Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

This is a really awesome museum. However, the reason this is a three star review and not a five star review is actually kind of interesting. I am an adult with autism and I am totally passionate about Elevators. I have seen some videos of their Elevator on YouTube and Facebook and it is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. I went into the museum, so excited to see their Elevator and was basically told it was not open to the public unless you were disabled. I went to pull my camera out to take some photos and videos of the elevator because I run a big YouTube channel about Elevators and the lady is like you can’t post any photos or videos you take without permission and that was really offputting to me. I myself am also the director of a small museum. It is actually an elevator museum. The way I was treated here really made me feel kind of sad to the point where I didn’t even enjoy the Elevator ride I got. I came all the way from Roanoke, Virginia to see this Elevator and I was so excited only to be let down.

Beautiful and informative. Great place to learn about Colorado Springs history and see the city's historical architecture. It contains Colorado's oldest working elevator, a well preserved courtroom, and great artwork. I would easily spend over an hour here and highly recommend others to visit.

A bold choice was taken for the ‘50% of the Story: Women Expressing Creativity’ to say women’s stories are left out of museums, and then leave their stories out of the exhibit, the website, and the museum. Even asking the staff wasn’t helpful, they didn’t know anything about anything in the exhibit and said that was the strength of it, we’re supposed to make it up, fill in the blanks ourselves. There is less information about any of the artefacts or people in the exhibition than anywhere else in the museum, except for possibly the room filled with Victorian and Edwardian clothing which is predominantly women’s clothing and entirely lacking in placards entirely. Clothing and embroidery also most likely made by women. This is echoed again in the Tuberculosis room, where the thousands of unnamed nurses are mentioned and lamented that we know nothing of their lives, as if they left no traces, no letters, nor journals behind. It is almost as if the museum wishes for the accolades of being inclusive and progressive without actually doing anything.

I visited today and was captivated by all the history and culture surrounding Colorado Springs. The second floor is especially impressive, and the new exhibition on Native American history is a must-see. I also loved learning about the museum’s setting in a historic courthouse—it adds so much character. The staff were kind and friendly, which made the experience even better. I highly recommend visiting the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum!

Fun museum, it's free but please donate to keep it running. They have a fun kid play place along with a dress up room. You can see the old court room and the grand architecture style of earlier years. A nice way to kill an hour.

Such a wonderful experience. I brought my 9 and 4 year old here. Tom K. at the front desk was a pleasure and very helpful and kind. The kids loved it and it was very informative and educational for all of us. They have a children's room, a family room, and a dress up area where the kids can look at different clothes from the era. I can't believe it's free general admission. We spent a few hours here and will definitely come back.

Hands down the most stunning historical museum I've ever seen. Housed in the original courthouse, there is a completely refurbished court room, which is incredible. There is a variety of artifacts and time periods displayed. There is intentional thought to including diverse groups and images.Amazingly, the museum is free! One suggestion would be to please increase the font size on your captions. It's too difficult to read, and in some cases, way too long.

Our visit to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum was a surprise delight! The building is incredibly beautiful, and every single exhibit was interesting and thoughtfully-crafted. We only had an hour to spend during this visit, so we will return and plan to spend much more time soaking it all in.

Fun and free activity to enjoy in the morning or early afternoon while visiting Colorado Springs. They accept donations if you want to support as well. Parking can be a little tough, but we found some street parking across the street for a few bucks which wasn't too bad. The place itself took only an hour to explore and was filled with a lot of interesting historical artifacts. If you've never been, I would check this place out on a date, with family, or with friends.

Free Admission on Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm. Great spot in the middle of downtown that features cool artifacts that represent Colorado Springs. You could easily spend 1-2 hours reading all the information here. There are 2 floors that you can walk through. I love that they have places for kids to try on period clothes, make crafts and a super cute indoor play area.

Stunning place! Big variety of exhibits to enjoy! So much history and variety. Celebrating Colorado Springs!! Allow 1-2 hours to take it all in.

