City: Colorado Springs, CO

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (800) 752-6558 or (719) 488-08

Address: 225 N. Gate Blvd.

Description: They like to brag that this is a museum that works! And they’re not kidding. Yes, there are artifacts and such displayed, but there’s so much more—in the form of actual, working mining equipment. Here’s your chance to see the industry that shaped Colorado in action. What started as the 27-acre Museum of the West in 1970 soon changed to its current name in 1972 and has since focused on the rich mining history of the state. They might fire up their 37-ton Corliss Steam Engine, operate the stamp mill, tell you about the rocks you eat, let you try your hand at gold panning (not as easy as it looks), and see how mining families lived in the 1890s. You might even get to dress up like a miner. There’s always something going on here, so check the website for special events and activities. Closed Sun.