The Ute Museum sits in the heart of traditional Ute territory on lands once homesteaded by Chief Ouray. Migrating from the mountains in the summer to river valleys in the winter, the Utes used the abundant plants and animals of the Uncompahgre River valley for food, clothing, and shelter.
The museum lies on the original 8.65-acre homestead owned by Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta. Built in 1956 and expanded in 1998, the museum offers one of the most complete collections of the Ute people. The grounds include the Chief Ouray Memorial
Park, Chipeta's Crypt, and a native plant garden.
Just by luck, we happened to be at the Ute Museum on Chipeta Day, a cultural happening for the entire community of Montrose. Chipeta Day started in 2002 to remember, honor, and respect Chipeta, wife of Chief Ouray. Chipeta died in 1924, and was brought back home to Montrose in March 1925. At that time, only two Indian people attended her funeral. The three Ute tribes came together on traditional Ute lands to honor and remember Chipeta.
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