Historic house museum

Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin

About 0.5 mi from the depot

Two 1870s Leadville buildings, furnished rooms, gardens, and guided tours that shift the train's mining-boom story from industry to domestic life.

The place

About Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin

Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin interprets the people and social world created by Leadville's mining boom. August R. Meyer built the Greek Revival house in 1878 for his wife Emma; it later became a fashionable boarding house associated with Nellie Healy. The restored rooms use Victorian furnishings collected by Leadville pioneers to show the domestic side of a city usually introduced through mines, smelters, and railroads.

The neighboring 1879 log cabin belonged to mining investor James V. Dexter. Although compact, it was built for a wealthy owner and hosted an exclusive poker circle. Gardens, a gazebo, native plants, and mountain views connect the buildings, while guided tours provide the interpretive access that a self-guided exterior stop cannot.

Public access is limited enough that it must be planned around the train. The current page lists Friday–Sunday gift-shop and exhibit hours, three daily tour times, and private tours by appointment. The ground floor of Healy House and two restrooms are wheelchair accessible, while the upper floor requires stairs. History Colorado does not present the entire two-building route as step-free, so call about Dexter Cabin or any specific access need before booking.

What stands out

A furnished 1878 house

Restored Victorian rooms and Leadville pioneer furnishings interpret a prosperous home and boarding house.

Dexter's 1879 cabin

The small but refined log residence adds the story of mining investment, collecting, hospitality, and social life.

Gardens and changing exhibits

A restored garden, gazebo, mountain view, exhibit hall, and current 10th Mountain Division exhibition broaden the house tour.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Leadville Railroad trip

After the railroad introduces Leadville's mineral wealth and famous figures, Healy House shows how that wealth shaped homes, hospitality, gardens, and social life. Reserve the train first, then select a published tour time with a safe arrival margin.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Current public hoursFriday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; private tours by appointment.
  • Current tour timesGuided tours are listed at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m.
  • Current admissionAdult $10, senior 60+ $8, children and History Colorado members free; house-and-cabin tour with general admission $15.
  • AccessibilityOnsite parking, curb cuts, Healy House ground-floor access, and two accessible restrooms are documented. The upper floor is stairs-only; ask about the cabin route.
  • Current exhibitWinter Warriors: The 10th Mountain Division in World War II is listed May 22, 2026–September 24, 2027.
  • ParkingThe official visitor page lists free onsite parking.

Mining-route context

Add National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum

Add the industry's minerals, tools, technology, and Climax Mine story at a larger year-round museum nearby.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When can I tour Healy House and Dexter Cabin?

The current page lists public hours Friday–Sunday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., with tours at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. Private tours are available by appointment.

Is Healy House wheelchair accessible?

The onsite lot, curb route, Healy House ground floor, and two restrooms are documented as accessible. The upstairs requires stairs, and the page does not promise a fully step-free Dexter Cabin route.

Are children free?

The current ticket listing says children and History Colorado members receive free general admission. Confirm the house-and-cabin tour charge when reserving.

Why pair this museum with the Leadville Railroad?

The railroad tells the region's mining and transportation story; the house and cabin show the homes, furnishings, personalities, and social life created during the same boom.

Is parking available?

Yes. History Colorado lists free onsite parking and curb cuts from the lot to the museum path.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-14. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.