The building which now houses the Ouray County Historical Society’s museum was originally the St. Joseph's Miners' Hospital. Built in 1886 and finished in 1887, the building itself is an important part of Ouray’s history. These days the public can explore thousands of artifacts that reflect the mining, ranching, and railroading history of Ouray County. As visitors weave through the corridors, rooms and staircases everywhere they turn they’ll find yet more treasurers that tell the story of Ouray County, the people, landscape and heritage.
Ouray County Museum
Dig Into History With Us
About The Building
In its early days it was operated by the Sisters of Mercy, all of whom came to Ouray from Durango, Colorado and Omaha, Nebraska. It was a hospital until 1964. In 1971 the Ouray County Historical Society began exhibiting in the building. In 1976 the historical society purchased the building for a museum. There are three floors containing 38 exhibits in twenty-seven rooms. Smaller displays are located in hall cases, alcoves and the original hospital dumb waiters. The building itself has many beautiful historic features.
About the Artifacts
The Museum features items from the three main means of employment in Ouray's early history: mining, ranching and railroading. It houses many artifacts dating back to Ouray's earliest days and founding in 1875. There are also large displays of minerals and Native American artifacts. As you explore you’ll get to know some of our most infamous community members, find out how they lived, and in some cases how they died. Displays and vignettes offer a peek at the museum’s former custodians, clinicians and clients, including the Sisters of Mercy.
About Your Visit
Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the area we highly recommend taking some time to visit this fascinating museum. You'll want to set aside a minimum of one hour for your visit, we find many enthusiasts spend several hours with us. Staff and volunteers are always on hand to answer questions and assist you with research. If you’re lucky you might even meet some of the folks featured in the books you can purchase in our gift store. Food and drink are not permitted in the museum, but you can enjoy snacks at one of the many mom and pop businesses nearby.
Museum Hours
The museum is currently closed for the Winter.
Spring Hours: May 2 - May 25, 2024
Thurs - Sat 10 am to 4:30 pm
Summer Schedule: May 26 - Sept 25, 2024
Mon - Sat 10 am to 4:30 pm
Sun 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
Fall Schedule: Sept 26 - Oct26, 2024
Thurs - Sat 10 am to 4:30 pm
Museum admission
General Admission
Adults, $10, youth 6-15, $5, children under 6, free.
Groups
School groups and other organizations receive discounts.
Teachers accompanying students are free.
Call the museum for details and reservations.
How to Get Here
The Ouray County Museum is located in the heart of the City of Ouray, at 420 6th Avenue. We are one block east of the Ouray City Hall and across the street from the Ouray County Courthouse.
Free parking is available on Sixth Avenue, in front of, or near the museum.