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Once An Old School Building

The National Mining Museum

Open year-round, the National Mining Museum features exhibits about mining, minerals, history, and technology. Located in the old Leadville High School and Leadville Junior High buildings, the Museum itself is an element of treasured history. Come explore our classic Victorian building today!

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The National Mining Museum

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Ticket Price

$16

  • All Lake County Residents are free!
  • We also offer discounts to students, seniors, and military members, available with a valid ID at the front desk. 
  • You can purchase tickets online or at the front desk upon entry.
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Hours of Operation

Winter Hours

  • Monday︱Closed
  • Tuesday-Saturday︱10:00AM-4:00PM, last entry at 3:15PM
  • Sunday︱10:00AM-3:00PM, last entry at 2:15PM
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Location

120 W. 9th Street
Leadville, CO 80461

What to See

  • Prospector’s Cave: The calcite, pyrite, and quartz crystal cavern walk-through is a must-see exhibit. See crystals in their natural habits as well as fluorescent minerals glowing orange and green under ultra violet light.
  • Magic of Minerals: Mined materials show up in our lives in unexpected places. Explore how we use minerals every day from the toothpaste we brush our teeth with to the parts found in computers and smart phones!
  • The Hardrock Mine: Immerse yourself in an underground mine complete with ore cart tracks, the sound of drilling, and mannequin miners hard at work.
  • Expanding Boundaries: Curious about mining in space? Come see our space exhibit! Mining in space may seem like science fiction, but we are closer to the possibility than most people think!
  • The National Mining Hall of Fame: The men and women who have contributed significantly to the mining industry are represented in our halls. From miner’s rights advocates to former presidents, the National Mining Hall of Fame holds significant history. 
  • The World of Molybdenum: Reopening December 2025! Explore the story of the Climax molybdenum mine located just 13 miles north of Leadville.
  • Minerals A-Z: Grand opening December 2025! Join us on a journey through the chemistry, crystal habit, color, and processing of minerals.
  • and more!

Photo Gallery

Anatomy of a Miner overlooking stained glass framing the balcony.
Rhodochrosite, Colorado’s state mineral.
“Miner’s Lunch” colorized image.
The National Mining Hall of Fame.
Cavern wall of calcite, quartz, pyrite, and citrine in the Prospector’s Cave walkthrough.
“The Sentinel” bronze larger-than-life statue by Gary Prazen.
Yak Tunnel Time Clock.
Assayer in the Hardrock Mine walkthrough.
A “Buzzyman” drill operator at Climax mine.
“High Grade” bronze larger-than-life statue by Gary Prazen.
Minnie and White Cap Mines, California Gulch, Leadville, late 1800s.
To-scale model of Leadville’s Ice Palace.
Suffolk Miners, San Miguel County, Colorado, 1890s.
Coal mine walk-through.
Blacksmith in the Hardrock Mine walkthrough.
Mining dioramas about mining events and types in history.
Minerals and metals used in technology in the Magic of Minerals exhibit.
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Visit Us

Come to the National Mining Museum

Located in historic Leadville, Colorado, the National Mining Museum has something for everyone. Come visit us and learn about the past, present, and future of mining!

“An unexpected pleasure, the museum is housed in an old, large school building that has been meticulously restored. Each room has a theme and has artifacts from many phases of mining history. The quality of the exhibits is top notch and it is clear the present day mining industry has supported this museum with ample funding. Even if you have no interest in mining, the spectacular display of minerals from all over the world is impressive.”

~ reviewer on TripAdvisor

“There is something for everyone in this museum.  It is truly an educational experience regarding mining in the United States, even though the focus was on Western underground mines. This was the second tour for me and I was surprised how much I learned in the Hall of Fame this time around. Even my 15-year old granddaughter learned something about the movers and shakers of the industry. The museum is very well kept and, although a bit on the quaint side, we all felt shivers thinking about those first miners panning for gold in the icy cold rivers of Colorado”

~ reviewer on Square

“Very informative! This is a great place to learn about the history of mining in Leadville, State of Colorado, and the entire United States. There is a lot of information for gold mining to coal mining and everything in between. If you’re in Leadville and have an hour or so and want to check out the museum you won’t be disappointed.”

~ reviewer on Google

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Our Mission

We educate the public about mining and its people, promote understanding about its role in the development of our modern society, and inspire curiosity about the future of mining and mining practices. Help us achieve our goals to enlighten the world about how mining impacts our lives.

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