National Mining Hall of Fame, Mining museum in Leadville, United States

The National Mining Hall of Fame occupies the former Leadville Junior High School, a building that previously served as Leadville High School. Its 25,000 square feet hold a walk-through replica of an underground hardrock mine, a model railroad, a Gold Rush room with native gold specimens, and a large mineral collection.

The institution was founded in 1987 to preserve the memory of mining and pioneers in this region. It documents key periods of raw material extraction in America and shows how the industry evolved over time.

The museum reflects how mining shaped the region and the daily lives of people who worked in these operations. Exhibits connect the technical skills with personal stories from the community.

The building is located centrally in Leadville and is easily accessible on foot, with ample space to explore across multiple levels. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the stairs between floors are regularly used.

The museum holds the only national mining museum charter granted by the U.S. Congress, approved by President Ronald Reagan on November 14, 1988. The building itself was formerly Leadville Junior High School, and before that Leadville High School.