Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
Discover a world of minerals, meteorites, and underground adventures at this free, captivating geology museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a world of minerals, meteorites, and underground adventures at this free, captivating geology museum.
"It's the best free museum I've ever been to. I could have spent two more hours had I made it there earlier in the day."
🎯 Free Admission Gem
This museum is completely free to enter, making it a fantastic budget-friendly activity!
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Metered parking is $2/hr (limited spots), garage is $10. Arrive early for meters!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dazzling Mineral Collection
Main Exhibit Halls
Explore a vast array of minerals, including a stunning herkimer diamond and vibrant fluorescent rocks. A feast for the eyes!
Simulated Mine Shaft
Basement Level
Step into a replica mine tunnel with interactive lights and sounds for an immersive underground experience.
Cosmic Treasures
Basement Level
Marvel at an impressive collection of meteorites and even a piece of the moon rock.
Fossil Hall
Main Exhibit Halls
Discover ancient life through a variety of fascinating fossil specimens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Parking Costs
Weekend Wonders & Kid Appeal
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
36 hours in Golden
🎯 Free Admission Gem
This museum is completely free to enter, making it a fantastic budget-friendly activity!
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Metered parking is $2/hr (limited spots), garage is $10. Arrive early for meters!
Coming to Denver for 24 hours and want to do some crystal/mineral shopping! Give me your best crystal stores.
Not quite rockhounding, but I've started collecting thumbnail / micromount specimens to photograph
✨ Fluorescent Rock Fun
Don't miss the glowing rocks under UV light – a magical experience for all ages!
🚶♀️ Mine Tunnel Adventure
The interactive mine shaft replica is a highlight, complete with sound and light effects.
What is a Denver (or surrounding areas) “life hack” everyone living here should know?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Gem
This museum is completely free to enter, making it a fantastic budget-friendly activity!
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Metered parking is $2/hr (limited spots), garage is $10. Arrive early for meters!
✨ Fluorescent Rock Fun
Don't miss the glowing rocks under UV light – a magical experience for all ages!
🚶♀️ Mine Tunnel Adventure
The interactive mine shaft replica is a highlight, complete with sound and light effects.
🚀 Space Enthusiast's Dream
See real meteorites and a piece of the moon – out-of-this-world exhibits!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum for its impressive, free collection of minerals, meteorites, and a unique mine shaft replica. While the exhibits are captivating, some find the organization inconsistent and the staff disengaged. Parking costs can also be a drawback for some.
"It's the best free museum I've ever been to. I could have spent two more hours had I made it there earlier in the day.
There are two levels, a fossil section, a mine shaft to walk through, and a section that explains the fracking process to a layman like me. Tons of interesting stuff."
John
"1. I found a parking space with a meter and paid $2 per hour. There are only about 10 such spots, and otherwise you must park in the garage for $!0.
2. I didn't like the big murals showing enslaved workers in Egyptian and other times doing the hard mine work and getting beaten. It is ancient reality but is depressing.
3. I asked a young woman at the desk if she knew where a rock was that my friend donated, and she looked on a list on the computer, and said he wasn't on that list. A manager later told me they have no such lists, I have to talk to the curator, so the young woman had lied to me. The three young people working here looked compleletly uninterested in their jobs.
4. The bookstore displays book "All My Friends are Dead," which I paged through which was depressing. It is a Dark Comedy, but I never laughed or even smiled once; it was sick. It is poor that they stock and show a title like this to people.
5. The entire museum is very poorly organized, by country, and some special exhibits. The basement has meteorites, a moon rock, and dinosaur bones, which were the only memorable items.
6. I hoped to actually learn something, but instead just saw pretty colors. I was very disappointed with this museum."
Seth Washburne
"Very cool little museum! Free, minus $10 for all day parking. I would say good for kindergarten and up, our little guy got bored quickly. I liked how the displays were organized by region, we could really see similar minerals and colors. Kids loved the mine section and the florescent rocks."