Family Day at the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum. It all kicked off ay 10 am and we were excited to get inside to see the exhibits. We were greeted up entering. It was quiet the little adventure into some of Colorado's history. I was neat decorated and very interesting. The kiddos had fun and enjoyed themselves. Each area had some type of activity near by. The kiddos got to participate and make somethings. They made a spinner, a book marker,a wand and their own quilt. I thought that was a great idea and way to get the kiddos to be creative. The restrooms were clean. The areas were the displays were clean and decor so nicely. We will definitely come again. I do recommend them to family and friends especially if you never been here!!!

We go about once a year and I've been coming since I was a kid. Such a beautiful museum with some neat artifacts to look at. Our favorite is always the Helen Hunt house. It's soooo neat to look into, I just wish we could walk through, but of course I understand why we aren't able to. A girl can dream. I do wish the museum was a bit more interactive for the kids, but it's really not a huge deal since mine are older. The museum is free and donation based for admittance.

Right in the middle of the city is this fantastic museum. Parking with a meter is just a few steps away. The entrance for the museum is free and they accept donations. The exhibitions go throughout two levels of the historic but well kept old courthouse. Walking the whole museum took just over an hour. The employees were helpful and the phone scavenger hunt trivia was entertaining. I learned a lot about the city thanks to this museum.

I was so impressed by this museum! So many great exhibits highlighting the history of Colorado Springs. I would definitely return with guests. Everyone needs to visit this museum! Not only is this place free... but we received a warm welcome upon entering, and a sweet gentleman gave us a quick introduction of the various exhibits we would be seeing. There's also a neat little kids play area. My daughter loved this. And it was pretty cool to go up and down the old elevator. You can tell that there's a lot of pride that goes into this facility. And although the museum is free, try to leave a donation on your way out!

Such a cool museum! It's closed atm, and I was so disappointed to miss it this trip. I'll be back, and can't wait to see the new exhibits!

BEAUTIFUL MUSEUM! Where do I even begin? The museum is beautifully organized from the artifacts to the special exhibits. You can learn so much from just walking around the museum and reading the descriptions. The museum also offers special exhibits which are wonderful. We went to the Tuberculosis exhibit and it lovely. The lady leading the exhibit was so kind and energetic and explained everything so well. During the exhibit we got to experience how people got treated for the disease and what their diet was. We also got to engage in their old practices. Overall a really great museum. Would highly recommend!

A Standout in Colorado Springs This beautiful structure of Italianate architecture is situated on Tejon Street. It stands out in the best of ways. The clock tower really reminds me of the one in Back to the Future. Really cool! Once the courthouse for El Paso County, this granite beauty is now home to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. This is the perfect place to learn about the colorful history of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak area. Enjoy!!

This is a gorgeous building right down town. It's a free museum that is full of interesting facts and displays that teach about the history of Colorado Springs. My boys enjoy playing in the children's play area, going to story hour, and riding the old elevator. (This is also a good place to go WITHOUT kids so that you can read and enjoy each exhibit a little more thoroughly.) MUST see when in the springs!

My wife and I always bring family and friends that come visit us here. Awesome historical place, with lots of great information of the city and state. I love learning about history, and they have a lot of great artifacts as well. It is free of charge, they ask you to donate what you can, so it makes it accessible to pretty much anybody. The courtroom was pretty cool. The displays of the old weapons as well as the carriage were definitely a look back in time. We definitely have enjoyed our visits. As well as all the guests we have shown this place to. We will be returning and hopefully with more people to share this cool, little place with. Also loved the vintage operating elevator! And the photo station with the costumes,

Lovely museum in a beautifully redone old building. The exhibits were nice and very informative. There were lots of school kids there on field trips and several volunteers that were interacting with them. The old elevator was cool and I loved seeing some of the beautiful antiques. It was super nice that it was free to get in.

We really enjoyed this. Gorgeous building, nice displays. We learned a lot about COS. We'll done.

Very nice museum. They suggest you reserve online (tickets are free) but I was fine as a walk in. They have a fairly new exhibit for their 50 year anniversary. Its objects from the very beginning of the establishment till today including a high school prom outfit including a covid mask. Its a nice touch how you can go through the year with actual object of that time. the other exhibits are very nice as well. They are also very geared towards children they have interactive spots to use with your phone for the kids. Overall nice history museum of Colorado Springs.

