The Gunnison Pioneer Museum stands as a treasure trove of history, boasting a remarkable collection of artifacts that spans into the millions. While a significant portion of these precious items remain unaccounted for in our inventory, it is a testament to the sheer magnitude of our museum's offerings. Few museums in the entire state can rival the scale and diversity of our collection, making us a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. From meticulously preserved relics of the past to rare cultural artifacts, the Gunnison Pioneer Museum provides a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

As one steps foot onto the museum grounds, the striking balance between historical preservation and functional exhibition spaces becomes apparent. Approximately half of the buildings and structures within the museum grounds hold historical significance, showcasing the architectural remnants of a bygone era. The remaining structures, affectionately referred to as "exhibit buildings," consist of wooden or metal sheds, along with a scattering of carports and weather ports. These purposeful additions serve as protective coverings for large antique ranching and mining equipment, shielding these invaluable pieces from the elements while allowing visitors to marvel at the sheer magnitude and craftsmanship of these industrial relics. The unique blend of historic structures and purpose-built exhibit spaces at the Gunnison Pioneer Museum creates an immersive experience, where visitors can truly delve into the narratives of the past.

• Baldwin Engine 268 C-16 2-8-0. – Very, very famous train engine followed by several historic rail cars. 
• Regional Railroad History – The Sargent Depot, Marshall Pass Mears Junction water tower, model trains and more! 
• Ranching/Cattlemen’s Days – An ever-growing collection of artifacts from local ranchers that have passed on, including well–worn cowboy hats, boots, and saddles. Extensive collection of Cattlemen’s Days relics. Plenty of outdoor displays. 
• Andy Mallet Car Museum – Over 6,500 years of automotive history on display. Approximately 90 vehicles. 
• Jordan Military Museum – Wide variety of military artifacts from around the globe. WWI unopened champagne bottle. Lewis Easterly’s Civil War drum.
• Western weapons – Dozens of early pistols and rifles along with Native American objects. 
• Doyleville & Paragon Schoolhouses – Both are full of local education history. 
• Captain John Williams Gunnison, 1853 Expedition & Massacre – Dozens of artifacts related to the Captain and his family on display throughout the museum grounds. 
• Alfred Packer the Colorado Cannibal – Items he made during his 3+ years behind bars here on display along with 3 jury chairs. 
• Historic Books, Magazines & Documents – Thousands of rare documents on display and in our extensive files. 
• Postal History - First Gunnison Post Office 1876, one of the first buildings constructed on the Western Slope. 
• Mining – An impressive collection of minerals and mining equipment on display throughout the museum grounds. 
• Photography – Hundreds of cameras and early photography examples on display. 
• Early Transportation – Dozens of early wagons, carriages, and sleighs on display. A few antique bikes. 
• Native American Arrowheads – Extensive collection on display. 
• Western Art – Hundreds of paintings, photos, sculptures, and other art exhibits can be found throughout the museum. 
• Qwest Telephone Pioneers – Impressive collection of early telegraph and telephone artifacts, including several switchboards. 
• Aberdeen Quarry – Provided the granite for the construction of the Colorado State Capitol and other important structures. 
• Historic Newspaper Collection – Possibly the largest publicly accessible original collection anywhere, many papers dating back to 1880. 
• Winter Sports – Exhibit includes a pair of possibly the longest skis you’ve ever seen! Sleds and skis from era’s long past. 
• Pianos & Organs – Dozens of early organs and pianos on display.
• Vintage Fashions – Many from our early founding families. Amazing! 
• Children’s Toys – Not like your kids’ toys of today! Dozens of wonderful contraptions including a bedroom full of fun! 
• Antique Dolls – Over a thousand dolls on display in various buildings. Some may date back to the 1700’s. New incoming collection of over 3,000 more with historical significance. 
• Newspaper Print Shop – Includes a number of printing presses and lots of type! Gunnison county published more local newspapers than any county in the state outside of Denver. They tell the amazing stories of our history! 
• Fraternal Organizations – Many relics from the Odd Fellows and many other early fraternal organizations on display. 
• Blacksmith’s Shop – Many early tools on display. 
• Musical Instruments – Dozens of accordions, horns, and many other early instruments.  
• Early Entertainment Systems – Record players, portable music devices and televisions sets. 
• Lewis Easterly – Youngest Enlisted Civil War Soldier @ age 9. Drummer Boy of Shiloh. 
• Early business equipment – Typewriters, check printers, safes, etc. 
• New exhibits.
• Coors – Plan to open summer of 2023 with partial collection in place. Reported to be the “world’s largest collection of Coors Breweriana”. 
• Masonic Lodges – Plan to open the summer of 2024 with the intriguing collections of the Tin Cup, Crested Butte, and Gunnison Masonic Lodges.