If you are interested in mining history, Breckenridge, Colorado is not to be missed. This small town situated high in the mountains is more than a ski resort, it's also home to several museums including the Edwin Carter Museum. Open every day of the week from 11am to 4pm, this museum does not merely contain history, it is a part of history since it is located in a log cabin that dates from 1875.
Built by Edwin Carter, an early settler in Breckenridge, the museum holds his collection of local wildlife. Carter preserved them himself after he gave up mining and became a taxidermist. His motivation was concern that the mining industry would damage the local habitats beyond repair. Other exhibits in the museum aim to teach visitors about the process and technology of mining as it was practiced in the late 1800s and early 1900s in Colorado. Perhaps best of all, the Edwin Carter museum is free of charge.
Another fascinating museum is operated by the Summit Historical Society. This organization also allows visitors to get a close-up look at authentic history. They provide guided tours through two abandoned gold mines and have arranged a walking tour of the town's historic district. Special tours are available on request, but the organization also plans events throughout the year. To see the sights here in Colorado, guests should arrange Breckenridge vacation rentals and plan to stay for a while.