Boulder Museums

(Boulder, Colorado - CO, USA)



Central viewThere are a good number of museums within the city of Boulder, covering topics such as the history and heritage of Colorado, mining, the climate, timekeeping and archaeology. Those wishing to learn more about the city's rich past should pay a visit to the Boulder History Museum on Euclid Avenue, or to the Carnegie Branch Library for Local History on Pine Street.

However, for good all-round interest suitable for families, one of the best museums in Boulder is without question the University of Colorado Museum on Broadway Street, which offers a strong Natural History flavor. Various pre-historical artifacts are spread throughout the six spacious exhibition halls, with children always enjoying the interactive adventures within the Discovery Corner, and the dinosaur-related exhibits and fossils displayed in the Dinosaur Hall.


Boulder History Museum

Address: 1206 Euclid Avenue, Boulder, US-80302, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 303 449 3464
Located within the city's vibrant University Hill area, the Boulder History Museum is housed within the magnificent building that is the Harbeck-Bergheim manor house, which is its cram-packed with artifacts relating to the entire county. The renowned collection of period clothing is especially impressive, as are the tools and implements that were once used by locals digging for gold, during the crazy days of the gold rush.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students and children, children five years old and under are free

Carnegie Branch Library for Local History

Address: 1125 Pine Street, Boulder, US-80302, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 303 441 3110
The Carnegie Branch Library for Local History can be found on the northern side of central Boulder and dates back just over 100 years. This attraction now functions as a museum in its own right, being home to a simply enormous collection of historical documents and photographs, which interestingly includes some original letters and old diaries, written by some of the city's earliest settlers on record.
Open hours: Monday - 13:00 to 21:00, Tuesday - 11:00 to 17:00, Wednesday - 09:00 to 17:00, Thursday to Saturday - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Heritage Center

Address: 1600 Pleasant Street, University of Colorado, Boulder, US-80309, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 303 492 6329
The University of Colorado's Heritage Center comprises a diverse collection of state memorabilia of a historical nature. Visitors will always enjoy learning more about the careers of American astronauts who once studied in the university. There is also a reconstruction of a late-19th century classroom, which clearly illustrates the different approach to teaching some 120 years ago.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Lafayette Miner's Museum

Address: 108 East Simpson Road, Lafayette, US-80026, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 303 665 7030
The Miner's Museum of Lafayette is just a 25-minutes drive from the city and provides an insight into the importance of the past mining industry in this part of Colorado. Visitors will be able to explore an about coal mining cabin, which has been fully restored and dates from the end of the 19th century. Operated by the Louisville Historical Society, the Lafayette Miner's Museum is worth finding and is filled with a range of mining tools and lamps, period clothing and photographs.
Open hours: Thursday to Saturday - 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

Address: 1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder, US-80305, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 303 497 1000
Lying on the southern side of Boulder and known for its extensive research into the world of weather patterns, the National Center for Atmospheric Research is often simply abbreviated to NCAR. more of an educational center than an actual museum as such, the NCAR is brimming with hands-on activities for all ages, while outside are a series of nature trails and 'learning stations'. Guided tours are available at midday on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Address: 325 Broadway Street, Boulder, US-80305, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 303 497 3444
The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a museum with a difference, being home to an atomic clock, the official timekeeper for the United States. Guided tours are available and provide the best way to make the most of your time here, explaining the history of timekeeping, global positioning systems, radio broadcasting, and the differences between 'Coordinated Universal Time' (UTC), 'Daylight Saving Time' (DST) and 'Greenwich Mean Time' (GMT).
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

University of Colorado Museum

Address: Henderson Building, Broadway Street, Boulder, US-80302, Colorado CO, USA
Tel: +1 303 492 6892
The University of Colorado Museum originates such 100 years ago and located within the Henderson Building, where it serves as a Natural History Museum for the whole of Colorado, being the biggest of its kind in the Rocky Mountains. Exhibits concentrate on archaeology, botany, geology, indigenous cultures and paleontology. There are a host of well-displayed bugs and colorful butterflies within the Entomology Section, while a popular gift store is on hand should you wish to purchase some books, toys or Native American jewelry.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free