History Colorado

The History Colorado Center has been described as the “first great history museum of the 21st century” by Harold Closter of Smithsonian Affiliations. It is a high-tech building, full of interactive exhibits, where visitors can learn about the Ute Native American tribes and the shameful atrocity of the Sand Creek Massacre of 1860, as well as patterns of mining, agriculture and the more recent advent of wintersports in the state. Be sure to allow an entire morning or afternoon to explore and appreciate the museum's many collections to their fullest extent.

At the heart of the centre is its magnificent four-storey atrium, which is illuminated by daylight from above. This space is home to an enormous cutting-edge media screen, which shows a 20-minute programme covering 10,000 years of Colorado's history. The many twists and turns in the state's past are examined in loving detail learn about the “Pumpkin Pie Days” started in the city of Longmont in 1908, and the huge 4,536-tonne ice palace constructed in 1896 which dissolved before its time and was never replaced.

Move a “time machine” around the massive terrazzo tile map of Colorado to see short videos about the history of particular parts of the state. Moving on, you can stroll among replicas of traditional homesteads, see virtual ski jumps and examine images of conflict in the area.

There are free one-hour guided tours on Saturdays, along with song and dance shows, while historical battle re-enactments also liven up any weekend visit.

The History Colorado Center is found in the Golden Triangle Museum District, near Denver city centre. It has an excellent café for snacks, coffees or meals, as well as a wealth of historical books, DVDs and toys in the gift shop.