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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

More Information

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Hours of Operation

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

120 W. 9th Street
Leadville, CO 80461

Ticket Price

$20 combo ticket with the Matchless Mine

  • 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.
  • Please note that we do not allow backpacks, strollers, pets, or food in the Museum. Service animals are welcome.
New Temporary Exhibit

Sesquisemiquincentennial

(America 250, Colorado 150)

 

Celebrate Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood by learning about the people of early Leadville and the mines around the Mineral Belt Trail! This gallery opens August 1st, 2026.

This exhibit highlights what was happening in Leadville slightly before and after statehood from the discovery of gold in 1860 to the transport of silver bars in 1890. The city of Leadville was founded in 1878. Many of the Leadville firsts are shown in black and white photographs through the accomplishments of our early pioneers. A short documentary video, paid for by the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation, shows the transformation of the ore transport railway in the Leadville Mining District into our recreational Mineral Belt Trail (MBT). Photographs show a few of the mines that are visible from the MBT then during the height of production and now as mostly ruins today.

image of the Colorado 150, America 250 logo, a map of the Leadville, Colorado Mineral Belt Trail, and a wooden plaque recognizing the Leadville Trail 100 Foundation for awarding a grant to the exhibit

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.
  • Minerals Matter: 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.
  • The World of Molybdenum: Explore the story of the Climax molybdenum mine located just 13 miles north of Leadville.
  • Minerals A-Z: Join us on a journey through the chemistry, crystal habit, color, and processing of minerals.
  • 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. 
  • 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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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!

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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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