Western Museum of Mining & Industry

The Western Museum of Mining & Industry is an absolute gem—literally and figuratively. The grounds are expansive, with multiple buildings and exhibits that bring the history of mining to life in a way that’s both engaging and easy to explore. What really stands out is how interactive the experience is. The guided tours are informative without feeling overwhelming, and the movie adds great context to the evolution of the industry. But the highlight—especially for families—is the hands-on activities. Kids (and adults) can pan for gold and gems and actually keep what they find, which makes it a memorable experience and a huge hit with younger visitors. There’s a great balance here: rich history for those who want to learn, and fun, immersive activities for those who want to experience it. It’s easy to spend a few hours wandering and still feel like there’s more to see. If you’re in the area, it’s well worth the visit—especially if you’ve got kids with you. This place clearly knows how to make history come alive.

What a wonderful museum! We brought our grandchildren, and we had a fantastic time. They absolutely loved it, especially the history and exhibits. We enjoyed it just as much as they did. We even panned for gold and found a bunch of small rocks we like, plus some gold! It was a really funny experience. We also saw a working steam engine and lots of interesting exhibits in the exhibition hall. We enjoyed wandering around to the other exhibits and seeing all the mining equipment. The walk was easy and felt like we were on a farm. The staff was wonderful; they greeted us as we walked in and made sure we got all the discounts we were eligible for. They even started the steam engine for us! If you’re in Colorado Springs, this is a must-see place!

This museum is one of the only ones in the area I have been to multiple times and not once felt bored. My kids loved it as elementary-schoolers, and still do as preteen/teen. Last week, their easily-bored grandmother walked in skeptical, and walked out a fan! The Mining Museum is Monument's hidden gem, for geology/history/machinery/you-name-it enthusiasts, all.

Very fun and educational. The tour guide, Kevin, was knowledgeable, friendly, and witty. We had a lovely time and the price of admission was reasonable.

We came on Easter for the scavenger hunt. We had a great time, the guides were great. It was so cool to see the big engines turn on. I learned alot and we will come back.