Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum

Date Visited: July 13, 2026

Location: Downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado

Type: Museum

Cost: Free

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 1-2 hours

Accessibility: Lots of stairs/historic elevator may be used with prior arrangement of the staff.

Dog Friendly: No

Best For: History lovers, families, historic architecture fans

First Impressions

During our visit to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, we were immediately struck by the grandeur of the 1903 courthouse. The building's architecture, in the Italianate style, and historical significance made for a compelling first impression.

What We Saw

We explored downtown Colorado Springs and visited the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum on the same afternoon. The museum occupies a magnificent courthouse completed in 1903. Amazingly, the building came very close to being demolished during the 1970s. Thank goodness cooler heads prevailed and this architectural treasure was preserved.

The museum's exhibits covered a fascinating range of local history. We spent time learning about Artus and Anne Van Briggle and their beautiful Art Nouveau pottery. A room is devoted to their artwork and contains not only individual sculpured pieces but also a complete fireplace.

We also discovered that actor Lon Chaney was born in Colorado Springs and their exhibit included a display of his life and career. A video showing him in his most famous role, the Phantom of the Opera, is playing in the gallery. In addition, we learned about Nikola Tesla's time here conducting his famous electrical experiments. Apparently, Tesla's experiments were remarkable, but his financial management was less so—he reportedly slipped out of town under cover of darkness owing money to just about everyone! Because of this, little remains of Tesla and his work in Colorado Springs. One can still visit the location of his laboratory but nothing remains to be seen today.

A large exhibit displays the life and works of writer Helen Hunt Jackson and her contributions to the community. Part of her house was moved to the museum and is now included in the exhibit.

Highlights

The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum offers a unique glimpse into the region's rich history, with its stunning 1903 courthouse and diverse exhibits.

Good To Know

Parking is available nearby at the city-owned garage. It is cheap at $2 per day. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is always free.

Would We Go Again?

Yes, we would definitely go again!