An underground museum!
503 Forest Service Rd #9
PO Box 422
Creede, CO 81130
Contact:
719-658-0811
Email Us: creedeminingmuseum@hotmail.com
Hours/Admission:
Summer: 9am - 5pm, daily
May 24 - September 13
Winter: 10am - 3pm, Tuesday - Saturday
Adults (ages 12-59) $9
Seniors (ages 60+) $7
Military (all) $7
Kids (ages 6-11) $6
Kids 5 and under are free
Guided tours are $16 per person
Website - www.undergroundminingmuseum.com
Creede, as it is today, evolved from a history rich in mining and scenic surroundings. Silver was discovered here in 1889. Mining was the area's main industry through the years until 1985, when the Homestake Mining Company closed down the Bulldog Mine.
The concept for an underground mine began with Bob Louth in 1976, when he proposed building an underground fire station. This project was so well accepted that in 1990 local citizens decided to build a mining museum. Three Creede miners began breaking rock in November, 1990. By 1992, the mining portion of the museum was completed and most of the displays were in place.
While the museum has never been used for the commercial production of silver, it was 'mined' from solid rock and is an authentic example of the methods and techniques used in the 'boom' days of Creede, Colorado.
The museum now includes many displays, including real mining equipment. Wear a jacket, the museum and community center are both located completely underground.
While in town don't forget to visit the Creede History Museum just off Main St.
Creede Underground Mining Museum
Scenic Byway itinerary:
Short Walks, Long Views - a 3-Day Itinerary on 3 Scenic Byways
Bachelor Historic Loop Tour
The old mine structures and shafts of the Creede Mining district will fire your imagination about the struggle of miners digging ore in the steep cliffs above Creede. The Bachelor Historic Loop Tour takes you by 17 mine sites that brought wealth to some and hard, dangerous work for many others. Sites are interpreted by a booklet available at museums and the Creede Chamber of Commerce. There is also an interpretive marker near site #17, the underground firehouse, on the north end of Creede. Stop and explore the history of this once bustling area.