Front of the Ute Indian Museum, with teepee and large tree. A ramp goes up to the front door.

Ute Indian Museum

The Ute Indian Museum connects the past with contemporary Ute life and culture. Exhibits focus on the Ute peoples’ history of adaptation and persistence, and unfold around a central theme of geography, highlighting significant locations in Ute history. Through stunning exhibitions, visitors explore topics of Ute cultural survival, political determination, economic opportunity, and the celebration of the Bear Dance.

Learn more about the Ute STEM Project →

Upcoming Events

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Nestled in the heart of traditional Ute territory, the museum was originally built in 1956 near the ranch of Uncompahgre leader Chief Ouray and his wife Chipeta. The museum and grounds are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The grounds include Chief Ouray memorial park, the grave where Chipeta was buried after her death on reservation lands in Utah in 1924, and a native plants garden. The complex is linked to the city-wide trail system and includes shady picnic areas, walking paths, and a memorial to Spanish conquistadors who traveled through the area in 1776. The museum features new community spaces for events and programs, as well as an expanded gift shop offering children’s gifts, books, and authentic Native American turquoise and silver jewelry, beadwork, and Ute pottery.

History Colorado continues to work with representatives of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Southern Ute Tribe and Ute Indian Tribe of Uintah and Ouray Reservation in Utah on every aspect of developing the building’s design and exhibit content. he museum is a place of learning, connection and community, and a legacy for the tribal youth and the Montrose community. The exhibits at the Ute Indian Museum won the 2018 National Association for Interpretation's Media Award for Interior Exhibit.

Accessibility at Ute Indian Museum

At Ute Indian Museum, we want all of our visitors to feel welcome. Here’s how we try to be accessible for everyone.

If you have additional questions you can email us or call 970-249-3098

Mobility & Entering the Building

Parking is available in our onsite parking lot. Curb cuts from the parking lot to our sidewalk allow for wheelchair access.

Barrier-free doors with push-button entry are located at the museum’s main entrance on and side entrance. The entire indoor facility is on one level.
 

Accessible Restrooms

All restrooms throughout the museum have an accessible stall. We have a family restroom in the hallway past our exhibits.
 

Service Animals

Service animals—animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability—are allowed throughout the museum. Pets and emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not allowed.
 

 

Horas

Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day
 



Contact: (970) 249-3098

Address: 17253 Chipeta Rd, Montrose, CO

Parking: Free, on-site
 



Free for active military and their family from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Blue Star Families
 



Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
 



Plan your event at Ute Indian Museum →
 


“This is one of the best Native American museums I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. If you love museums and learning this is a must see!” - reviewer on Google

Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day
 



Contact: (970) 249-3098

Address: 17253 Chipeta Rd, Montrose, CO

Parking: Free, on-site
 



Free for active military and their family from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Blue Star Families
 



Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
 



Plan your event at Ute Indian Museum →
 


“This is one of the best Native American museums I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. If you love museums and learning this is a must see!” - reviewer on Google