The town of Grand Junction (pop. 28,000) lies in the far west of Colorado at the junction of the Gunnison River with the Colorado. Its attractions are the Museum of Western Colorado (natural and cultural history of the region), Dinosaur Valley (fossils) and the Cross Orchards Historical Site (history of agricultural development in the region).
The Cross Orchards Historic Site is the living history division of the Museum of Western Colorado in Grand Junction. The orchard and farm have been restored to their early 20th century appearance, with buildings such as the packing shed and workers' bunkhouse listed on the National Historic Register. Also at the site are exhibits on vintage road-building equipment, farming tools, and the Uintah Narrow Gauge Railway.
Remains of an old car at Cross Orchards Historic Site.
Hours:
April 15 to October 31: 9am-4pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
Tips: Combination tickets available for Cross Orchards, Museum of the West and Dinosaur Journey.
Dinosaur Valley Museum in Grand Junction is the paleontology center for the Museum of Western Colorado, with dinosaur skeletons and fossils on display. Visitors can arrange to be part of dinosaur digs.
Address: Dinosaur Valley Museum, 550 Jurassic Court, Grand Junction, CO 81502-5020, United States
Phone: 1 (970) 858-7282, Fax: 1 (970) 242-3960
Hours:
10am-4pm; Sun:12pm-4pm
Tips: Combination tickets for Cross Orchards, Museum of the West and Dinosaur Journey available.
The Regional History division of the Museum of Western Colorado in Grand Junction has exhibits on the geography and history of the area west of the Continental Divide.
Address: Museum of Western Colorado, Box 20000, Grand Junction, CO 81502-5020, United States
Phone: 1 (970) 242-0971, Fax: 1 (970) 242-3960
Hours:
May 1 to September 30: 9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-4pm
October 1 to April 30: 10am-3pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
Tips: Combination tickets with the Cross Orchards and Dinosaur Journey are available.
The Western Colorado Center for the Arts in Grand Junction has 300 historic and contemporary works that include Navajo weavings, Pre-Columbian ceramics and works by some of Colorado's most noted living artists.
Hours:
9am-4pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Western Colorado Math and Science Center is a hands-on museum that caters to teachers, parents and children. Over 150 exhibits deal with science and math concepts and outdoor learning at the Riverview Science Park.
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Cross Orchards Historic Site, Grand Junction
Grand Junction
