Getting ready forthe Western Museum of Mining and Industry.
A mining museum off I-25 at North Gate Blvd, with working steam engines, a walk-through mine drift, a glowing mineral display and gold panning for everyone. The machines are loud when they run, and they run only during the two daily tours.
Know before you go. The museum doesn't list sensory hours or a quiet room. Here's what it does say about the loud machines and when they run.
“When machines are operating, it can be quite loud. Hearing protection recommended for those with sensitivities.” wmmi.org
Sound
“Our historic machinery runs during our two daily tours and private group tours. When it's not operating, QR codes next to each machine let you see it in operation with audio anytime.” wmmi.org
Waits
“Guided tours take place at 10 am and 1 pm.” “Tour capacity is limited and on a first come first serve basis. Advance reservations for tours are not accepted. Tours last approximately one hour.” wmmi.org
Light
The Fluorescent Mineral Display uses “Powerful UV lighting” so “every stone shimmers.” wmmi.org
Rules
“Individuals under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.” wmmi.org
“If you have a large group, or a group with specialized needs/requirements, please call in advance so we can provide the best museum experience for you.”
Our note The quietest choice is visiting outside the 10 am and 1 pm tours, when the machines are still.
Our note Bring your own hearing protection; the museum recommends it.
Three things to know
Admission: $14 adult, $7 child 4 to 12, $9 student 13 and up, free for children 3 and under with a paid adult.
Gold panning is included with admission. A video teaches how, and the equipment is there for you.
The museum also shows movies about mining history, included with admission.
Working machines during the 10 am and 1 pm tours (the museum says it can be quite loud)not stated
Fluorescent Mineral Display (bright UV light)not stated
Quieter
Outside tour times, with the QR videosquiet zone
The Reynolds Ranch House is a separate 30-minute tour on Mondays, by reservation. Only the first floor is ADA accessible, and the stairs to the second floor are steep and narrow.
The museum has accessible parking and allows service animals.
Indoor exhibits include a walk-through mine drift, the 1895 Corliss steam engine and other working machines.
Phone 719-488-0880.
What the museum doesn't say
not stated how loud the machines are
not stated whether the mine drift is dark
not stated how busy tour times get
not stated whether you can leave a tour partway through
The museum is open Monday to Saturday, 9 to 4. Guided tours start at 10 am and 1 pm, last about an hour, and are first come, first served. The historic machines run during those tours, and the museum says it can be quite loud. At other times, QR codes next to each machine show a video of it running. Gold panning and the movies come with admission. Change anything.
Common questions
What if my child won't look at the schedule or story?
That is common at first. Leave it where the moment happens, point to one picture at a time, and keep it low-pressure. Many kids warm up to it after a few calm tries, in their own time.
Can I make this in Spanish?
Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no signup, and we don’t keep what you type; anything you save stays on your device. Make it, print it, done.
