Founded in 1880, Durango, Colorado has deep roots in the history of Southwest Colorado. Long before the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad made its way here during the mining rush, Ancestral Puebloens and Ute Tribes called this land home. Exploring both the rich history and vibrant modern community on display in Durango’s museums offers a fascinating insight into the culture that shapes SW Colorado today.
Animas Museum
Owned and operated by the La Plata County Historical Society, the Animas Museum was once a school building, but now showcases a collection of the area’s history. Nestled away on W 2nd Avenue off of North Main, this building has a restored 1905 classroom, 1870s cabin, Law & Disorder exhibit, Native American gallery, and artifacts and stories from the Missionary Ridge Fire in 2002. They have many online exhibits available, supporting their mission to keep our history alive and present for future generations.
Durango & Silverton Train Museum
Located in downtown Durango inside one of the old roundhouses at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, this museum focuses on the transformation of transportation over the years. Free to explore the 12,000 square foot space filled with many artifacts such as old train cars, mining tools, uniforms, and even an aquarium of fish found in the Animas River. This museum is sure to engage everyone with many displays available all year round.
Fish Hatchery & Wildlife Museum
Open only during the summer, the Durango Wildlife Museum hosts a compilation of Southwest Colorado’s fish and animals, with hands-on displays and self-guided tours. This museum was constructed in 1927 as a part of the fish hatchery, which stocks our rivers with approximately 1.425 million fish every year. Feeding the fish is a fan favorite - be sure to bring your quarters for the fish food dispenser.
The Powerhouse
The Powerhouse is an immersive science center located along the Animas River Trail and easily accessible from downtown Durango. Housed in the historic 1892 Durango Light and Power Company building, there is a wide range of rotating science exhibits open to the public. Throughout the year, it hosts educational programs, science fairs, Lego leagues, summer camps, live music, trivia nights, and is also available for private events. Monthly memberships offer additional benefits including access to the ASTC Travel Passport Program, offering free admission to 250+ museums worldwide, all while supporting innovative learning for local youth.
Nearby Museums
Mesa Verde National Park, between Mancos and Cortez, is one of the area’s biggest draws with restored ruins, ancient artifacts, and a museum that dives deeper the lives of Ancestral Puebloens who lived there in 600 AD.
The Southern Ute Tribe has a large prevalence in this area today and their Cultural Center & Museum in Ignacio, CO shares the culture of the Núuchi (Ute People) through their language, origin, history, and way of life.
Each of these museums provides unique insight into different facets of Durango’s history, coming together to showcase a rich and colorful heritage, and caters to all generations, and locals and visitors alike. Please let The Durango Team at The Wells Group know if you have any questions about Durango area museums or other things to do.