My life would be a lot less interesting without museums. Every time I visit a city I visit their museums, from the large, expensive ones, to the simple and quirky ones. The pioneer museum fits easily into the latter category, quirky and wonderful and FREE. It's housed in a restored 1903 building in the middle of downtown Colorado Springs. This gem pleased all of our group, which included two kiddles, ages 6 and 9. There are exhibits on every floor and a regal, slightly spooky elevator that you operate yourself. Exhibits change often and highlight the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak region. There is a small museum store that had lots of good postcards and interesting souvenirs. My favorite exhibit was the apothecary shop featuring all the original packages and bottles from long ago. I could have stayed in there an hour, just reading labels.

Free admission! Such a large variety of exhibits fully exceeding my expectations! Totally recommend riding the old elevator!

Beautifully restored and well kept part of Colorado Springs history. Quilting exhibition is really nice. Another wonderful discovery, there isba very nice display of Fannie Mae Duncan and the Cotton Club!!! What a fascinating story.

Great museum with some fantastic exhibits!! I thought it was really cool that it use to be a court house. Free admission makes it a plus too. I brought a little girl that I was babysitting here and she loved it. They have a kids room where the kids can play and when we went it wasn't crowded at all so she got to play with everything. I'll definitely be back when it's just me because there was a lot of interesting history there that I'd like to spend more time checking out.

The museum is free but does accept donations. It was pretty cool seeing all the Indian and pioneer stuff they had upstairs. The kids section was lots of fun, we all enjoyed that area together. We had a nice visit and enjoyed it.

This is an incredible collection of local history artifacts. This free museum is a great way to spend some time in the Springs. The displays are varied, there's lots of information and some kid friendly/specific exhibits. This is a Colorado Springs must see and it's conveniently located downtown.

My family visited two weeks ago on Spring Break. Employees were welcoming & accommodating. They provided a quick, yet detailed overview of what was there and where to find key areas. Without request, the offered a scavenger hunt to the youths which is a fantastic way to get them to find details that often get overlooked. I really liked the history & variety of exhibits. I particularly liked the gun collection, American Indiana exhibit, antique toys, court room and Heath area Facility is clean & temperature comfortable. Can't beat the price! Free

This is such an amazing museum. I love the seasonal displays and the many changes made throughout the year.

Housed in the former El Paso County Courthouse, dating back to 1903, this is an excellent place to begin a visit to Colorado Springs if you're interested in learning the historical background of the area. Exhibits include the Victorian home of writer Helen Hunt Jackson and a display of early 20th Century toys, quilts, and clothing. Several episodes of the Perry Mason TV series were filmed in the restored original courtroom. The museum plays host to a wide range of events, including antique-auto shows, jazz concerts, and Hispanic celebrations. Admission is free, but donations are accepted gladly.

I've been to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum a number of times over the years. Every single time I've been there I've thought to myself, "You know what John, this is a pretty great museum." Then I agree with myself, discuss the interesting exhibits and move on. First off, it's important to note, for those like myself, that this museum is free. Of course, it is never a bad idea to throw some cash in the donation box up front, but nobody is going to judge you if you don't do so. The museum itself is located in the historic courthouse. The building is beautiful, and a real testament to days long gone by. The museum keeps fresh with new exhibits, but also maintains a number of permanent exhibits about Colorado Springs history. It's educational, and it's fun. It's funducational. If you're in the Springs with 30 minutes to 3 hours to kill, I highly recommend the Pioneers Museum as a way to kill that time.

We LOVE the Pioneer Museum. This was our first museum visit in COS. my children (5&6) and I have since been at least 10 times. The building is gorgeous with history oozing from its architecture. The habits are very well done with so many rooms to discover (and rediscover) we always enjoy a different focus. The kids love the working elevator, I love the carriages and we all love the old COS rooms and Indian artifacts. This is a local gem we treasure. We loved the Snoopy space exhibit. Don't forget to pick up a scavenger hunt and clipboard for your children, a great tool to keep them interested.

