- Vibe:
- Mellow and amusing
- Drive time:
- Twenty-five minutes from downtown Denver via I-70 or Sixth Avenue
- Tip:
- If your mouth is watering after viewing the museum’s tribute to Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza, grab a cheesy pie at the popular pizzeria, located just a few blocks away on Washington Avenue.
Start in the Touch Gallery
When you enter the museum, turn right and step into the hands-on Touch Gallery. Designed in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, the Touch Gallery features a fully stocked re-creation of the Holland House, a former Golden hotel famous for its food. The museum’s theme changes periodically; for 2020 it’s all about Golden’s culinary history.
Must-See Exhibits
In addition to learning that the Jolly Rancher was invented in Golden, a wealth of other historical Golden nuggets await families in the museum’s southwest gallery. A non-chronological timeline covers all the major events that shaped local history, including the founding of Coors Brewery and the development of Main Street’s iconic arch. Next, head to The Salon where you can watch videos about the town’s unique cinematic past. Golden was a hotbed for silent films in the 1900s.
Crack the Code
Keep the kids entertained with a scavenger hunt while exploring the museum’s four galleries. Worksheets with questions and clues are available at the front desk. Fill in the correct answers and unearth a code kids can plug into the old-timey switchboard for a chance to win a prize.
Visit Golden History Park
After snapping a family photo in front of the Greetings from Golden mural (it’s right outside the back door), cross Clear Creek via one of the footbridges to visit the outdoor Golden History Park. The re-created mountain home-stead is comprised of historic buildings, including a barn, 1800s-era cabins that you can peek into, and even a two-seat outhouse. On Homesteader Days, the park comes to life when costumed interpreters deliver a legit living history experience. goldenhistory.org
