Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum tells the history of the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak region through an eclectic collection of artworks and historical exhibits. It houses more than 60,000 items in its collection that cover local Native American culture and the founding and development of the city.
The museum is housed in a large granite structure that served as the El Paso County Courthouse from 1903 until the 1970s. Many of the exhibits are changed regularly, but they all explore local history, from Spanish occupation up until early settlement in the region.
Learn about Arapaho, Cheyenne and Ute cultures at the Native American collection. There are hundreds of artifacts including clothes, jewelry and weapons. Visit exhibits that explore the area's mining and agricultural history. See photographs, maps, tools and clothing. You can also handle some of the museums artifacts in the Hands on History carts located in some of the galleries. There is also a large collection of antique quilts and Van Briggle pottery.
Walk through a reconstructed portion of the home of Helen Hunt Jackson, a 19th-century writer and Colorado Springs resident. The house and its original furnishings are on display in the museum. Go to the museum’s upper floor to see the restored courtroom. Occasionally you can see plays performed in this space. Take a ride on the 1913 Otis birdcage elevator.
At the end of your visit, stop for a while in the grounds that surround the museum. The building is situated in Alamo Square Park which features lawns, sculptures and a fountain.
The Colorado Pioneers Spring Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday and admission is free. Reserve a place on one of the free tours that are held every Saturday. Booking details can be found on the museum’s website.
Situated in downtown Colorado Springs, the museum is close to many of the city’s top attractions, including America the Beautiful Park and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. There is a metered parking garage and metered parking in the streets around the museum.
