Museums in Weld County
Published on November 01, 2024
Did you know that Weld County is home to many museums? Weld County's history is deeply rooted in the land, and several museums throughout the area explore life in the West. While some are currently closed and only open during the summer or by appointment, there are still a few that you can visit year-round!
The A.J. Eaton Home and Carriage House Museum
A.J. Eaton was the son of Colorado’s fourth governor, Benjamin Harrison Eaton. A.J. wed Minnie Lee Gooden on Jan. 1, 1885. The Greeley Tribune hailed the marriage: “The Governor’s son has shown himself worthy of his surroundings and may the star of prosperity ever shine above his door.” As the first two-story brick residence in town, the property immediately became a local landmark, with some referring to it as the Eaton “mansion.” The museum is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit the Eaton Area Historical Society.
The Parish House in Johnstown
This Arts and Crafts-style bungalow was built by the founders of Johnstown, Harvey and Mary Parish. The house, which now serves as a museum, is furnished in early 1900s style, offering a glimpse into what life was like in this area nearly 100 years ago. The Johnstown Historical Society manages the house and museum, offering tours on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and by appointment. If you are interested, please visit johnstownhistoricalsociety.org.
Fort Lupton City Museum
The Fort Lupton City Museum’s collection includes extensive archives of family histories, cemetery records, business documents and photos dating as far back as the 1800s. The museum itself is even considered a historical artifact. Visit anytime on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about featured and upcoming exhibits, please visit City of Fort Lupton.
Colorado Railroad Museum
The Colorado Model Railroad Museum is one of the finest, one-of-a-kind miniature accomplishments in the world. Located at 680 10th Street in Greeley, this museum has hundreds of railroad sceneries, more than 500 scale locomotives, 80 scale miles of train track, thousands of other handmade artifacts including around 28,000 handmade trees. The museum houses thousands of artifacts including a 1919 Colorado and Southern Caboose that you can tour. Learn more by visiting Colorado Model Railroad Museum.
Greeley is also home to other museums, such as the Greeley History Museum, Meeker Home Museum, Greeley Centennial Village and White-Plum Learning Center. All can be found on our Discover Weld museums page.
Fort Vasquez Museum in Platteville
Originally a fur-trading fort built in 1835 by Louis Vasquez and Andrew Sublette, this fort "in the middle of the highway" includes a charming museum depicting life in the region in the early to mid-1800s. The museum is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. We invite you to learn more about this important piece of history by visiting historycolorado.org.
Platteville is also home to the Platteville Pioneer Museum showcasing the heritage of the town! This museum is open Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also book an appointment as well. For more information, visit Platteville Museum.
Windsor History Museum
The Windsor History Museum features historic buildings from around Windsor built between 1882 and the 1920s. These buildings help tell the story of Windsor beginning with the completion of the Great Salt Lake and Pacific Railroad through the sugar beet boom of the early 20th century. Learn more about this museum at poudreheritage.org
Frederick Miners Memorial Museum
While Weld County may be known now for oil and gas as well as wind and solar energy production, it may surprise you to learn that southern Weld County's history is rich in coal production. The Miners Memorial Museum in the Town of Frederick captures the history of mining in the town. The museum is open during town events and by appointment. Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a tour — information can be found on the Town of Frederick website.
Drylanders Museum in Nunn
Constructed as a 1933 Civil Works Administration Depression-Era project, the former town hall for the northern Weld County community of Nunn is now home to an amazing collection of regional history — much of it donated by the families who homesteaded in the area. This museum will open back up around June 2025. Check out our Discover Weld video highlighting the museum, or for more information, visit the Town of Nunn Museum.
The Wise Homestead Museum in Erie
The Wise Homestead dates back to 1869, when Oliver Wise, his wife Adaline (Ada) and their three children crossed the plains from Wisconsin to settle in Colorado. Oliver built a small log cabin and began to farm the land. Through unique “windows to the past,” visitors can see the mud used to insulate the house and the animal hair incorporated into the plaster. Also visible are samples of 1900s advertising that were revealed when the original wallpaper was removed. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays (May to September) and by appointment at other times. Learn more about this museum and the area's history on the Erie historical society website.
The Grover Depot
The Grover Depot, a two-story rectangular frame building with a gable roof, was built in 1887 by the Burlington Railroad Company. The building is a rare Colorado example of a first-generation, two-story railroad depot and may well be the only surviving example of its type in the state. Unfortunately, the museum isn't open for regular hours. Your best chance to see its collection is to visit on Father's Day weekend for the Earl Anderson Memorial Rodeo, an official PRCA rodeo that has been going strong for almost 100 years! To learn more about this charming museum and community, please visit colorado.com.
By Kristen Sigg, Communications Specialist