Free and Cheap Museums in Colorado Springs

There’s no shortage or cheap or free things to do in the Colorado Springs area if you like history. Colorado Springs has museums on everything from sports to money!

Colorado Springs Pioneer’s Museum (215 South Tejon Street)

Susan said this about the Pioneer’s Museum: “admission to the The Pioneers Museum is free, and they have delightful exhibits and public programs. If you are new to the city, it’s a great way to get acquainted with the unique history and culture of our town. And if you are a native like me, it’s a great place to take all of your out-of-town guests”.

See Carrie’s review of the Pioneer Museum here.

US Olympic Center (1750 East Boulder Street)

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to watch future Olympic athletes train in various sports at the US Olympic Training Center! This is a fun stop for any sports fan, and is completely free as long as you stay out of the souvenir shop.  Here’s more information and a tour schedule.

See pictures from our visit to the US Olympic Training Center here.

Black Forest Log School (Shoup Rd and Black Forest Rd)

This little one-room schoolhouse in Black Forest was used for students in grades one through eight from 1922 to the early 1940s, and is open for public tours during the summer.  Read more about the Black Forest Log School here.

Money Museum (818 North Cascade Avenue)

Discover the history of money at the Money Museum, run by the American Numismatic Society. The Money Museum offers free admission on the third Saturday of each month, but regularly priced admission isn’t too bad, either.  This is not a terribly kid-friendly museum nor is it especially interesting to small kids.

Find more information about the Money Museum here.

Rock Ledge Ranch (3105 Gateway Rd)

Seasonal activities go on all year round at the historic homestead nestled at the base of the Garden of the Gods.  Some events, like the Harvest Festival, are free, while others require an admission.  View their schedule of events here.

US Air Force Academy

You can tour the Cadet Chapel, the Honor Court, Arnold Hall, the Cadet Field House, Falcon Athletic Center, Falcon Stadium, the Association of Graduates building and the Visitor Center – all for free! Go here for hours and info.

World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame (20 First Street)

The museum’s website says you’ll be able to explore skating history, view videos and photos, see skating costumes and figure skating art, discover the science behind skating, and more. Admission is $5 for adults with discounts for seniors and students. More information here.

Dr. Lester L. Williams Fire Museum (375 Printers Parkway)

Small but free museum featuring the history of firefighting in Colorado Springs.  They have several fire trucks, and displays of firefighting equipment.  A friend and I took our kiddos to this museum awhile back, and I wouldn’t say it was terribly kid-friendly, but it wasn’t kid-unfriendly, either! ;)  Not a lot of interactive displays, but our kids did like seeing the fire trucks.

You can read my review of the fire museum here.

Western Museum of Mining and Industry (225 Northgate Blvd)

You can explore the history of mining in Colorado (there’s a lot of it!) at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry – their website says “over 4,000 artifacts are on display at the 27-acre indoor/outdoor exhibit site, which includes a ten-stamp ore mill; and multi-purpose center with exhibits, theater and a 5,000-volume research library.” Beth said they have “a nice tour that is good for about 8 and up, and you can usually find buy one, get one free coupons.”

This museum is on the more expensive end ($8 for adults), but they do have a $1 off coupon on their website and if you can find one of those buy-one-get-one-free coupons, Beth referred to, it’s not bad! More information on their website and read Carrie’s review here.

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (30 West Dale)

Another museum that I can’t really say is a bargain, but they do offer free days a couple of times a year.  Lisa said the free day she attended wasn’t crowded at all.  Regular admission is $10 for adults.  You can find current exhibits and more information on their website.

Glen Eyrie Castle (3820 North 30th Street)

Tour the castle that the founder of Colorado Springs, General William Jackson Palmer, built for his bride.  The castle and grounds are amazingly relaxing and beautiful, with a “mini Garden of the Gods” on the property.  The tour is $6, free for children ages 5 and under.  Advance reservations are required – more info here.

Trolley Museum (2333 Steel Drive)

See historical streetcars and trolleys.  Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for kids.  Hours and information here.

Miramount Castle Museum (9 Capitol Hill Avenue)

Another historic Colorado Springs castle.  Miniatures of historic Colorado Springs, map collection, and opening Memorial Day 2010, a firefighting exhibit.  Admission is $5-8 – more information on their website.

Other Museums in the Springs Area

Cripple Creek Museums – quite a few museums in the Cripple Creek area, some free and some with admission charges.  Unfortunately, their site is pretty to look at but I can’t find addresses or hours for most of the museums!

Carnegie Library – another great place to learn more about Colorado Springs history.  Lots of geneaology information if you’re into that, too.

Old Colorado City History Center

Know of any other museums in the Colorado Springs area?  Leave a comment and I’ll add it to the list!