MUSEUMSSmall details. Full lives. Stories worth knowing.
What to ExpectA little history. A lot to wonder about.
Old schoolhouses, historic rooms, and stories that make you look at Main Street a little differently. Clear Creek’s museums bring you closer to the people who lived, worked, and built a life in these mountains. Bring your questions. Let the kids linger. Leave time to wander town afterward.
Check each museum’s hours, admission, and tour options before heading over. For step-free entry and other accessibility needs, contact the museum directly so you know what to expect when you arrive.
IDAHO SPRINGS HERITAGE MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTERA good place to begin.
Explore mining equipment, mineral displays, and exhibits that connect Idaho Springs to Colorado’s gold rush. Get to know the town’s early days, then stop by the visitor center for ideas about what to explore next.
2060 Miner Street, Idaho Springs
UNDERHILL MUSEUMCome for the history. Notice the everyday.
The former home and office of James and Lucy Underhill offers a personal look at life in Idaho Springs. Discover James’s work as a mining engineer and surveyor, Lucy’s love of gardening, and the home they helped design together. Contact the Historical Society about current visiting arrangements.
1414 Miner St, Idaho Springs
GEORGE ROWE MUSEUMThe schoolhouse still has plenty to teach.
Inside Silver Plume’s 1894 schoolhouse, photographs, tools, and keepsakes tell stories of mining, railroading, school days, and family life. Spend some time with the details, then step outside and see the town with fresh eyes. The museum opens seasonally, so check the current schedule before making the trip.
315 Main Street, Silver Plume
ALICE SCHOOLHOUSEA gathering place with a past.
The Alice Schoolhouse continues to bring its mountain community together. On selected special-event days, the Alice Historical Society opens its museum on the lower level, sharing the history of Alice and the surrounding area. Plan around a confirmed opening to make this small museum part of your visit.
271 Silver Creek Road, Alice
A LITTLE PLANNING. MORE TIME TO LOOK AROUND.
Check before you go.
Opening days, admission, and tour arrangements vary by museum. Check each location’s website or contact its team before heading out. For questions about steps, walking surfaces, seating, or mobility access, ask ahead so you can choose a visit that works for your group.
STAY FOR ANOTHER DAY
Leave a little room for tomorrow.
Book a stay in Clear Creek and make time for dinner, a slow morning, and whatever your adventure has planned next.
Leave room for dinner.
Find a table. Settle in. Share the stories of the day while a local kitchen takes care of dinner. Stay the night and give tomorrow a slower start, with coffee, breakfast, and a little more time in the mountains.