This two story museum has quite a collection of pioneer related items. When I was there, it covered the gold rush, prohibition, the history of the building we were in, Native Alaskan life, temporal medical care options (dental and lung), pottery from the area and much more. The displays were clean, well taken care of and easy to peruse. I learned things! It's also free. Awesome. Come down, take the kids and make them learn history!

The exhibit is free. A old court room and exhibits from pioneer life. Exhibits on Colorado Springs history and notable sons and daughters such as; Lon Chaney and Elvira.

Loved this place! It is located in what was the original court house for Colorado Springs. Has great history of the area, a 103 year old elevator and it's free! The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. The bathrooms are clean. We really enjoyed our visit and will be going back for a new exhibit that is set to open in December 2015. Wheelchair friendly.

The museum building is the old county courthouse. Check out the scagliola (faux marble) columns in the lobby and the beautifully restored old western court rooms on the second floor. Excellent exhibits that paint a fascinating picture of the history of Colorado Springs, which was both a gold rush town and one of the worlds most famous health resorts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Also, a great collection of pioneer and Indian artifacts and pictures, rifles and pistols and locally made ceramics. The exhibits on tuberculosis cures and forest fires are very moving. My wife and I visited the museum twice in order to take it all in. If you like "the old West" and Americana, you will enjoy this place.

We had an awesome docent! They really know their stuff. The best way to experience this museum is on a tour, listening to the stories. Pieces/parts of the Helen Hunt's house was way cool. The 100+ year old elevator is cool as well. Lastly, the court room on the second floor is very ornate and beautiful.

Very interesting exhibits on African Americans in Colorado Springs, the tuberculosis sanatorium industry that drove the city's early economy, Colorado Springs history in the 1800s, and Native American life. They have a ton of detail and real artifacts, and it's free! It would have been nice to see something mentioned about the Sand Creek Massacre within the Native American exhibit; there was no history/timeline of Native American interactions with Colorado residents. The headline exhibit on Snoopy and Space isn't that exciting, but it's a traveling exhibit anyways. The next traveling exhibit is on the Ludlow Massacre, so we're definitely coming back for that one.

Free local history museum. They update the exhibits regularly and it's in a beautiful historic building.

Housed in the former El Paso County Courthouse, dating back to 1903, this is an excellent place to begin a visit to Colorado Springs if you're interested in learning the historical background of the area. Admission is free I drove past this so many times and finally went ther with my wife.. Very good historical place. Take the kids and visitors, you wont regret it..

This is a great attraction in The Springs. The beautiful old courthouse now houses the Pioneer Museum that covers the history of Colorado Springs from its inception. Even has a working turn of the century elevator, and a pristine court room. Even has exhibits on local celebs like Nikolai Tesla, Lon Chaney, and Elvira. Definitely worth a couple hours.

Beautiful restored courthouse and very nice collection showing the history of the city. Really enjoyed talking to the man at the entrance- knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Museum has Indigenous People and African American exhibits in addition to the European history. Easy parking all around the building. Very worthwhile!

The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum has been a favorite for years. Not only do they have a great collection of permanent and rotating displays, but the building itself is beautiful. As the old courthouse, it has plenty of historical significance already--and the early-20th-century elevator is always fun! Of course, the fact that it's free is always nice (though donations are awesome, and it's got a pretty cool gift shop to check out). They also have a great kids' room which has provided my daughter plenty of entertainment. It may not be a place to plan an entire day trip around (in contrast with some of Denver's museum), but it's definitely a great place to visit if you're in the neighborhood; when visitors are in town and ask me what to do, I almost always recommend checking this place out.

