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.
550 Jurassic Court | Fruita, COFossils from the Western Slope
It's Tuesday 5:16 AM — Sorry, we're closed
Admission
Adults $10 | Kids $6 | Seniors $8
Museum members admitted free
Museums For All (EBT cardholders with ID will be admitted for free)
462 Ute Avenue | Grand Junction, COHistory, art, and archaeology from the Western Slope
It's Tuesday 5:16 AM — Sorry, we're closed
Admission
Pricing During Renovations January through February: Adults $6 | Kids $3 | Seniors $5
Museum members admitted free
Museums For All (EBT cardholders with ID will be admitted for free)
3073 F Road | Grand Junction, COA historic site exploring agriculture and railroads
It's Tuesday 5:16 AM — Sorry, we're closed
Admission
Cross Orchards Historic Site is closed for the winter season, but will reopen in April 2025. We are available for school tours and rental tours. These visits must be scheduled in advance by calling 970-242-0971.
Events!
There are no upcoming events at this time
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
Field trips, outreach activities, and kits with ready-made lesson plans make it easy for educators to bring science and history to their classrooms.
Artifacts
Collections include art, history, archaeology, and paleontology from the Colorado Plateau.
Online Access
The number of objects accessible online grows frequently. Access images and information from anywhere!
Western Colorado Stories
Researching a historic home — whether it’s one you own currently, or one you’re interested in for other reasons, can…
Written By: Christine Westermire – Museum Educator Even though Juneteenth was made a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, by…
By Jonathan Hamilton In 1978, United Airlines spokesman George Niemer said that, “the airline carries as many passengers to and…
Museums of Western Colorado Scavenger Hunt November 29 – December 30, 2024 Scavenger Hunt We invite you to participate in…
Can’t make it to our 2024 Speakeasy Fundraiser to view the event exhibit on Grand Junction’s historic Redlight District? That’s…
When searching the Museums of Western Colorado’s collections, some special tips will help you get better results, and find what…
Researching a historic home — whether it’s one you own currently, or one you’re interested in for other reasons, can…
Written By: Christine Westermire – Museum Educator Even though Juneteenth was made a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, by…
By Jonathan Hamilton In 1978, United Airlines spokesman George Niemer said that, “the airline carries as many passengers to and…
Museums of Western Colorado Scavenger Hunt November 29 – December 30, 2024 Scavenger Hunt We invite you to participate in…
Can’t make it to our 2024 Speakeasy Fundraiser to view the event exhibit on Grand Junction’s historic Redlight District? That’s…
When searching the Museums of Western Colorado’s collections, some special tips will help you get better results, and find what…
Researching a historic home — whether it’s one you own currently, or one you’re interested in for other reasons, can…
Written By: Christine Westermire – Museum Educator Even though Juneteenth was made a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, by…
By Jonathan Hamilton In 1978, United Airlines spokesman George Niemer said that, “the airline carries as many passengers to and…
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.