Ute Indian Museum - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

The museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs that highlight the Ute experience, from early nomadic life to 21st-century tribal sovereignty. Visitors can view artifacts, listen to stories, and watch demonstrations of traditional skills. The museum also has a beautiful garden with plants that are important to the Ute people. The museum also offers a variety of hands-on activities, such as making beadwork and dream catchers.

The Ute Indian Museum in Montrose County, Colorado is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and culture of the Ute people. The museum was founded in 1952 by Elsie rupt, a local resident and member of the Ute tribe. rupt was passionate about educating the public about her culture and worked tirelessly to collect artifacts, artwork, and documents related to the Ute people. Today, the museum houses one of the largest collections of Ute artifacts in the world and is a popular tourist destination.

The best time to visit the Ute Indian Museum is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. This is also the time when the museum offers a variety of activities and events, such as storytimes, craft workshops, and dance performances. 

1. Start your visit at the museum's visitor center where you can pick up a map and brochure. The staff can also answer any questions you have about the exhibits.
2. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore the museum's three main galleries which focus on Ute history, culture, and art. There is also a hands-on area for kids.
3. Be sure to see the life-size tipi in the front lobby and the scale model of a Ute village in the back gallery.
4. Don't miss the gift shop where you can purchase Ute-made jewelry, pottery, and other arts and crafts.
5.  If you're visiting with children, be sure to stop by the kids' activity area where they can color Ute-themed coloring sheets and make simple crafts.

6.  Make time to walk around the museum's grounds which include a garden with native plants, a replica sweat lodge, and a sculpture garden with work by internationally-renowned artist Chinook Schueppachie.

7. Although photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, please respect any signs that request no photos be taken. This is usually for the protection of fragile artifacts on display.
    

1. The Ute Indian Museum was founded in 1953 by John C. Meyer, a former Curator of Ethnology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
2. The museum is located on land that was once part of the Ute reservation.
3. The museum houses a collection of artifacts that date back over 10,000 years.
4. The museum hosts an annual powwow each June that attracts dancers and drummers from all over the country.
5. The museum also has a library with over 2,000 books about Ute history and culture.

Allow at least two hours to explore the museum and its grounds fully. However, if you want to experience everything the museum has to offer, it is recommended that you allow 3-4 hours for your visit.

The Ute Indian Museum is located in Montrose County, Colorado. It is reached by traveling north on Highway 550 from the city of Montrose. The museum is located on the west side of the highway, just past the turnoff for the town of Ridgway. There is a large sign for the museum on the side of the road. 

The entrance fee for the museum is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $3 for students. children under the age of 5 are free.

The Ute Indian Museum in Montrose County, Colorado, is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.