Museum of the Mountain West
Open year-round, visit the Museum of the Mountain for a guided tour, a self-guided tour, or a school tour! This six-acre property houses 28 historical buildings in “Adobe Flats” and 11 historical displays of shops and medical offices in our main building. The museum boasts over half-a-million artifacts in its collection.
True West Magazine celebrates this museum as the “2021 Best Preserved Re-Created Pioneer Town” and it made the “2018 Editor’s List of 15 Museums Not to Miss” providing good reason to put the Museum of the Mountain West on your list of “must-do” activities during your time in Montrose.
An impressive inventory of historic buildings and 500,000 artifacts, preserved from the golden years of the Mountain West, are displayed for visitors to experience at the museum.
Housed in the 10,000 square foot main building is a historic post office, doctor’s and dentist’s offices, drug store, saloon, dry goods store, and many more fascinating displays from our past. From the 1913 German Lutheran Church to the 1890 school to the 1882 Denver & Rio Grande Railroad section house, you will be captivated by life as it was over a century ago.
Most exceptional among the museum’s attributes are the knowledgeable docents who guide all tours, offering an experiential taste of what it was like to live in Western Colorado in the early days. If you’re lucky, you may run into the museum’s founder, Richard Fike, who began collecting at the age of four and was crowned True West Magazine’s “Best Western History Collector” in 2021.
Did you know that the Museum of the Mountain West can also host weddings and other special events? Ongoing events, classes, and activities are held to educate and entertain the public about the history and culture of the American West.
Come and spend a fun-filled, leisurely day learning more about this wonderful area in beautiful Western Colorado and be sure to check out the library and gift shop.
Museum of the Mountain West
68169 Miami Road
Ph: 970-240-3400
Website
Hours
Summer: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Saturday
Winter: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm Tuesday – Saturday
Email us or call to schedule tours for groups of 15 or more, events, or weddings.
Admission
Guided Tours: $15/adult, $5/youth (6 – 18 years)
*For groups over 6, call to schedule at 970-240-3400
Self-Guided Tours: $12.50/adult, $5/youth
Under 6: Free
For information and questions, contact the Museum of the Mountain West at info@mw-museum.org or 970-240-3400.
Eastern, Osceola, Rio Grande, Merriam`s, and Gould`s, can you guess which type of North American Turkey calls Western Colorado home? Place your guess in the comments below.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Mark your calendars for Montrose Bucks Monday and the tree lighting!
For the first time ever, the annual Montrose Bucks sale is moving to Monday, November 17, in the Community Room of the Public Safety Complex (434 S. 1st Street).
The annual tree lighting will take place on Friday, November 28 at 5:30 pm. The following Saturday is Small Business Saturday, where local shopping downtown really shines.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Ready to take Montrose to new heights?
From the volcanic cliffs of the Black Canyon to sandstone sport routes just outside town, Montrose is a rock climber’s dream — whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned trad climber.
With epic scenery, mild weather, and year-round access, this is your sign to chalk up and get outside.
Read the full climbing guide on our blog:
https://visitmontrose.com/play/outdoors/activities/rock-climbing/
@montroselifestyle @cityofmontrose @montrosedart
#MontroseCO #ClimbColorado
Step into the magic of A Vintage Christmas and experience the wonder of Santa’s Cabin! Santa’s Cabin is located at 530 E Main Street.
Starting November 28, Santa’s cozy cabin opens for the season in downtown Montrose. Families can stop by to drop off letters to Santa or meet the big guy himself for a free photo on select dates through December.
Letters to Santa:
Write your wish list and place it in Santa’s special mailbox anytime between Nov. 28–Dec. 20. Don’t forget to include your return address so Santa can write back before Christmas!
Photos with Santa:
Bring your holiday spirit and visit Santa in person for a free keepsake photo — a perfect memory to treasure for years to come.
Santa’s Cabin officially opens after the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Fri., Nov. 28, and will be open for visits on select dates throughout December.
Brought to you in partnership with the @Montrose Children’s Museum.
For full details and Santa’s schedule, visit cityofmontrose.org/holidays
#visitmontrose #montroseco
@visitmontrose @montroselifestyle @montrosedart
Be part of a Montrose Christmas tradition!
Registration is now open for the 2025 Parade of Lights, happening Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 pm! This year’s theme, A Vintage Christmas, invites you to relive the nostalgic charm of holidays past with classic décor, timeless traditions, and the warmth of yesteryear.
Enter your float and light up Main Street!
Floats are judged on theme, quality, appearance, effort, and participation. It’s a fun way to spread cheer and showcase your organization!
Registration deadline: Monday, Dec. 1
Register today — spots are limited: qrco.de/paradereg
@visitmontrose @montroselifestyle @montroseDART
#visitmontrose #montroseco
Fall is coming to an end. Snow in the high country pushes elk and deer to lower elevations. As you drive, don`t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife near the road.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
November at the Montrose Pavilion
There’s something special happening all month long!
Nov. 8 – Sinners & Saints Band
Presented by @Montrose Regional Health, this lively performance is sure to get you moving!
Nov. 9 – @westernslopeconcertseries
Enjoy an afternoon of incredible live music from talented regional musicians.
Nov. 14 – Crab Crack
It’s back! Dig in at this beloved local tradition featuring delicious crab, community, and fun. @blackcanyonboysandgirlsclub
Nov. 19 – Garrison Keillor Tonight
A night of storytelling, humor, and music from the legendary Garrison Keillor — a must-see event!
@PrairieHomeCompanion
Nov. 28 & 29 – Basement Boutique
Shop unique gifts, handmade treasures, and holiday favorites at one of Montrose’s most charming seasonal markets.
Join us at the Montrose Pavilion Event Center and make this November one to remember!
@cityofmontrose @visitmontrose @montroselifestyle
#motroseco #visitmontrose
The magic of the holidays begins in Downtown Montrose!
Join us Friday, November 28, at 5:30 p.m. at the Montrose County Courthouse for the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring a special performance by the Maslow Academy & High School Choir.
Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, caroling, and a countdown with Santa as we light the community tree and kick off the holiday season!
Then, head across the street to the Montrose Visitor Center, where Lumanity Shows will dazzle with a spectacular holiday light display to keep the celebration glowing bright.
After the lighting, stay for a festive performance by the Valley Youth Orchestra, and don’t miss the opening of Santa’s Cabin and Letters to Santa.
@city_of_montrose @montroselifestyle @montrosedart
#MontroseCo #Montrosechristmas
Visiting us during Halloween? The Annual Candy Crawl in the downtown area is a crowd favorite. Check out the events and happenings over at the Montrose Lifestyle calendar.
#MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
If you haven`t had a chance to yet, catch the last of the fall colors before they`re gone for the season.
#FallColors #MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Don`t miss out on the music. The Montrose Valley Symphony offers exciting musical experiences for all ages. Check out the schedule and get your tickets today!
#CelebrateTheArts #MontroseCO #ExploreMontrose
Sandstone, sunshine, and crisp autumn air. Head north or west of town to check out the beauty of the desert side of town.
#FallHikes #DesertMagic #ExploreColorado #ExploreMontrose
