Plan Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do at CCHP if the buildings aren’t open?

Feel free to stroll through the Clear Creek History Park and enjoy looking in the windows of the buildings. You can also get a self-guided walking tour guide from the Astor House Museum or the Golden History Center which has information about the buildings and their history.

What can I see and do at the Astor House Museum?

The Astor House was the first stone building in Golden, and you can take in the authentic furnishings, examine early stereoscope slides and enjoy the view from the balcony while reading about various Golden landmarks.

What can I see and do at the Golden History Center?

The Golden History Center is the foremost place to learn about the history of Golden. Walk through the Show and Tell exhibit to have an in-depth exploration of the collection. Take in a video that features the musical memories and continuing influence of music in the lives of Goldenites in the Turn it Up! exhibit. Experience the energy of Golden’s early days through a photo gallery and the changing community-curated exhibits.

What does it cost to experience the Golden History Museums?

$3 for one museum (Golden History Center or Astor House Museum) or a combo price of $5 for all three sites.

Can you help answer my genealogy or family history questions?

GHM does not offer genealogy research servies. However, our helpful guide [download PDF] will get you started.

How do I donate artifacts, photos or documents?

If you have an object, photograph, or document that you would like to be considered for donation, please call 303-278-3557 and ask to speak to Mark Dodge, Exhibit & Collections Curator. You may also contact Mark by email.

Please call first to discuss the donation and then make an appointment to bring the object or photograph to Golden History Museums. We accept objects, photographs and documents that have significance to Golden. Objects, photographs and documents may be old, or they can be contemporary. Donations with conditions will not be accepted.

How do I find the museums?

Historic downtown Golden is just 25 minutes from Denver. Take I-70 to Hwy 58, exit on Washington and then make a left. Or take US 6 and make a right at 19th Street.

You’ll find the Astor House Museum at 822 12th Street, a block from the Howdy Folks arch.

Clear Creek History Park is at the corner of 11th and Arapahoe streets along the banks of Clear Creek.

The Golden History Center is located at 923 10th Street.


Where do I park?

Free street parking is available at all three sites.

Are the buildings wheelchair accessible?

We want you to have the best visit possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate special needs, but our old buildings do pose a few challenges.

Astor House Museum has two floors with stairs. The first floor is fully accessible for wheelchairs. No strollers please. A photo album showing the second-floor rooms is available for those unable to access the second floor.

Clear Creek History Park is a three-acre outdoor site with multiple buildings connected by a gravel path. All the buildings are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Seating is available at both sites.

Can I buy gifts for all my friends and relatives?

Our gift shop at the Golden History Center covers a range of local and regional history. We feature books, Rockmount western shirts, vintage buttons, retro aprons, kids’ toys, and ceramics by Golden artists. There’s sure to be something for everyone on your gift list. Members receive a discount on every purchase.

Is there a photography policy?

We encourage visitors to take personal photos and videos of their visit. All other requests are subject to our photo/video policy: personal use permits for weddings and senior pictures begin at $50, nonprofit permits begin at $50, commercial permits begin at $100. Please contact the museum for more details.

When can I get in for free?

We have various days and evenings during which we waive admission fees for non-members so you can "try us out." The following days are scheduled for 2012. Dates are subject to change; please call before your visit.

  • CCHP Opening Day
    Saturday, May 19, 2012
    10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. free admission
  • Golden Days
    Saturday, September 8, 2012
    10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. free admission
  • Night at the Museums
    Saturday, November 3, 2012 (first Saturday in November)
    4:30 – 8 p.m. free admission
    regular admission applies during the day
  • Candlelight Walk
    Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 (last Friday in November)
    4:30 – 8 p.m. free admission
    regular admission applies during the day

Can I bring my pet?

Sorry, it is not allowed. Our chickens wouldn’t like it.

Can I eat at the museums?

Astor House Museum — Sorry, no food or drink are allowed inside our restored Victorian rooms. However, our backyard garden is a great place to picnic and relax. A gazebo and benches are available.

Clear Creek History Park — Food and drink are welcome (except in the buildings). Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and spend the afternoon at our outdoor tables after taking a peek at the chickens, honeybees (from a safe distance), and the historic buildings (which are open periodically).

Golden History Center — Enjoy lunch before or after visiting the museums on our beautiful creekside patio during the summer season. The cafe is open Tuesday-Sunday from
–4 pm.