Discover Mesa County’s Rich Heritage
The Museums of Western Colorado inspires and connects our community by championing the scientific and cultural heritage of the Colorado Plateau.
Admission
Adults $9 | Kids $5 | Seniors – $7
Museum members admitted free
Museums For All (EBT cardholders with ID will be admitted for free)
Admission
Adults $7 | Kids $4 | Seniors $6
Museum members admitted free
Museums For All (EBT cardholders with ID will be admitted for free)
Admission
We are available for school tours. Please schedule in advance.
Free for all! Donations are welcome.
Ride-on-Train or Firetruck (Saturdays)
$3.00 Children | $4.00 Adults
Events!
Fruita, CO 81521 United States
The leading museum
on the Western Slope since 1965
Over time the museum has expanded to include three museums a wide range of fantastic programs.
Educational Programs
Artifacts
Online Access
Western Colorado Stories
Can’t make it to our 2024 Speakeasy Fundraiser to view the event exhibit on Grand Junction’s historic Redlight District? That’s…
Broaden Your Search and Other Tips
When searching the Museums of Western Colorado’s collections, some special tips will help you get better results, and find what…
Research a Historic Home
Researching a historic home — whether it’s one you own currently, or one you’re interested in for other reasons, can…
Juneteenth and Early Black Settlers in Colorado
Written By: Christine Westermire – Museum Educator Even though Juneteenth was made a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, by…
The Aviators Who Launched The Aviation Industry in the Grand Valley
By Jonathan Hamilton In 1978, United Airlines spokesman George Niemer said that, “the airline carries as many passengers to and…
Handy Chapel: A Treasured Piece of My Family History
Written By: Christine Westermire At the corner of 2nd Street and White Avenue stands a building that is not only…
More than Museums
The Museums of Western Colorado also owns or helps manage multiple important paleontological sites.
We encourage you to visit them with respect.
Riggs Hill
This Museum-owned site is where Elmer Riggs found the Brachiosaurus in 1900. Explore this historic site and check out the geocache.
Trail Through Time
This trail includes the Mygatt-Moore Quarry, an active dinosaur quarry managed by the Museums of Western Colorado and the Bureau of Land Management. Hike the trail, or register for a Dinosaur Dig.
Fruita Paleo Area
Some of the first fossils in the MWC collection came from this special site, now famous for microfossils.
Dinosaur Hill
Elmer Riggs found an Apatosaurus here in 1901. Hiking trails help you explore this site jointly managed by MWC, the City of Fruita, and the Bureau of Land Management.