
Museum of the Mountain West Montrose Colorado
A vast collection of Western memorabilia and historic buildings, curated by a lifelong collector. A true hidden gem!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Museum of the Mountain West Montrose Colorado
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast collection of Western memorabilia and historic buildings, curated by a lifelong collector. A true hidden gem!
"Absolutely loved everything! Highly recommend a guided tour, you'll learn a lot and get closer to the buildings/rooms."

🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for deeper insights and stories behind the exhibits.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed pets are welcome to join you on your visit!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Buildings
Outdoor exhibits
Step back in time exploring authentic historic buildings, some relocated and restored, offering a glimpse into the past.

Vast Memorabilia Collection
Indoor exhibits
Discover an incredible array of artifacts, from old advertisements and furniture to tools and personal items, spanning decades of Western life.

The Owner's Passion Project
Throughout the museum
Experience the lifelong passion of the owner, who began collecting at age 4, evident in every meticulously curated piece.

Filming Location Artifacts
Specific exhibits
See items like the train car used in the filming of 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,' adding a cinematic touch to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss the Guided Tour
Embrace the Dog-Friendly Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for deeper insights and stories behind the exhibits.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed pets are welcome to join you on your visit!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You'll want at least 2 hours to explore this extensive collection.
📸 Capture the Charm
The unique buildings and artifacts make for fantastic photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended for deeper insights and stories behind the exhibits.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed pets are welcome to join you on your visit!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You'll want at least 2 hours to explore this extensive collection.
📸 Capture the Charm
The unique buildings and artifacts make for fantastic photo opportunities.
📍 Off the Beaten Path
A true hidden gem, worth the detour from main routes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museum of the Mountain West as a hidden gem, highlighting the incredible breadth of its historical collection and the passion of its owner. Many recommend the guided tours for their insightful storytelling and appreciate the dog-friendly atmosphere. While some find the sheer volume overwhelming, the overall sentiment is one of delight and surprise at this unique historical treasure.
"Passed this on our way down to telluride. Had to stop when we made the trip back toward Denver. Absolutely loved everything! Highly recommend a guided tour, you'll learn a lot and get closer to the buildings/rooms to look around and ask questions. All staff is super friendly, the whole place is also dog friendly so you don't have to leave your pup in the car. Will definitely be back if we make our way through Montrose in the future!"
Ethan
"We happened to see the historic buildings on our way to black canyon and decided to take a look. We're so glad we stopped by! AMAZING collection. Also dog friendly, leashed. Option to do guided tour or self guided. Guided tour is about 1.5hr, highly recommend! There are artifacts of all kinds guns, apparel, saloons, medical/dentistry, tools, foods, music literally everything. The owner, Mr.Fike, was also there! You will love it"
joanna c
"An amazing place - buildings and everyday life items 200-100 years old, gathered for many years with love by a passionate man. The director was so kind to show us through the inside collection, where every little thing had a story to be told. At the end we also got a great restaurant recommendation from a lovely lady runing the place. We spent two hours there, and the time passed super fast. I highly recommend visiting this museum."
Ola abc
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located just outside Montrose, Colorado. Many visitors discover it while traveling to or from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park or Telluride. It's easily accessible by car, making it a convenient stop on a Colorado road trip.
While it's a bit of a hidden gem, it's generally well-marked once you're in the vicinity. Travelers often mention stumbling upon it and being pleasantly surprised.
Specific directions can be found on most GPS apps. It's typically accessed via local roads from Montrose, often mentioned in conjunction with routes to the Black Canyon.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors, allowing for easy access to the exhibits.
Absolutely! It's a perfect stop when exploring the Western Slope of Colorado, especially if you're visiting the Black Canyon of the Gunnison or heading towards Telluride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices can vary, visitors generally find the entry fee to be very reasonable for the extensive experience offered. It's considered a worthwhile investment for the historical immersion.
Advance booking is typically not required. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. However, for guided tours, it might be beneficial to inquire about availability.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
The guided tour is an additional experience that many highly recommend. While it may have a separate cost, visitors feel it's well worth the price for the enhanced understanding and access it provides.
