Site of Original Tent City in Glenwood Springs, CO
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Frontier Museum

4.5
·141 reviews·Glenwood Springs, United States

Discover local history in a charming Victorian home, featuring artifacts from the Wild West era and notable figures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Site of Original Tent City in Glenwood Springs, CO

Frontier Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover local history in a charming Victorian home, featuring artifacts from the Wild West era and notable figures.

4.5
(141 reviews)

"A great little local history museum for the Glenwood Springs area, a bargain at just $5."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Affordable Entry

Expect very reasonable admission fees, often just a few dollars, making it a great value for history buffs.

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided Tours

Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace; no need to rush through the exhibits.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Doctor's Residence

Victorian Doctor's Residence

Main Museum House

Step into a beautifully preserved Victorian home, once a doctor's residence and office, showcasing local history.

Baby Doe Tabor's Bedroom Set

Baby Doe Tabor's Bedroom Set

Upstairs Exhibit

See the actual bedroom furniture belonging to the legendary Baby Doe Tabor, a glimpse into the Wild West era.

President Teddy Roosevelt's Saddle

President Teddy Roosevelt's Saddle

Main Exhibit Area

Marvel at a saddle once ridden by President Theodore Roosevelt, connecting you to a significant historical figure.

Local History Artifacts

Local History Artifacts

Throughout the Museum

Discover a rich collection of artifacts, photos, and furnishings that tell the story of the local area.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

To truly soak in the history and avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings. The museum is housed in a historic Victorian home, offering a more intimate experience. Arriving early ensures you can explore at your own pace without feeling rushed.

Self-Guided Exploration

The Frontier Museum offers self-guided tours, allowing you to linger at exhibits that capture your interest. Take your time to appreciate the detailed furnishings, personal artifacts, and local history narratives.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Staff may stay open late
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This past August, @Talon Silverhorn, an #enrolled #citizen of the Eastern #Shawnee Tribe, came to the museum to give our visitors an #indigenous perspective on the #americanrevolution. The many #nations he lists are all a part of this very nuanced story of #americanhistory and what we try to #educate our visitors about. We’re grateful to have a talented #native #educator and #interpreter, like Tal...
@frontiermuseum
125.2K likes • 761.4K views

💰 Affordable Entry

Expect very reasonable admission fees, often just a few dollars, making it a great value for history buffs. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided Tours

Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace; no need to rush through the exhibits. Reddit

Glenwood Springs is such a cute little mountain town 😌 #colorado #mountains #coloradoadventures #glenwoodsprings
@gracee.tyler
71.7K likes • 544.1K views
Discovery. Exploration. History. There's always something for you to experience here at the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia. Plan your visit at frontiermuseum.org. #FrontierCultureMuseum #Museum #Virginia #Education #History #Exploration #Discovery #StauntonVA #VisitStaunton #LoveVA
frontierculturemuseum
40 likes • 741 views

🤝 Knowledgeable Staff

The friendly and informative staff are eager to share insights and ensure you see everything. Reddit

🎬 Movie Filming Location

Learn about a popular movie filmed nearby and even purchase a copy in the gift shop! Reddit

We spent the day at the Frontier Culture museum in Staunton, VA this weekend and it was wonderful. We magically had the whole place to ourselves and it was so beautiful and peaceful. The kids learned so much and we got to enjoy all the sweet animals on the farm. Planning to go back soon! If you’re in the area I really recommend you plan a visit there!
tatianamikhailovna
0 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Affordable Entry

Expect very reasonable admission fees, often just a few dollars, making it a great value for history buffs. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided Tours

Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace; no need to rush through the exhibits. Reddit

🤝 Knowledgeable Staff

The friendly and informative staff are eager to share insights and ensure you see everything. Reddit

🎬 Movie Filming Location

Learn about a popular movie filmed nearby and even purchase a copy in the gift shop! Reddit

🏡 Historic Home Charm

The museum is set in a charming early 1900s house, adding to the immersive historical experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(141 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Frontier Museum for its affordable admission and the wealth of local history it preserves within a charming Victorian home. The knowledgeable and friendly staff enhance the self-guided experience, making it a worthwhile stop for a glimpse into the Wild West era. While small, the collection, including unique items like Teddy Roosevelt's saddle, leaves a lasting impression.

"Really enjoyed our visit to this local history museum! Many communities can put together a collection of donated historical items. But here, these items have been placed in a great Victorian home that had been a local doctors' residence and office. Excellent staff who were very knowledgeable. Only $4 entry for seniors."

Chuck Baumgart

"A great exhibit, took about 45 minutes to view everything. The bedrooms with furniture, clothes, toys from 100 years ago were very well arranged and preserved. A bargain at just $5."

Seiji Oyasu

"Great little local history museum for the Glenwood Springs area. We got to see Baby Doe Tabors bedroom set, a saddle President Teddy Roosevelt once rode, and many other objects from the area. Back when the wild west was just another day in the life.

The staff members we meet were extremely friendly, inviting and very knowledgeable. The museum is in a small house that's been around since the early 1900's. The tours are self guided so you don't have to feel rushed to read everything. A great way to spend some time learning about a time that you only see in the movies. Speaking of movies, there was a rather popular movie filmed in the area. The gift shop sells copies of it. Stop by an check it out.

I would recommend this little museum to anyone passing through the area."

