Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum

The Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum is a collection of over 50,000 objects displaying minerals, gemstones, fossils, and meteorites across two floors. The specimens come from many regions and offer a comprehensive overview of geological materials found throughout the world.

This institution was founded in 1874 starting from the private collection of geologist Arthur Lakes. The historic Colorado State Mineral Collection was added later in the 1890s, making it a major repository of geological knowledge.

The museum reflects the founding collection of a pioneering geologist and shows how minerals shaped understanding of the Earth during the mining era. Visitors see how scientific study of rocks and fossils became central to the region's identity.

The museum is located on Maple Street and is open most days of the week without charging admission fees. Visitors should check hours before going and plan enough time to explore both floors with their extensive collections.

The museum holds a lunar rock brought back from the Apollo 17 mission, giving visitors a direct connection to space exploration. Equally striking is an indoor cave system where minerals glow in vivid colors under ultraviolet light.

Location: Golden

Location: Jefferson County

Location: Colorado

Inception: 1873

Address: 1310 MAPLE ST

Phone: +13032733815

Email: bgeller@mines.edu

Website: http://mines.edu/Geology_Museum

GPS coordinates: 39.75185,-105.22483

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:25