Most visitor centers and museums in the area accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or in case of any technical issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Prepare to be amazed by a vast collection of memorabilia, historic buildings, old advertisements, furniture, tools, and everyday items from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Both are great options! A self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace, while a guided tour offers in-depth stories and insights from knowledgeable staff or the owner himself. Many visitors highly recommend the guided tour.
Most visitors spend at least two hours exploring the museum, especially if they opt for a guided tour. You could easily spend longer if you're a history enthusiast.
Yes, restroom facilities are available for visitors.
The outdoor exhibits with historic buildings may present challenges due to uneven terrain. However, the indoor collection areas are generally more accessible. It's best to inquire directly about specific accessibility needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, and encouraged, to capture the unique historical artifacts and buildings. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions regarding photography, especially in sensitive areas.
While personal photography is usually permitted, commercial photography or the use of tripods might require special permission. It's best to ask at the entrance if you plan on extensive photo shoots.
The restored historic buildings, the vintage train car, and the displays of old advertisements and everyday items offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The entire museum is a visual treat!
It's generally advisable to avoid using flash photography, especially in indoor exhibits, as it can damage delicate artifacts over time. Check for any posted rules regarding flash.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the exteriors of the historic buildings and the unique details of the memorabilia. The train car used in 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' is also a popular photo spot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the sheer volume of artifacts might be best appreciated by older children and adults, the visual nature of the exhibits and the opportunity to walk through old structures can captivate younger minds. Consider opting for a guided tour if your children enjoy stories, as the passionate staff can make history come alive. It's a fantastic way to introduce kids to local history in a memorable and accessible setting.
🐶 Pet Owners
This makes it incredibly convenient for road-trippers who often struggle to find attractions that accommodate their pets. You can enjoy a full day of historical exploration without the worry of leaving your dog in the car, making your visit much more relaxed and enjoyable.
🚗 Road Trippers
It offers a chance to break up long drives with a dose of authentic Western history. The dog-friendly policy is a significant bonus for those on the road with pets. With ample parking and a manageable size for a few hours of exploration, it's a perfect way to add a unique cultural experience to your journey without a major time commitment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Visionary Collector: Richard Fike
Fike's personal involvement is a highlight for many. He is often present at the museum, and when he is, visitors have the unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts and stories behind the collection. This personal touch transforms the museum from a static display into a dynamic historical narrative. The passion and love poured into this collection are palpable, making it a truly special and authentic experience for anyone interested in Western history.
This deep dive into the founder's journey underscores why the museum feels so personal and impactful. It's not just a collection of objects; it's a curated life's work, shared generously with the public. The Museum of the Mountain West offers a rare chance to connect with history through the eyes of someone who has lived and breathed it for decades.
Exploring the Historic Buildings
Each building tells its own story, from old saloons and general stores to homes and workshops. The museum's commitment to authenticity means you can often step inside and see period-appropriate furnishings, tools, and personal effects that bring the spaces to life. This hands-on approach to history is a major draw for visitors, providing a tangible connection to the past that goes beyond simply looking at artifacts.
Whether you're taking a self-guided stroll or benefiting from the detailed explanations during a guided tour, exploring these historic structures is a highlight. They serve as a powerful backdrop to the vast collection of memorabilia, allowing you to contextualize the objects within the environments they were used in.
A Treasure Trove of Memorabilia
Visitors often express surprise at the sheer diversity of the collection. You might find yourself marveling at old medical and dental equipment, examining historical food packaging, or admiring musical instruments from a bygone era. The museum's strength lies in its ability to showcase the breadth of human experience in the West, capturing the spirit of innovation, resilience, and community.
This comprehensive approach to collecting ensures that there's something to capture everyone's interest. It's a place where you can truly get lost in the details of the past, discovering forgotten brands, understanding historical technologies, and appreciating the ingenuity of those who shaped the American West.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit