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"Children's Museums are cultural institutions committed to serving the needs and interests of children by providing exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity and motivate learning."

"Grounded in well-established pedagogy, children's museums are leading a movement that combines specific learning objectives with play in informal learning environments that are developmentally appropriate for infants, toddlers and children."

Association of Children's Museums

What is our purpose?

The Trailhead's purpose is to serve the needs of children living in or visiting Gunnison County, their families and educators as a place of learning and discovery through exhibits and programs in the arts, sciences and creative play. We believe children need a place to come play, be physically active and learn while doing it!

"We are beginning to demonstrate that children really are like little scientists. They use the same kind of techniques-testing hypotheses, doing experiments, figuring out the result of experiments-that scientists use. But, the important thing is that the way they do it is in their play."

Alison Gopnik, Ph.D. University of California at Berkeley

Andrew Hadley Architects are currently finalizing our building plans and we hope to have BOZAR approval this month! The building will be located at 618 Gothic Avenue in Crested Butte and will have 5,000 square feet of museum space. The two floor museum will incorporate an indoor jungle gym with a two-story slide that travels from one floor to another. There will be rooms for music, art and science classes. The rooms will also be available to reserve privately for birthday parties or special events. Classes will serve several age rages, from toddlers to teens. Exhibits are interactive and will provide opportunity for creative thinking through science and pretend play. We plan to rotate exhibits based on the school district's elementary science curriculum.

We have big goals because we know Gunnison Valley families need this facility! We want to raise $350,000 to purchase our indoor playground and interactive exhibits.

Our first purchase will be the 2-story indoor play structure. We have budgeted $75,000 to $100,000 for this because we feel it will be the centerpiece of the museum. We are currently researching the hundreds of other exhibits available, and have organized our first fundraising campaign.

Founding Donor Tiles are still available! We are selling ceramic tiles for your child to paint. The tiles will decorate the lounge walls of the main floor, recognizing your families are founding donors of The Trailhead Discovery Museum and Arts Center. Your child's name and artwork (or company name and logo) will forever be on the wall of our Discovery Center! If you wish, we have local artists available who will beautifully illustrate your name on the tile for you.

We are also looking for Trailblazers! Trailblazers are businesses or families giving $5,000, $10,000 or more! Our Trailblazers will be recognized on a special etched glass piece on the main floor!Click on Support Us for more information

Pottery Painting Party

On November 8, we will be having our first tile painting party for the families who have purchased tiles to adorn our walls! We will also have several other pieces of pottery available to paint and bring home! Give grandparents vases, plates or picture frames for Christmas or make a mug for Mom with baby footprints on it! Pottery will be available from 9am to 4pm at The Studio (next to Clark's) and at Sunset Hall in CB South. Reserve your tile now by visiting our Support Us page and printing a donation form to send in before the party!