Dive Into the History and Culture of Ouray

Most of the adventure lovers may have heard of Ouray city in Colorado. The Switzerland of America have some unique sports like Grand Canyon, and best hot spring, but did you know that the place is also known for its rich culture and history. If not, well its time you plan a trip for it.

There are a lot of sites in Ouray which display the unique history of the place that you can visit. Some places present the life of miners and other the development in pharmacy and agriculture of the area.

You can prefer some old brewers, bakeries but the best part of histories lies in Ouray’s museum and here is the list of museums that you must consider.

Ouray Alchemist

If you ever visit Ouray this place is a must. It was started in 2010 by Curtis and Nancy with their pharmacy and medical collection. It holds an extensive collection of pharmacy and medical displays that dates back to 350 BC.

They have a fascinating range of patent medicines with original artworks and photographs of that ancient era. The gift shop of Ouray Alchemist features, fine arts, antiques, jewellery, Navaho rugs, homemade quilts, local photograph cards and old-fashioned candies that are unique, and found nowhere else.

The family also provides nonprescription items and helpful advice from the pharmacist, but the main attraction is their guided tours. They will walk you through every aspect that have changed in this field for years, but the space is limited, and you have to call ahead for a booking.

The Ouray Alchemist Museum also provides rental suits all around the year if you want to spend a few nights at the place, but you can always book other Ouray hotels according to your plan.

Ouray County Museum

The Ouray country museum at 420 Sixth Avenue is the home for the history of mountain communities of the region. The place was once a hospital known by the name St Joseph’s Miners’ hospital which got converted into a museum after Ouray Country Historical Society bought it.

The museum displays a wide variety of ancient stuff like mineral collections, Ute Indian display, mine exhibits, railroad and ranching exhibits along with hospital rooms from 1890 and 1940s. The place also have some rare photographs, books and other remains of Ouray residence, who served in world wars.

This place is must include site for any Colorado tour so plan wisely and spend some time in marvelous legacy of the city. You can visit this museum any time between 10 am to 4:30 pm between April and November but the working days vary and you should contact them before you visit.

Ridgway Railroad Museum

The junction of U.S highway550 and Colorado state highway 62 in Ridgway, is home of the rich railroad history of Ouray city. The Ridgway Railroad Museum preserves the railroad equipment, artifacts, historical data, books and photographs of Ouray and San Juan mountain range.

The base of this museum was set by Bob Richardson in 1950s when he saved several boxes of material from being dumped and then handed them to Ridgway resident, Smile C. Dunn for preservation.  Bob was very confident about the critical role these materials will play in the establishment of a museum, which finally happened in 1998.

The place is a nonprofit, member-supported organisation with the sole purpose to explain the significance of railroads in the history of that region. It is open from 9 to 5 in regular summer days and 10 to 5 in mild winters but it remains entirely shut during the winter. It will be wise that you contact them before you make any reservation at Ouray hotels.

Ouray County Ranch History Museum

The economic history of Ouray depended on two aspects, and while mining is well known, the other part, Ranching, is not that famous, and this museum stands for it.

The site started with two rooms on the north side of old Colona School, built in 1915. The place later shifted to its present location where it received the space and facility it needed.

The place displays a wide variety of large farm equipment and wagons from old movies. The new location comprises of 11 rooms with modern plumbing, electricity, heating, plumbing and restroom facilities which enable the owner to welcome guest at any time of the year.

End Word

These are only a few of Ouray historical sites, there are many more like the old mining trail, ghost towns, opera house that you can add on the list. You can visit these interesting sites, and at the end of the day get a hot spring bath at nearby hot spring. So, plan and explore the unique parts of Ouray, and feel the love of this lovely place.