Specialties
Mission: Enrich human lives and to educate San Luis Valley citizens to respect and value cultural diversity, the local heritage of the San Luis Valley, as well as local and international wildlife and the arts. The San Luis Valley is one of the largest alpine valleys in the world. It was originally home to Ute, Apache, and Pueblo Native Americans.Famous explorers like Conquistador Juan de Bautista, Zebulon Pike, and John Freemont all led expedition through the valley. The oldest town in Colorado is San Luis. It was founded in 1852 by Hispanic settlers from Taos New Mexico. Forts Massachusetts and Ft. Garland guarded the valley beginning in 1852. Kit Carson was the Commandant of Ft. Garland for two years. The San Luis Valley Museum displays photos, artifacts, and artworks covering the long history of the SLV Region. There is a series of murals on the north side of the building depicting, famous people, landscapes, towns, and attractions related to the SLV. The museum operates a small gift shop stocked with SLV themed post cards and greeting cards, Colorado souvenirs, regional history books, and children's toys.