The 40'x60' map of Colorado on the floor of Anschutz Hamilton Hall simulates what you might see from 400 miles above the earth and is composed of 234 precast tiles. Several of these tiles are "hot spots" that can be triggered with a seven-foot-tall, steampunk-inspired time machine. When activated, the tiles share enlightening videos on subjects such as uranium mining, mountain man Mariano Medina, and the Colorado-Texas tomato wars of the 1980s (look quickly for a cameo from South Park's Eric Cartman). That glimpse at local history might ease guests into the six exhibits, including Living West. There, visitors wander among nearly 200 Mesa Verde artifacts, get caught in a simulated 1930's dust storm, or learn about Pueblo people.

But the act of delving into Colorado's past isn't limited to watching videos on the floor. Named a top 10 must-see museum by True West Magazine, the center comprises everything from virtual rides in a Ford Model T. There's also the Colorado Stories exhibit, where stories are told each day. In addition to their six exhibits, the History Colorado Center hosts plenty of programs and events, including live theatrical performances and insightful lectures.