The Rio Grande County Museum began with the efforts of the Late Vernon McCallister, a former County Commissioner, to preserve a part of the local heritage for future generation.  In 1961, his endeavors came to fruition and the Museum was opened to the response of an enthusiastic public.

Located in an area with a rich and varied past, the Museum houses a large collection of artifacts, photographs, books and documents that illustrate the chronicle of a life as it was lived "way back when".  It offers glimpses into the lives of prehistoric Indians, cowboys, Spanish colonists, miners trying to make their fortunes and homesteaders in search of the proverbial "Garden of Eden".