Mila Gates
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on the Colorado School of Mines campus in Golden, Colorado. If driving, the campus is easily accessible from Highway 6. Parking is available in a garage for $10 or via limited metered street parking at $2/hour.
Golden is served by RTD (Regional Transportation District) buses. You can check the RTD website for routes and schedules that go near the Colorado School of Mines campus.
Metered parking spots are scarce and fill up quickly. Your best bet for guaranteed parking is the campus garage, though it comes with a fee. Arriving early on weekends is recommended for meter spots.
The museum has multiple levels. While efforts are made for accessibility, it's always a good idea to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accommodations for elevators or ramps if needed.
Absolutely! The museum is a great addition to exploring downtown Golden, hiking in the nearby foothills, or visiting Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum offers free admission, making it an excellent value for visitors.
The museum is typically open on weekends. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit, as these can change seasonally.
No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. You can usually walk in during operating hours.
The museum often features a variety of permanent and sometimes temporary exhibits. Keep an eye on their announcements for any special events or featured displays.
For larger groups, it's advisable to contact the museum in advance to inform them of your visit. This helps them prepare and ensures a smoother experience for everyone.
🎫 💎 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the extensive mineral collection, the interactive mine shaft replica, the impressive meteorite display, and the dinosaur fossils. The fluorescent rocks are also a unique highlight.
While kids can enjoy certain aspects like the mine shaft and glowing rocks, some reviewers suggest it might be best for children aged kindergarten and up, as younger ones may get bored.
Many visitors wish they had more time! Plan for at least 1-2 hours to explore the two levels and take in the vast collection. Some could easily spend longer.
Yes, the mine shaft replica is highly interactive with lights and sounds. The fluorescent rock display also offers a visually engaging experience.
Exhibits are organized by country and some special themes. The basement level houses meteorites, moon rocks, and dinosaur bones, which are often cited as particularly memorable.
🎫 🛍️ Gift Shop & More
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase geological specimens, books, and souvenirs.
The gift shop offers a variety of items, including rocks, minerals, books on geology, and other related merchandise. One reviewer noted a book titled 'All My Friends are Dead' was stocked, which they found depressing.
The gift shop is a good place to find unique rocks and minerals to take home as a memento of your visit.
Beyond the exhibits, the gift shop likely carries books and materials that can further your understanding of geology and paleontology.
Typically, the gift shop operates during the museum's open hours. It's always a good idea to confirm this if you're specifically planning to shop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To maximize the family experience, focus on the most engaging exhibits like the mine shaft, meteorites, and the colorful mineral displays. The sheer volume of specimens means you can tailor the visit to your child's attention span. It's a fantastic opportunity to spark curiosity about the natural world in a fun, accessible environment.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to save on dining costs, as there are no extensive food facilities within the museum itself. The wealth of exhibits, from minerals to meteorites, provides significant value for zero entry fee, making it a top recommendation for an enriching and inexpensive experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Mineral Marvels
Beyond the visually stunning specimens, the museum provides context and educational value. While some reviewers felt they didn't learn as much as hoped, others found the displays informative. The sheer volume of items means you could spend hours examining each display. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the intricate artistry of nature, from the smallest crystal to the largest formation.
A Journey Underground: The Mine Shaft
The mine shaft experience is designed to be both educational and entertaining. It gives a glimpse into the historical and practical aspects of mining, a significant part of Colorado's heritage. The clever use of technology enhances the realism, making it a memorable part of the museum visit. It’s a testament to how museums can bring history and industry to life through engaging exhibits.
Gems from Space: Meteorites and Moon Rocks
These exhibits are often highlighted as particularly memorable and fascinating. They provide a unique educational opportunity to learn about the composition of space and the history of our planet's formation. For anyone with an interest in astronomy or geology, these space-bound specimens are an absolute must-see, offering a perspective that is truly cosmic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit