Located underground in Creede and blasted out of solid rock cliff is an incredibly unique Colorado museum.

The Creede Underground Mining Museum was blasted out of solid rock cliff by three miners. Construction of the museum began in 1990. According to the museum, county-hired laborers and volunteers did the rest of the work, including rock removal, cribbing, rock batting and cement work.

By the time the project was finished the miners had created 600 feet of drift with 22 displays, a gift shop, and the Creede Community Center.

Tours were given to show actual mining in operation the next summer.

Today, the community center includes a large commercial kitchen, full stocked bar, bathroom facilities, and around 10,000 square feet of floor space.

And although the museum and community center have never been used for the production of silver, the spaces were mined from solid rock and are “an authentic example of the methods and techniques used in the ‘boom’ days of the silver rush in Creede, Colorado.”

Note that this museums operating hours and operating days vary depending on the time of year – check before you plan a trip. Sometimes guided tours are available, lasting about an hour. Find more information about the museum here.

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