A Great Cool-Weather Outing: Ute Indian Museum

As much as we all enjoy our summers in Ouray County, with the quickened pace of concerts, social activities, and plentiful outdoor activities, we all look forward to the slightly slower rhythm of fall and the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful changing leaves and the cool nip of fresh autumnal air.

An excellent outing to enjoy this time of year is a visit to the Ute Indian Museum, located just south of Montrose on Highway 550 at 17253 Chipeta Rd. Besides the anticipated exhibits of historical facts and artifacts, the 8.5-acre property boasts a native plants garden, shady picnic areas, walking paths, tipis, Chief Ouray's Memorial Park and his wife Chipeta's crypt. A walkway extends northeast on an elevated boardwalk through wetlands to the southwest bank of the Uncompahgre River. Even if you don't step inside the museum you will have a delightful day enjoying nature.

But when you do go inside you will find a complete collection of artifacts chronicling Ute culture and history. You will find about 200 artifacts on display documenting views of Ute life, including cultural survival, political self-determination, economic opportunity and a celebration of the Bear Dance.

Not far away you will find the very important and significant Shavano Valley Petroglyphs for which you must book a private tour through the museum. This is not a self-guided tour opportunity.

The Ute Indian Museum is open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is part of the History Colorado association of Museums. Visit the website for more information: www.UteIndianMuseum.org.