San Juan County Historical Museum - Silverton, Colorado

Brad A. S. C.

This was an excellent museum. I had intended on taking pictures to share but got so caught up in the place and the displays etc that I didn’t take any. The host at the register gave some initial information about the property and a few details about the jail and current gift shop/check in building. There were so many levels, so many rooms, cool tunnels and so many artifacts, displays and information. Coming out at the end I had no idea we had spent at least a couple of hours in there. None of it was boring everything was interesting. Even if you’re not one to stop and read every placard. Highly recommend. It was only $11 per person and self-guided which was really cool with all of the stories, rooms, halls, tunnels etc. loved it.
Main levels are wheelchair accessible. There is a lift in the main museum but I don’t remember seeing one in the jailhouse. There are stairs. We went on a Sunday afternoon.

Gregory K. (.

Absolutely amazing displays of jail house life, mining, life style of the miners and their wives, medical practices and much much more. We only spent an hour inside but could have easily spent longer and seen every display. They have a world renown geological display that should not be missed.

Stephanie J.

This place was a very pleasant surprise during our trip to Silverton! I was not expecting much when we got there, but they actually had a huge collection of mining and other historical artifacts from that time and tons of information. My kids have always wanted to see a real mine cart and here they got to see many. Was a lot of fun and educational!

Taneil L.

This is an amazing museum. The amount of stuff they have in this museum would take 3 to 4 hours to really go through. We spent an hour and a half at the museum and could have spent longer. The jail is fun to walk through. You get to go into the cells and my one year old liked playing with the ball and chain. There was a pump organ that a couple of my kids played.

They have a large collection of rocks which were pretty cool to look through. They come from all over (Mexico, Africa, Durango, Silverton etc.) There is a lot of mining equipment on display. The thing that was really neat is that they have three stories (basement, ground floor, and upstairs) and on each story they have a display of a real mine showing you what the miners did on each level. It was very well done.

I highly recommend this museum. From the jail, to mining, to Silverton History, to old photos, this place is a real gem. It cost $10 for adults and $3 for children.

Mia P.

I was not expecting this unique amazing museum in Silverton. We spent 4 hours in it without even realizing it. It really takes you back to 1800's early 1900's. One of the best museums I have been in the world. So many things to see, so many things you get to feel, experience, I just have NO words to express how unique of experience my hubby and I had. Thank you Silverton for keeping the price aforable.

Clark J.

This museum is truly a "must-visit" attraction when you take the Durango-Silverton narrow gauge train ride. You'll have maybe 2 hours of layover before the train heads back to Durango.

This place is really chock full of 19th and early 20th century items. Mining, household, medical, jail, early radios, more and much more.

Keith D.

This is a must see if you are in Silverton!!! One of the best museums I've been to. I think the cost is $10 , it is well worth it. Lady working there was very nice, I recommend this place!

Tamilisa M.

Cool place. You do need to buy tickets. There is a gift shop attached. We bought several items. It was fun to walk around and see what they had.