Destination guide for Denver’s History Colorado Center.
The History Colorado Center is one of eleven museums and historic sites operated by History Colorado, a charitable organization established in 1879. These museums and sites tell the story of Colorado’s rich history and diverse communities through a series of well-curated exhibits and immersive experiences that captivate the imagination, share forgotten history, and foster learning.
Visiting History Colorado Center
Located in Denver’s Golden Triangle, the History Colorado Center is an impressive museum that spans five floors and showcases exhibits displaying noteworthy moments in Colorado’s history, including its impact on Native American tribes and its contribution to ending World War II. This museum excels in bringing history to life and presenting it in a manner that fosters learning and reflection. I have visited many history museums across the U.S., and the History Colorado Center now ranks among my favorites.
I visited the History Colorado Center on a Monday morning (Labor Day holiday), and it was not crowded. I had about 3 hours to spend at this site, so I prioritized exploring the exhibits in the basement and those on the 3rd and 4th floors. I spent about 2 hours on just those exhibits. During my final hour in the museum, I walked through the 1st and 2nd floors, which had a handful of exhibits, including some with interactive components and activities for children (or adults who are kids at heart). This is a museum where one could easily spend half a day!
This is an excellent museum for all, regardless of age or interest level in history. For families with young children, there are numerous displays with interactive components, making history fun for the little ones. Those interested in American history, particularly the story of Native Americans, would greatly enjoy exploring the exhibits on the 4th floor. World War II aficionados would love the extensive exhibit on the 10th Mountain Division of World War II, located in the basement.
Located inside the History Colorado Center is Café Rendezvous, which offers breakfast and lunch and a selection of coffees and teas.
History Colorado Center is one of the sites available on the Denver City Pass. This pass is a good way to save money if you plan on visiting several attractions during your time in Denver.
This museum provides various services for individuals requiring additional support and accommodations. Visit History Colorado Center’s accessibility page for more information.
Exhibit Highlights
The 4th floor holds two interesting exhibits: The Sand Creek Massacre and Written on the Land. The first tells the story of how the U.S. betrayed the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes on what became the deadliest day in Colorado’s history, while the second tells the story of the Ute, the state’s longest-continuous residents. The exhibit on the Sand Creek Massacre was very poignant and shared a history I was not taught in school. It was an incredible learning opportunity!
The 3rd-floor exhibit was The Centennial State in 100 Objects. This fun exhibit contained a hodgepodge of items, from flags to furniture to space travel relics. I love John Denver and his music, so it was an excellent experience seeing one of his guitars! It was also interesting to see Jack Swigert’s garment from the infamous Apollo 13 mission.
The basement exhibit, “Winter Warriors,” which focuses on the 10th Mountain Division and its contributions during World War II, was extremely interesting. It provides a comprehensive overview of the division’s history, including the training methods employed for mountain warfare and the numerous accomplishments of its soldiers. There were also displays showing their uniforms, tents, weapons, and equipment. The exhibit also contained information and items of the Nazi party, plus a fez belonging to Benito Mussolini.
This exhibit features numerous displays, and one could easily spend an hour exploring everything.
Travel Tip
The Denver Art Museum is situated approximately two blocks from the History Colorado Center, making it convenient to visit both sites on the same day. That is what I did during my visit to Denver: the History Colorado Center in the morning, and then, in the afternoon, I grabbed lunch at the Denver Art Museum before checking out the artwork.
Resources
For additional information, visit the History Colorado Center’s website.
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