pikes peak historical society museum

The PPHS museum is conveniently located in Florissant, near the intersection of US Hwy. 24 and Teller County Route 1, which goes to the Florissant Fossil Beds and Cripple Creek. Be sure you check the website about visitor hours, because the museum is open only when docents are available. Its collections include excellent representations of the area's geological features, including 2 huge smoky quartz crystals, a collection of representative samples from the famed Cripple Creek gold mining district, and a small group of Florissant fossils. Other exhibits include archaeological specimens, pioneer history, and some changing exhibits. The museum has a small gift shop with a good selection of books on central Colorado history. Admission is free, but think about making a donation--this is a local labor of love.

This is a small but very elegant Museum. There is excellent interpretation on all exhibits, and admission is free. It had an incredible gem and mineral exhibit, and artifacts covering the full range of the history of the Pikes Peak region. There were numerous hands-on exhibits for children.