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Estes Park MuseumsThe best part about Estes Park museums is that almost all of them are free! History buffs will find plenty of interest here. Estes Park residents tend to be well-educated, so there is a high degree of support for educational facilities like these, and they are of high quality. Estes Park Museum The museum tells the story of Estes Park from the ice age to the present. There are also changing exhibits on related topics. On the grounds are the original Rocky Mountain National Park headquarters building and an old log cabin from Estes Park's main street. Kids can earn a badge by completing the "History Hikers" program. Purchases in the gift shop help support the Estes Park Museum. Random aside: I really like the bear sculpture out front. :) Hours: Stanley Museum The Stanley Museum used to be located in the Stanley Hotel. It isn't anymore. The Stanley Hotel is definitely worth a visit - it's elegant and beautiful and there are great photographs and portraits lining the walls (especially on the main floor and downstairs). But the real history buff ought to pay a visit to the museum, which is now located in Lower Stanley Village, behind the Subway (which is near the McDonald's). Conveniently, it's right next to the Art Center of Estes Park (below). The Museum tells the story of F.O. Stanley and his amazing creations, most notably the Stanley Steam Car and the Stanley Hotel. Lots of photos and a 1909 Model R Roadster are on display. The museum also offers history lectures and ghost tours for a small fee; check with them for details. Hours: Estes Park Hydroplant My dad loooooved the visiting the hydroplant, which was built by F.O. Stanley in 1909 to power The Stanley Hotel. The plant was in operation until 1982, when it was damaged by the Lawn Lake Flood. You can see the original 1909 equipment, plus later machinery, and exhibits that tell about electricity in Estes Park and the Lawn Lake Flood. You can also check out pictures of the machinery on their website. Hours: MacGregor Ranch Museum The MacGregor Ranch has been operating since 1873, and they still drive the cows down the streets of Estes - a sight to behold! This museum tells the story of the MacGregor family, who have ranched in the Estes Valley for three generations. It also tells about life on a Colorado homestead. The museum is in the main ranch house, which contains original furnishings, clothing items, paintings, and more. You can also purchase tasty natural beef! Hours: Enos Mills Cabin Enos Mills, known as the "Father of Rocky Mountain National Park," built this homestead in the shadow of Longs Peak as a 15 year-old in 1885. You can tour the cabin and view photographs and writings by Mills, who worked as a nature guide, writer, photographer, snow observer, and conservationist. You can also purchase reprints of Enos' books and photographs and stroll on the trails about the cabin. The cabin is maintained by Enos' granddaughter and great-granddaughter. Hours: YMCA Lula Dorsey Museum YMCA of the Rockies is a huge guest ranch and conference center. The Dorsey Museum covers the history of the YMCA and Estes Park tourism in general. The museum is in an old guest lodge and is decorated to represent various time periods from the early days of Estes. They also have a couple of old tourist cabins decorated for different periods. The numerous birdfeeders also make it a good place to bird watch. Hours: Baldpate Inn Key Collection The Baldpate Inn boasts the world's largest key collection, housed in a quaint, historic inn tucked above the Estes Valley. The collection of over 20,000 keys includes exotics such as the keys to Westminster Abbey and Mozart's wine cellar. The White House declined to donate a key (you can view the signed letter from the President), but there is a key to the Pentagon! There is no admission charge, but while you're at the Baldpate, you owe it to yourself to eat at one of the best restaurants around. Hours: Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park The Cultural Arts Council is a non-profit group whose mission is to promote all forms of art (including the performing arts) in the Estes Valley. They operate a small gallery downtown. Hours vary. Art Center of Estes Park The Art Center of Estes Park is a non-profit organization that promotes the works of Rocky Mountain artists. They have a small gallery in Lower Stanley Village; it is just above the Subway (which is near the McDonald's). The gallery is often staffed by member artists. Hours vary. Rocky Mountain National Park These visitor centers in Rocky Mountain National Park have museum-style exhibits. Admission is free, although Moraine Park Museum and the Alpine Tundra Museum are located inside Rocky Mountain National Park's entrance gates, so you must pay the park admission fee to see them. Hours vary depending on the season; check with the park for details. Moraine Park Museum - features interactive geology exhibits and some information about plants an animals. Fall River Visitor Center - The upstairs area showcases various animals and their sounds, the downstairs has a history exhibit where kids can play dress up. Alpine Tundra Museum/Alpine Visitor Center - Discusses animals and plants that live on the alpine tundra (the area above treeline) in Rocky Mountain National Park. Kawuneeche Visitor Center (Grand Lake side) - a few small exhibits about Rocky Mountain National Park. Return to Estes Park Information Home Page from Estes Park Museums
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