cross orchards historic site

My family attended the Train Show on January 3. We were impressed by the amazing train models and the kindness of the enthusiasts that were running the show. The show was inexpensive (only $7) for my family to attend. The kids absolutely loved it! (ages 2, 6, 6 and 8). They also loved exploring the decommissioned Uintah Railway cars and caboose.

I recently went to a friend's wedding here and I just had the best time. Not only was the party amazing but there were goats to look at and train cars lying around to look at. I loved walking around the place.

Whether sending your kids here for a week of summer camp, attending a classic car show in summer or the model train exhibit in winter, there is always something fun to do here.

Cross Orchards Historic Site is a favorite spot when my grandchildren come to visit. They enjoy visiting the trains, the farm animals and watching the people doing reenactments. Their family pricing makes it an inexpensive day.

Very interesting and entertaining. Lots of thinks for the kids, beautiful gardens, some farm animals, antique truck and farm equipment. Lots of memorabilia and buildings. Looking back into the way life was then.

Although the museum didn't open officially until the next weekend, we were allowed to tour the grounds at our leisure. The buildings are great, the interpretation signage first class, and the goats and chickens a delight.

There is nothing else like this in the Grand Valley. This used to be an agricultural business and farm owned by Cindy Cross's family. The variety here is remarkable. There is a huge HO scale model train layout in a barn-like building, and even a G gauge model train layout outdoors. A Marine friend of mine worked with the resident blacksmith for over a year, making a Japanese Katana sword: folded thousands of times. There is so much to see and do here that it would take a large book to describe it all. A truly wonderful place to visit often.

This working orchard is magical! Time stood still a hundred years ago and is well preserved. OUr family ventured around this place for several hours enamoured by all of the stuff and playing with the animals. The staff who works here is very kind and knowledgeable. They seem to really love the place and it shines through! If you are in Grand Junction, be sure to stop in.

A great glimpse into the early workings of an original Grand Valley fruit orchard. The historic buildings are extremely well preserved and the majority of volunteers know their history really well. A few even have stories from when they were growing up. Well worth the trip.

The working orchard is certainly much smaller than it was when it was a working farm, but it's there along with a blacksmith, some rail cars and demonstrations of how things used to be done.

Children and adults, alike will enjoy this "antique" farm. There are many "hands on" displays to participate or observe, the old ways of milking cows, farming the land, packing apples, making cider, shoeing horses, and more. Goats, chickens, pigs and a cow round out the farm experience. A great photo opportunity as well, as there are numerous flower beds and out buildings to photograph. Plan to spend at least 2 hours to see it all.

Cross Orchards Living History Farm is like a slice of sweet apple pie! It is a wonderful educational, agricultural, historical and cultural treasure of the Grand Valley! Mark this site as one of your destination "must see's" whether you are a tourist or a local. It's a unique place to rent for your office party, fundraising event, birthday or wedding. They are also the site for many special events for the Museum of Western Colorado.

Fun and educational, like visiting a real working farm from many years ago. Knowledgeable and friendly docents, beautiful site, enjoyable activities makes it a great family outing.

We came to Cross Orchards on a day when, unfortunately, they weren't open for tours. But it was still reallly fun. They were kind enough to let us tour the grounds on our own and there was enough information to get a good idea of how things were done. They opened up the Uintah railroad cars for us and my kids had a blast climbing all around inside the caboose. They also really liked the old machines that were in the barn - they had fun guessing what they were used for before we told them. I really, really wish that we had time to come back for a proper tour, but unfortunately we didn't. But the next time we're in GJ, we're definitely stopping here again. Even without a real tour it was fun and informative and a great look into the past. We also bought some apple butter that they make right there at the orchard and it's really good!

great family place to visit ... great events and experiences to be had .... hope it stays around a long long time