Colorado Geological Survey

The mission of the Colorado Geological Survey is building vibrant economies and sustainable communities, free from geologic hazards, for people to live, work and play through good science, collaboration, and sound management of mineral, energy and water resources.

Vision of the Colorado Geological Survey: Protect public safety and enhance the economy of Colorado.

The Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) goals are to help reduce the impact of geologic hazards on the citizens of Colorado, to promote the responsible economic development of mineral and energy resources, to provide avalanche safety training and forecasting, to provide geologic insight into water resources, and to provide geologic advice and information to a variety of constituencies.

By providing sound information and new knowledge, the Colorado Geological Survey contributes to economic growth and improvement in the quality of life for Colorado's citizens.

Western Museum of Mining and Industry

In 1970, the Museum of the West was incorporated as a private non-profit with a mission to preserve and interpret the rich mining history of Colorado and the American West. The nucleus of the collection was a group of mining artifacts contributed to the museum by Mr. Frederick McMenemy Farrar and Mrs. Katherine Thatcher Farrar.

In 1972 the name was changed to the Western Museum of Mining and Industry to better define the museum focus. The museum received its full accreditation by the American Association of Museum in 1979 and, in acknowledgment of its high standards and successes, was re-accredited in 1980 and 2000.

Over 4,000 artifacts are on display at the 27-acre indoor/outdoor exhibit site; which includes a ten-stamp ore mill, a multi-purpose center with exhibits, a theater and a 5,000-volume research library. The entire exhibit complex is an exciting and exceptional tool for learning about Colorado history, mining and industrial technology, geology, and the environment.