The Best of Pueblo: Heritage & Museum Sites

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The Best of Pueblo: Heritage & Museum Sites

Pueblo has a rich history inextricably connected to the land, with diverse cultural and economic roots in agriculture, steel, and the railway.

Courtesy of History Colorado
EL PUEBLO HISTORY MUSEUM

Admission: $5 (Discounts available)
One of ten museums that are part of History Colorado, the El Pueblo History Museum showcases the region’s many cultural and ethnic groups through hands-on history and innovative exhibits. Conveniently located downtown, the museum has been in operation since 1958 and contains a replica of the historic 1842 El Pueblo trading post—one of the first permanent structures in town. The museum opened two new exhibits recently. Hecho en Colorado showcases historical and up-and-coming artist collections from Colorado’s Chicano/Mexican American community. Steel City: 1984-2004 explores the evolution and history of a steelmaking community in the late 20th century and shows the power of solidarity among union and community members in Pueblo. Visit.

Courtesy of Pueblo City-County Library District
THE ROBERT HOAG RAWLINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY

Named for the WWII veteran, longtime leader of The Pueblo Chieftain, and founder of the Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation, the architecturally stunning Rawlings Library has welcomed over 8 million visitors since opening its doors in 2003. Monthly programming offered at the library includes everything from author readings to learning resources to Zumba classes in the courtyard. Don’t know what book to read next? Library staff will help curate a list just for you based on your interests with their online form system. Learn more.

STEELWORKS CENTER OF THE WEST

Admission: $8 (Discounts available)
It’s no secret that industrialized Pueblo’s history is deeply rooted in steel production. The Steelworks Center of the West preserves the archives and history of Colorado Fuel & Iron Company (CF&I). The main permanent exhibits, The Story of Steel and CF&I Through Time, look at the company’s storied past, while The Source of Steel focuses on its vast mining operations across the West. Mark you calendars, they will be celebrating CF&I’s 150th anniversary on October 1. Don’t skip the outdoor park which contains a variety of historical artifacts. Learn more.

PUEBLO RAILWAY MUSEUM

Since the late 1800s, Pueblo helped build the rail materials used across the American West as a major rail and steel hub. As the Pueblo Railway Museum notes, “Today, all rail manufactured in the western U.S. originates in Pueblo, just as it did in 1881.” The museum showcases the city’s longstanding history in the rail industry with its varied collection of engines, including a steam engine, “rocket cars,” and a Pikes Peak snowblower. The museum is free to visit at the railyard behind the Pueblo Union Depot. Check out their event calendar and learn more.

Courtesy of Sangre de Cristo Arts Center
BUELL CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT THE SANGRE DE CRISTO ARTS CENTER

Admission: $10 Adults, $8 Kids (Discounts available)
Known as one of the top children’s museums in the United States, the Buell Children’s Museum is located inside the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center. Offering a range of sensory and interactive galleries spread across the vibrant museum, younger guests will be delighted with a visit to this special place. Visit.