Josh Hardy

What People Like

Affordable admission
Knowledgeable staff
Unique historical artifacts

What People Dislike

Can be small for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Frontier Museum is located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It's easily accessible by car, and many visitors find it by simply walking around the historic downtown area. Reddit

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, the museum is situated in a walkable area, suggesting street parking or nearby lots are likely options. Reddit

Information on public transport directly to the museum is limited. However, Glenwood Springs has local transit options that might get you close to the historic district. TikTok

Many visitors 'stumble across' the museum while exploring the historic homes in the area, indicating it's well-integrated into the town's charm. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a perfect stop for a day trip, offering a concentrated dose of local history without requiring extensive travel time within the area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is very affordable, with senior discounts available. Prices are typically around $4-$5, making it a great bargain. Reddit+1

Advance booking is generally not required. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, but it's often open during typical daytime hours. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead for the most current information. Reddit

Yes, there are often discounted rates for seniors, making the visit even more accessible. Reddit

Refund policies are not widely detailed, but given the low cost, it's likely a flexible policy. It's best to inquire directly with the museum if you have concerns. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that a self-guided tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour to fully appreciate the exhibits. Reddit

While it showcases historical artifacts and furnishings, it's primarily a museum housed in a historic building, rather than a living history reenactment site. Instagram

Expect to see historical furnishings, clothing, toys from the early 1900s, Baby Doe Tabor's bedroom set, and a saddle used by Teddy Roosevelt. Reddit+1

Yes, it's considered a family-friendly activity, offering a glimpse into the past that can be educational and engaging for kids. Instagram+1

The museum offers self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace without feeling rushed. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage upon arrival or ask a staff member if photos are permitted. Instagram

The well-preserved rooms with antique furnishings and artifacts offer many picturesque opportunities. The historic house itself is also very photogenic. Instagram

Typically, flash photography might be restricted to protect delicate artifacts. Always be mindful of your surroundings and other visitors. Instagram

Phone cameras are usually permitted if regular photography is allowed, but always confirm the specific rules. Instagram

Visitors often capture the detailed interiors, historical objects, and the overall ambiance of stepping back in time. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Frontier Museum is a fantastic, family-friendly stop that offers an engaging way for children to learn about history. The museum is housed in a historic home, making it feel like stepping back in time. Kids can explore rooms filled with antique furniture, toys, and personal items from the early 1900s, sparking their imagination about life in the past. Instagram+1

Highlights like Teddy Roosevelt's saddle and Baby Doe Tabor's bedroom set can capture their attention and make history come alive. The self-guided tours allow families to move at their own pace, ensuring no one feels rushed. Plus, the affordable admission makes it an accessible outing for any family budget. Reddit+1

💰 Budget Travelers

For travelers seeking enriching experiences without breaking the bank, the Frontier Museum is an excellent choice. The admission fee is remarkably low, often just a few dollars, with special discounts for seniors. This makes it one of the most affordable attractions in the Glenwood Springs area. Reddit+1

Combined with its central location and the self-guided tour format, it offers significant value. You can easily spend an hour immersed in local history without a hefty price tag, making it a perfect addition to a budget-friendly itinerary. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will find the Frontier Museum a treasure trove of local heritage. The museum's collection focuses on artifacts, photographs, and furnishings that detail the history of the Glenwood Springs area, particularly from the early 1900s. The inclusion of items like Baby Doe Tabor's bedroom set and President Teddy Roosevelt's saddle provides direct connections to significant figures and eras. Reddit+1

The setting within a historic Victorian home, which also served as a doctor's office, adds an authentic layer to the historical narrative. The knowledgeable staff are a great resource for deeper insights, and the self-guided tours allow for thorough exploration of each exhibit. It’s a chance to delve into the stories that shaped the American West. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into the Wild West

The Frontier Museum offers a unique window into the history of the Glenwood Springs area, a region once synonymous with the Wild West. Housed within a historic Victorian home that also served as a doctor's office, the museum meticulously preserves artifacts and furnishings that tell the story of local life. Visitors can expect to see items that evoke a bygone era, from period clothing and toys to personal effects that paint a vivid picture of daily existence.

Among the most captivating exhibits are the personal belongings of notable figures. The presence of Baby Doe Tabor's bedroom set transports visitors to the opulent yet tumultuous life of one of the West's most famous personalities. Equally impressive is the saddle once ridden by President Theodore Roosevelt, a tangible link to a president who had a deep connection with the American West. These items, alongside a curated collection of photographs and documents, provide an intimate look at the people and events that shaped this frontier region.

The museum's self-guided format allows for a personal journey through history. As you wander through the rooms, you'll gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship of the era and the stories embedded within each object. The knowledgeable staff further enhance the experience, readily sharing their insights and ensuring that no detail is missed. It’s a place where history feels not just observed, but experienced. Reddit+2

The Charm of a Historic Home Museum

Unlike larger, more institutional museums, the Frontier Museum's strength lies in its intimate setting within a historic home. This architectural gem, dating back to the early 1900s, was not only a residence but also a functional doctor's office, adding layers to its historical significance. The museum leverages this setting to create an immersive experience, arranging exhibits within the context of the home's original layout.

This approach allows visitors to visualize life in the early 20th century more readily. Seeing furniture, decor, and personal items in their intended spaces—bedrooms, living areas, and even a former office—makes the history feel more relatable and less abstract. The self-guided nature of the tours means you can spend as much time as you like in each room, absorbing the details and imagining the lives of those who inhabited the space. Reddit

The museum's description as a 'small house museum' belies the richness of its collection. It’s a testament to how dedicated local communities can preserve and present their heritage. The staff's passion and knowledge further elevate the visit, turning a simple tour into an engaging historical narrative. It’s a perfect example of how a local history museum can offer profound insights and a memorable experience. Reddit+1

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