Fodor's Expert Review Colorado History Museum

The state's frontier past is vibrantly depicted in this flagship of the Colorado Historical Society. Changing exhibits highlight eras from the days before white settlers arrived to the boom periods of mining. General exhibit themes include the growth of historic preservation and black cowboys in the American West. Permanent displays include Conestoga wagons, old touring cars, and an extraordinary time line called "The Colorado Chronicle 1800–1950," which covers the state's history in amazing detail. The museum is easy to spot by its huge, colorful mural of Native Americans, miners, and red rocks. The large brick area outside the front door, complete with grassy strip, is a great place to relax if you're walking through downtown.