Western Museum of Mining and Industry, Colorado Springs

If you like industrial machines, this is the place to go! There are a variety of functional steam engines and mining equipment with guides available to explain the history and answer questions. They also have an area for kids (of all ages) to pan for gold. This is a very family friendly facility. On the outside 27 acres there is a functional stamp mill and blacksmith shop along with a variety of antique heavy equipment. Watch their website for special events during the summer when this equipment is being operated.

There is so much to see in this little place, and the tours are fantastic. The knowledge of the guides and the maintenance of the equipment is great. Getting to see them in action made it even better. Of course the kids like panning for gold. Great little place to get a better understanding of these things.