Museum of the West in Grand Junction, Colorado

There are so many fun things to do with kids in Western Colorado. There are several fun museums for you and your kids to explore, including the Museum of the West in downtown Grand Junction.

We wandered over for a visit. Before we even got in the door the kids found something interesting to climb on, and mom found a photo opp!

 We made it in the door and were greeted by a friendly volunteer at the front desk. She gave us info about a yearly membership which turns out to be a great deal for families, especially big families!

After paying admission we started through the exhibits. There are many interesting facts about the Native American history of this area.
 
We found our way back to the old schoolroom.

  The kids had fun playing school and taking turns being the teacher, and cleaning blackboard erasers.

 They also loved this room, though they weren't sure what it was supposed to be.

It explained the Alferd Packer Lost Camp Expedition and the investigation that followed. When my older boys read the information on the wall they got a little freaked out. We kept moving.

The boys loved the gun room.

We have a long line of law enforecment in our family and it was cool to see the guns of all of the local sherrifs over the  years.

Next it was time to head through the saloon.

 The boys put on a good can-can show for me. Unfortunately, I did not get a good, non-blurry picture. You get the idea.

The next exhibit was the uranium mine. There is a short tunnel that you can walk through, only my bravest two children made it all the way. It is not frightening, but dark and mysterious for younger, timid kids.

I would have to say the highlight of the exhibits was "flying" a 1958 Cessna from Walker Field.

You can actually sit in the pilot seat and go through a check list for take-off. They could have played in that plane for hours.

There was also a little flight simulation game. Leave it to my tech kid to find the only video game in the place!

As we walked through the rest of the flight exhibits we found a hot air balloon,

and a weather balloon!

Sgt Al measured himself up with a propeller. 

We also enjoyed taking a "ride" in a stagecoach as it shakes and makes noise.

Little Lu was slightly disappointed there weren't real horses. 

After our tour it was time to climb up to the Sterling T. Smith Education Tower.
 
You can take the stairs all the way, or take the elevator part of the way and finish with a few flights of stairs. Again, I have a few timid kids and this was a challenge. We eventually all made it to the top, and the view is amazing. You have a 360 degree view of the Grand Valley.

There is even a picnic table if you are ready for a snack.

We made our way back down and paid the gift shop a visit. The kids all earned a reward after a fun day of exploration.

I recommend a visit to the Museum of the West for any family looking to learn about the history of this area, or just a fun place pretend you are back in the "old days."

Here is some more info to help you plan your visit, you can also visit their website HERE.

They are located at 462 Ute Ave. Grand Junction, CO 81501

Admission

$6.50 for adults

$5.50 for seniors

$3.75 for children

$20 for family groups

Free to members



Summer Hours
May 1 - September 30
Tuesday - Saturday • 10 am to 5 pm
Closed Sunday and Monday


Winter Hours

October 1 - April 30
Tuesday - Saturday • 10 am to 3 pm
Closed Sunday and Monday