The Must-Visit Museums of Northwest Colorado
05/14/2025 11:08AM ● By Sophie Dingle
Image courtesy of Tread of Pioneers Museum.
1. Tread of Pioneers Museum (Steamboat Springs). Housed in the 123-year-old Zimmerman House, the Tread of Pioneers Museum is named after a quote from the great American poet John Greenleaf Whittier: “I hear the tread of pioneers of nations yet to be, the first low wash of waves where soon will roll a human sea.” Founded in 1959, the museum has grown into a treasure trove of local history, from Ute artifacts to Olympic skiing memorabilia. Recent expansions added modern display spaces and a collections building, while educational programs and community events keep the exhibits fresh for the whole family. Visit treadofpioneers.org to learn more.
2. Museum of Northwest Colorado (Craig). Step smack-dab into the American West at the Museum of Northwest Colorado, which is home to one of the country’s largest collections of old West firearms and cowboy gear. Displaying over 15,000 artifacts and 40,000 photographs, this is a gold mine of regional history. Make sure to check out the world’s largest watercolor painting, a 16-by-10-foot mural by local artist Israel Holloway titled “Western Reflections.” Overlooking the museum collection, it portrays local rancher Clint Chew and his horse, Arrow, wading across the Yampa River. To plan your visit, head to museumnwco.org.
3. Tracks and Trails Museum (Oak Creek). Discover South Routt County’s industrial heritage at the Tracks and Trails Museum, where the local tales of mining, railroading and ranching come to life. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, documents and photographs that tell the area’s story as a mining and railroad hub. Regular community events and educational programs make this one of the must-visit locations in South Routt. More information at tracksandtrailsmuseum.com.
4. Steamboat Art Museum (Steamboat Springs). Housed in the historic First National Bank/Rehder Building, Steamboat Art Museum presents rotating exhibitions that are relevant to the culture and heritage of the West. With a national reputation for featuring artists who are among the best in their field, SAM is the only art museum in Northwest Colorado. The summer 2025 exhibit, “The Art of Printmaking: Process and Passion,” curated by local master printer Sue Oehme, includes works by more than 40 nationally celebrated artists. Plein Air 2025 returns in late September and showcases Steamboat’s fall colors as seen through the eyes of 45 artists. For more information: steamboatartmuseum.org.
1. Tread of Pioneers Museum (Steamboat Springs). Housed in the 123-year-old Zimmerman House, the Tread of Pioneers Museum is named after a quote from the great American poet John Greenleaf Whittier: “I hear the tread of pioneers of nations yet to be, the first low wash of waves where soon will roll a human sea.” Founded in 1959, the museum has grown into a treasure trove of local history, from Ute artifacts to Olympic skiing memorabilia. Recent expansions added modern display spaces and a collections building, while educational programs and community events keep the exhibits fresh for the whole family. Visit treadofpioneers.org to learn more.
2. Museum of Northwest Colorado (Craig). Step smack-dab into the American West at the Museum of Northwest Colorado, which is home to one of the country’s largest collections of old West firearms and cowboy gear. Displaying over 15,000 artifacts and 40,000 photographs, this is a gold mine of regional history. Make sure to check out the world’s largest watercolor painting, a 16-by-10-foot mural by local artist Israel Holloway titled “Western Reflections.” Overlooking the museum collection, it portrays local rancher Clint Chew and his horse, Arrow, wading across the Yampa River. To plan your visit, head to museumnwco.org.
3. Tracks and Trails Museum (Oak Creek). Discover South Routt County’s industrial heritage at the Tracks and Trails Museum, where the local tales of mining, railroading and ranching come to life. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, documents and photographs that tell the area’s story as a mining and railroad hub. Regular community events and educational programs make this one of the must-visit locations in South Routt. More information at tracksandtrailsmuseum.com.
4. Steamboat Art Museum (Steamboat Springs). Housed in the historic First National Bank/Rehder Building, Steamboat Art Museum presents rotating exhibitions that are relevant to the culture and heritage of the West. With a national reputation for featuring artists who are among the best in their field, SAM is the only art museum in Northwest Colorado. The summer 2025 exhibit, “The Art of Printmaking: Process and Passion,” curated by local master printer Sue Oehme, includes works by more than 40 nationally celebrated artists. Plein Air 2025 returns in late September and showcases Steamboat’s fall colors as seen through the eyes of 45 artists. For more information: steamboatartmuseum.org.