Steelworks Center of the West - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Iconic Buildings

Museums

About Steelworks Center of the West

The Steelworks Center of the West is located in Pueblo County, Colorado. The center is a Museum and Interpretive Center that tells the story of the American steel industry. The museum houses exhibits on the history of steelmaking, the technology of steelmaking, and the people who worked in the steel industry. The interpretive center contains classrooms, meeting rooms, and event space.

Hotels near Steelworks Center of the West

Hotels to stay near Steelworks Center of the West

Things to Do at Steelworks Center of the West

The Steelworks Center of the West is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the American west. The museum complex includes the restored Colorado Fuel and Iron blast furnace, a steel mill, coke plant, and railroad yard. Visitors can explore the museum exhibits to learn about the industrial revolution and westward expansion, and then take a tour of the blast furnace to see how steel was made. The Steelworks Center also hosts special events throughout the year, including art exhibits, concerts, and educational programs. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a unique day trip, the Steelworks Center of the West is well worth a visit.

Activities Around

History of Steelworks Center of the West

The Steelworks Center of the West is located in Pueblo, Colorado. The center is a non-profit museum that tells the story of the steel industry in America. The center was founded in 2008, and its mission is to preserve the history of the steel industry and to educate the public about its importance. The Steelworks Center of the West houses a variety of exhibits on the history of steelmaking. Visitors can learn about the production process, see equipment used in steel mills, and view artifacts from the industry's past. The center also offers a variety of educational programs for both children and adults. These programs include tours of local steel mills, workshops on steelmaking, and demonstrations of how steel is made. The Steelworks Center of the West is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about the history of American industry.

Best Time to Visit Steelworks Center of the West

The best time to visit the Steelworks Center of the West in Pueblo County, Colorado is during the summer months. With average temperatures in the mid-80s, it’s the perfect time to explore the attraction’s outdoor exhibits.

Tips for Visiting Steelworks Center of the West

  1. Start your visit at the Steelworks Museum, where you can learn about the history of the steel industry in Pueblo.
  2. marvel at the engineering feats of the Union Pacific Bridge, which spans nearly 1,000 feet across the Arkansas River.
  3. Allow plenty of time to explore the exhibits, which chronicle the history of steelmaking in America from its early days in the 1800s through today.
  4. Don't miss the outdoor exhibits, which include a restored blast furnace, coke ovens, and a locomotive.
  5. Be aware that photography is not allowed inside the mills for safety reasons. However, there are plenty of photo opportunities elsewhere on the grounds.​
  6. Don't miss the chance to see the world's largest steam locomotive up close - it's an impressive sight!
  7. Make sure to stroll through Union Avenue Historic District to see some of Pueblo's best-preserved Victorian architecture.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Steelworks Center of the West

  1. The Steelworks Center of the West is located on the former site of a steel mill that produced steel for the United States military during World War II. 
  2. The center is dedicated to preserving the history of the American steel industry. 
  3. The Steelworks Center of the West houses the largest collection of historic steelmaking equipment in the United States. 
  4. The museum features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what it was like to work in a steel mill. 
  5. The Steelworks Center of the West has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Colorado’s Top 25 Museums by Travel+Leisure magazine. 
  6. The museum offers guided tours of the historic blast furnace, as well as demonstrations of steelmaking techniques. 

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Steelworks Center of the West

While there is no set amount of time required to explore the Steelworks Center, most visitors spend between 2-3 hours taking in all that the museum has to offer.

How to Reach Steelworks Center of the West

The best way to reach the Steelworks Center of the West is by car. From Interstate 25, take exit 102A for US-50 W/W 6th St toward Downtown. Turn right onto W 6th St, and then turn left onto S Santa Fe Ave. The Steelworks Center of the West will be on the right. There is also a parking garage attached to the Steelworks Center of the West, which can be accessed from S Union Ave.

Entrance Fee of Steelworks Center of the West

 Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 for students, and free for children under 12. 
 

Opening Hours of Steelworks Center of the West

The Steelworks Center of the West is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays. 

Attractions Near Steelworks Center of the West

Runyon Lake

Runyon Lake

2.1km from Steelworks Center of the West

Runyon Lake is a beautiful natural lake, which is approximately two miles long and one mile wide, and is surrounded by towering mountains and lush forest. Visitors to the area can enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnicking. There are also several campgrounds located nearby, making it the perfect place to spend a weekend in nature. The lake is named for John C. Runyon, who was an early settler in the area and built a cabin near the lake.

Pueblo City-County Library District

Pueblo City-County Library District

2.53km from Steelworks Center of the West

The Pueblo City-County Library District is a public library system that has 11 locations, including the flagship Library 21c, which opened in 2017. The PCCLD offers a wide range of services to its patrons, including early literacy programs, computer classes, and maker spaces. In addition, the PCCLD provides free access to online resources, such as e-books and research databases. The library system is funded primarily through a mill levy, which is collected by the county government.

Neon Alley

Neon Alley

2.83km from Steelworks Center of the West

Neon Alley is located in the Steelworks Center of the West in Pueblo County, Colorado. The alley is home to a number of local businesses, including a boutique, a coffee shop, and a bar. The businesses in the alley are illuminated by a number of colorful neon signs, which give the area its name. Neon Alley is also home to a number of art installations, including a mural by artist Phillip K Christopher. The mural depicts scenes from the steel industry in Pueblo County.

Pueblo Railway Museum

Pueblo Railway Museum

2.87km from Steelworks Center of the West

The Pueblo Railway Museum is a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon in Pueblo. The museum is located in the historic Union Depot, and it features a variety of exhibits on the history of railroads in the American West. Visitors can learn about the construction of the transcontinental railroad, see a replica of a steam engine, and even take a ride on a real locomotive. The museum also has a gift shop, and it is situated near several other attractions in downtown Pueblo.

Union Avenue Historic Commercial District

Union Avenue Historic Commercial District

2.93km from Steelworks Center of the West

The Union Avenue Historic Commercial District in Pueblo, is a collection of over 60 commercial buildings that were constructed between 1880 and 1950. The district includes a variety of architectural styles, including Italianate, Art Deco, and Neo-Classical. Many of the buildings in the district are still in use today, housing businesses such as restaurants, shops, and offices. The Union Avenue Historic Commercial District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Veterans' Bridge

Veterans' Bridge

3.05km from Steelworks Center of the West

The Veterans' Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Arkansas River. It was built in 1932 and is named for the veterans of World War I. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, with an average of 2 million visitors each year. The bridge has a total length of 1,550 feet and a width of 20 feet. The main span of the bridge is 876 feet long, and the towers are 200 feet tall. The Veterans' Bridge is open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic only.

Discover More Attractions in Pueblo County, Home of Steelworks Center of the West

Pueblo County

Pueblo County

25 attractions

Pueblo County is located in southern Colorado, about an hour's drive from both Denver and Colorado Springs. The county seat is the city of Pueblo, which is home to the state's largest steel mill. The county is also home to a number of historic sites, including the site of the Battle of Glorieta Pass and the San Carlos Apache Prison. Pueblo County is a popular tourist destination, due to its wide range of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy hiking and camping in the county's many parks

Location of Steelworks Center of the West

Comments

To view all hotels near Steelworks Center of the West, visit: Hotels near Steelworks Center of the West