Colorado School of Mines

The Colorado School of Mines, a globally know University, is located in historic Golden, Colorado just blocks from our hotel.  The Colorado School of Mines became a state institution in 1876 and today the public research university enrolls over 6,000 students, has over 200 student organizations and 18 intercollegiate athletic team. The Colorado School of Mines features both historical buildings throughout it’s campus as well as state of the art facilities.  Often referred to as “Mines” or “CSM”, the University features annual traditions such as the “M” climb and “E-Days” (Engineering Days).

The “M” climb, a fall tradition that started in 1908, has incoming freshman carry a 10lb rock from the Colorado School of Mines campus to the “M” on top of Lookout Mountain.  The “M” that you can see on top of Lookout Mountain, part of the Rocky Mountain foothills,  fittingly stands for Colorado School of Mines and can be seen throughout Golden.  Upon graduation seniors return to the “M” and retrieve their rocks.

“E-Days” occurs every Spring and is a celebration for the hard work of the students at the Colorado School of Mines.  “E-Days” features fireworks, games (with an engineering focus of course), entertainment and even  a race of cardboard floats (constructed by students at Mines) in breathtaking Clear Creek, located directly behind our hotel and in the heart of downtown Golden, Colorado!

The Colorado School of Mines also features a Geology Museum, which has two floors of minerals, gemstones, fossils and more including one of Colorado’s two Goodwill Moon Rocks from the Apollo 17 mission.  The museum offers free admission.  Allow for extra time after exploring the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum to visit their gift shop.  The museum is located at 1310 Maple and is open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m..  For more information visit the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum website.

Be sure to visit the beautiful Colorado School of Mines campus when visiting Golden, Colorado!

Colorado School of Mines
1500 Illinois Street
Golden, Colorado 80401
303.273.3000