When we arrived we had a stroller so we went around to the handicapped/stroller entrance and rang the bell as the sign directs. We waited in the -9° weather for almost 5 minutes, having rung the bell a few more times during this waiting period, before giving up and just carrying the stroller up the steps into the main entrance. I'm sure glad I was using my prosthetic leg and not my wheelchair that day, as I would have never gotten in. Once inside, the place was awesome. All the exhibits were amazingly well done, and the walk-in room that looks like an old barber shop, complete with medicine bottles and everything, was probably the coolest thing I'd seen in a museum in a while. We rode the 100+ year old elevator to the second floor and that was cool in itself. Also, make sure to take pictures in the room with the dress up clothes. The part dedicated to the fire of 2012 really got to me. It was sobering to say the least. The gift shop was lacking but that's not that big of a deal. The main reason I'm giving this only 3 stars is because the security guard followed me around literally the entire time I was there. So much so that he is actually in the background of several of our pictures. I get followed around a lot at places (I guess I dress like I'm trouble) but this was by far the most I've been followed and the funny thing is I was pushing the stroller. Can't imagine I looked too threatening with an infant. I was a bit insulted.

An amazing place to visit. I highly recommend spending the day there, there's so much to see and do. Interactive exhibits like in photography and the old court room really take you back in time. History buffs will most certainly appreciate the dedication and detail on African Americans and Native Americans for the time period. Also check out the fire fighting exhibit for a look at more recent events.

Excellent displays for adults and hands on things to do for kids. Good coverage of what life was like 100 years ago

This museum is a must see when visiting Colorado Springs. They have rooms full of fine displays covering the art of Colorado artists and potters. The halls are lined with rare Charles Craig oil paintings. The Van Briggle collection at the museum tops 650 pieces and is perhaps the finest collection of early Van Briggle pottery in the country. They have rotating exhibits covering a variety of subjects from old toys, indian pottery and hand made quilts to name a few. A must see and free to the public. Check out the gift shop also. The pay lot next door is the best if you plan on staying for awhile otherwise there are plenty of parking meters surrounding the building.

This is a great free museum, it centers around the founders of Colorado Springs. It took my son (12 years old) and I 2 hours to meander through the museum. Riding the over 100 year old elevator and using the old cash register were fun. It's a in a beautiful building that is said to be haunted. Supposedly the ghost lives in the tower.

This is a must see if you're visiting Downtown Colorado Springs. From the architecture to the the exhibits, it's an enjoyable look back into the past. Best of all, it's free. Try to go on a weekend when local eighth grade students dress as a historical figure and give presentations throughout the exhibits, adding the ultimate interactive experience.

My daughter, 3 year old grandson and I went and were followed closely by a museum docent. We were followed even when we changed floors. I didn't appreciate that at all. Finally I asked the docent if she had wanted something. I told her that we watch children in our family and didn't appreciate being followed. I have not returned and don't plan on it.

This was a wonderful Museum to visit and I loved the idea that this was in an old court house.

We really enjoyed this museum in downtown Colorado Springs located in the old courthouse. And it was completely free. They really should change the name because the word pioneer kept our teenage daughters from wanting to go but it was actually very good. It was very cool to learn about the people who struck it rich mining for gold and then went on to build almost everything in Colorado Springs. Some very inspiring stories and a lot of cool stuff in the museum.

We toured the museum in early October 2013, and there was a lot to see and learn. The day that we visited was not crowded, although we did have some students with their parents touring and working on a scavenger hunt throughout. It looked fun, and I almost wished we had our own sheet to work on! :-) There was a wonderful quilt display on the main floor, along with a canyon fire (very impressive!) display; historical displays, and gift shop to peruse. We rode the old Otis elevator to the next floor and were impressed with the smoothness of the ride. I don't recall if the elevator was build in 1903 or 1913, but at any rate, for being at least 100 years old, it has some modern elevators beat! There is a room where you can don a hat and scarf (ladies) or hat (gents), and while sitting on chairs, have someone take your photo in the "sitting room". Wander around at your will and find treasures and memories to cherish for a long time. Good for families and handicap accessible.

The staff at the museum are mostly volunteers. They are very knowledgeable and the exhibits are very Colorado-esque. I wish there were more rotating exhibits, because I feel like if you have been there once, you don't need to go again. Great family-friendly place with great outdoor seating.

Great museum very well organized kid friendly but very intresting as a visitor to colorado springs I really enjoyed everything from the gun collection to the Native American exhibit.