Grand Junction residents and visitors can now enjoy free weekend admission to the Cross Orchards Historic Site, a change announced by museum officials on Wednesday, Oct. 7. The Museums of Western Colorado, which operates the site, confirmed that admission fees will be waived for most weekends for the remainder of the year as the historic location prepares for its eventual closure in early 2027. This move means families and history enthusiasts can explore the site without the previous cost of $5 for adults and $4 for children, veterans, military members, and seniors.
The free admission comes alongside a temporary closure for visitors. The Cross Orchards Historic Site will close its doors during normal operating hours on Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 17-29. Its usual hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. However, the site will reopen with extended event hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 for special Día de los Muertos programming. This will be followed by a festival celebrating the holiday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 1. After the festival, the site is expected to return to its regular operating hours, continuing the free admission, until Dec. 27. The Museums of Western Colorado anticipates ceasing operations at Cross Orchards entirely early next year.
Mollie Shepardson, Director of Development and Communications for the Museums of Western Colorado, shed light on the decisions. Shepardson stated that the museum adjusted admissions to reflect current visitation and to make the most responsible use of its operating resources. She added that removing the admission fee offers more families and community members a chance to enjoy the site during what will be its final season under the Museums of Western Colorado's operation. Regarding the temporary closure later this month, Shepardson indicated that traffic at the currently museum-owned site typically dips during October.
The impending closure of Cross Orchards is part of broader plans by the Museums of Western Colorado to consolidate its operations under a single roof in Fruita, an initiative first announced in early August. The future of the historic property, which has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1980, remains unclear after the Museums of Western Colorado concludes its management. Shepardson reiterated the importance of the site to the community, noting that Cross Orchards holds a special place in Western Colorado’s history, and the museum wants the community to continue enjoying it throughout this season of transition. She also expressed gratitude for community partners assisting with fall programming.
