A rustic wooden building with a stone foundation, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, stands under a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds in Grand County Colorado.

Headwaters River Journey

Headwaters River Journey in Winter Park is more than a museum; it’s a hands-on exploration of the waterways that sustain our region. Stop in and discover what makes Grand County’s ecology and waterways so incredible and crucial.

headwaters center

Interactive Exhibits

Dive into the history and ecology of Grand County’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs at Headwaters River Journey in Winter Park.

Experience more than 30 interactive exhibits, with technology that allows you to climb into a beaver dam, take a virtual-reality bike ride along local trails and fly across the Continental Divide like a bird. The kiddos will love pretending to be a fish, swimming down the Colorado River and eating virtual bugs (while avoiding fly-fishing lures!).

When you arrive, ask about the scavenger hunt, so you can engage even more with exhibits and search for animals and plant species within the museum.

Local Ecology, History & Conservation

As you wander through the displays, trace the historical timeline of Colorado’s rivers. Engage with multimedia presentations, artifacts and storytelling that brings the dynamic past of our waterways to life. Then, enter a world beneath the surface as you discover the rich aquatic biodiversity, from lake trout and sockeye salmon to fascinating invertebrates.

Finally, the whole family can learn about the importance of conservation. Everyone can uncover new ways to pitch in and lower water usage, whether you’re from Colorado or visiting. And with waterways supplying the entire Front Range, Grand County is an excellent place to see how a state utilizes the critical resource.

Visit Headwaters River Journey

Be sure to stop into this captivating museum — open year-round — during your trip to Grand County to learn what makes the headwaters region so unique.

An interactive exhibit featuring a large mural of a fisherman on a river, surrounded by educational displays and a life-sized fish model suspended from the ceiling in Grand County Colorado.
Interactive exhibit showcasing trout survival in cool, clean waters with touchscreens and informative displays in Grand County Colorado.

Protecting the Source Starts with You

In Grand County, nature isn’t just what you visit — it’s what we protect. From mindful travel habits to supporting local stewardship efforts, small actions add up to big impact. Learn how you can explore responsibly and help keep this place wild for generations to come.

Travel Responsibly >

Sign up for the newsletter

Get updates on local events, seasonal highlights, and what’s new in Grand County — straight to your inbox.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By clicking submit, you agree to receive emails from GCCTB. You can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy | GDPR FAQs