Littleton Museum | Denver

The Littleton Museum is a history museum located in Littleton, Colorado, USA. It focuses on the history of Littleton and the surrounding South Platte River Valley.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a two-story brick building constructed in a mid-century modern architectural style. The exterior features large glass windows and a flat roof. The interior exhibits are arranged in chronological order, with displays constructed from wood and metal, incorporating period-appropriate artifacts.

Location & Access Logistics

The Littleton Museum is situated at 6028 S. Gallup Street, Littleton, CO 80120. It is approximately 10 miles south of downtown Denver. Access is via South Broadway (CO-85) or South Santa Fe Drive (US-85). Turn east onto Littleton Boulevard, then south onto Gallup Street. Ample free parking is available in the adjacent lot. The nearest public transport stop is the RTD Light Rail station at Mineral Avenue, which is approximately 1 mile west of the museum. Bus route 0 is available from the Mineral Avenue station.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The museum building was originally constructed in 1960 as the Littleton Public Library. It was later repurposed as a museum in 1970. The South Platte River Valley, where Littleton is located, is a historically significant area for agriculture and settlement due to its water source.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the settlement of the South Platte Valley, the development of agriculture, and the growth of Littleton. Specific displays include a recreated general store, a one-room schoolhouse, and artifacts from early pioneer life. The museum also features rotating exhibits on local history and culture. Educational programs and workshops are offered periodically.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on both floors. Limited seating is provided within exhibit areas. There is no dedicated food service on-site, but vending machines are present. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good within the museum building. Shade is available in the outdoor areas surrounding the museum.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded. Lighting within the exhibits is designed for artifact preservation and viewing, with no specific optimal time of day for photography.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of the museum is its collection of artifacts related to the early aviation history of the Denver area, including items from the original Denver Municipal Airport. Local lore sometimes refers to the South Platte River as a "ribbon of life" for the region's development.

Nearby Landmarks

• South Platte Park (0.8km West)
• Chatfield State Park (6.5km Southwest)
• Downtown Littleton Historic District (1.2km Northwest)
• Carson Nature Center (0.9km West)
• Hudson Gardens & Event Center (2.1km Southwest)