot in the community. Since then, the neighborhood and the museum have grown and developed into incredibly intricate networks. Today, the museum serves as a community gathering place where history, concepts, and stories are exchanged in a considerate, welcoming, and respectful atmosphere.
Exhibits
The Crested Butte Museum is a dedicated keeper of the town’s history, acknowledging the complex history of the Uncompahgre Ute and Tabeguache Ute, who were forcibly removed from the area through the Brunot Treaty. The museum includes information about the paleo-Indians of the Gunnison Valley, the Ute People, the Brunot Treaty, and the Los Pinos Indian Agency. It accepts its responsibility to represent diverse stories from its history and continues to listen to those voices to gain a deeper understanding of the history of all people.
One of the museum’s permanent exhibits is a journey through the History of Coal Mining, which explores the evolution of Crested Butte from a mere supply town to a hub supporting over 15 silver mining camps in the region. The museum also showcases the Mountain Biking History in Crested Butte, showcasing the development and growth of this popular sport. Winter enthusiasts will be fascinated by the History of Skiing, which explores the evolution of skiing in the Gunnison Valley and its pivotal role in early residents’ lives. Lastly, the Model Town & Railroad exhibit offers an immersive experience with meticulously crafted replicas of structures and scenery from the 1920s, bringing the past to life through the dedication of passionate volunteers.
Events and Tours
Immerse yourself in Crested Butte’s culture by joining one of the museum’s events or guided tours. Gain deeper insights into the town’s history with informative presentations and engaging workshops. Keep an eye on the museum’s event calendar for exciting opportunities to connect with local experts and fellow history enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in the architecture of historic buildings or tales of Crested Butte’s early pioneers, there’s an event for you.
Collections and Research
The Crested Butte Museum in Gunnison Valley is dedicated to preserving the area’s rich history. With a meticulous catalog of 19,729 items, some dating back to the 1880s, the museum is dedicated to preserving the rich tapestry of Crested Butte and Gunnison Valley. The museum has been involved in several initiatives, including the Museum Assessment Program (MAP) offered by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in 2017 and the Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program granted by the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC) in 2020.
These initiatives not only reflect the museum’s dedication to the highest standards but also serve as platforms for continuous learning and guidance, ensuring that the community’s invaluable collections receive the care and attention they deserve.
Trailhead Children’s Museum
The Trailhead Children’s Museum in Crested Butte is a delightful and interactive destination for young learners and families. This museum offers a hands-on, educational experience designed to inspire children’s curiosity and creativity. With engaging exhibits and programs focused on science, art, and culture, it provides a perfect space for kids to explore, play, and discover in a fun and enriching environment. Whether it’s sparking an interest in local wildlife, fostering a love for art, or simply encouraging imaginative play, the Trailhead Children’s Museum is a gem for families seeking both entertainment and education in Crested Butte.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to start planning your next mountain adventure? Contact the team at Crested Butte Property Management today to find the perfect lodging for your trip!
Exhibits
The Trailhead Children’s Museum offers a diverse range of imaginative spaces to ignite creativity and exploration. At the Art Bar, there are no mistakes, only limitless possibilities for you and your young artist to create unique pieces of art. Generously funded by the Crested Butte Arts Festival, this space is a haven for open-ended creation with top-notch materials at your disposal.
In Nature’s Playhouse, the natural world comes to life as children transform into butterflies exploring the forest or become top chefs in Crested Butte’s premier mud kitchen. Inspired by the surrounding environment, this playscape encourages boundless pretend play and imaginative adventures.
The Construction Co-op invites you to build your world, offering endless opportunities for creativity. With Blue Blocks that promote the development of motor skills, problem-solving, and teamwork, this construction zone is where young minds and muscles are exercised to their fullest.
Enter the STEM Lab and let your curiosity run wild. With intriguing questions like “What if…?” driving exploration, you can discover the answers to real-life questions. Experiment in the Flight Lab wind tunnel, explore the Magnet Wall, and engage with the Bringing Engineering to Life wall, designed to inspire learning through play.
The Glow Theater is an enchanting space where you can explore the wonders of light and color. Mix and manipulate different colors and lights in the dark room, immersing yourself in a unique sensory experience. When inspiration strikes, pull back the curtain and take the stage for original performances of all kinds.
Step into The Garden, where the great outdoors meets creativity. Here, you can explore, play, create, and connect with nature. With a close connection to the sun, water, and earth, The Garden enriches play and art in truly special ways. It’s a space for exploration, community, and discovery right on our outdoor deck, making it an integral part of the Trailhead experience. Join us in embracing the beauty of the natural world in The Garden and enjoy everything our museum has to offer.
Programs and Field Trips
The museum’s programs and field trips are a fantastic way to enhance your child’s educational experience. Designed to align with Colorado state standards, these offerings provide hands-on learning opportunities in the beautiful Crested Butte setting. Engage your child’s curiosity with outdoor adventures, science experiments, and artistic expression. From exploring the unique ecosystem of Crested Butte to creating their own works of art, children can broaden their horizons while having a blast.
Book Your Crested Butte Lodging With Crested Butte Property Management
To fully immerse yourself in the experience, be sure to book amazing Crested Butte vacation rentals. Crested Butte Property Management offers various vacation rentals to suit your preferences. Whether you seek a luxury cottage at Academy Place for a family retreat or one of Crested Butte’s rental homes slopeside, their selection ensures a memorable stay. Take the chance to explore Crested Butte’s cultural treasures while enjoying the comforts of a well-appointed vacation rental. Your Crested Butte adventure awaits, and it’s even more enriching when you delve into the town’s history and culture.
