The town of Longmont (population about 52,000) terminates one end of the Diagonal Highway, otherwise known as Rte 119, about 10 minutes northeast of Boulder. Across from the public library sits the Longmont Museum.

It will not take you long to wander through the exhibits, perhaps a half hour or so, but it is worth a stop if you are passing through town.

Inside, there is a recreation of a Wild West town, complete with wooden sidewalks and a number of facades, including a Stage Depot, Livery, and other storefronts. The reconstruction is quite good, although the shelves are somewhat bare. the Stage Depot has a double-barreled shotgun on display, as well as period recreation clothing you are welcome to try on.

At the time of my visit, a special exhibit of the Chicago Colony provided information on the group of Chicagoans who collected money, bought land, and organized the wagon train. Despite its title, emigrants from 20 different states made the trip. A fictional diary offers an interpretation of the travel at the time.

You'll also find a small display honoring NASA astronaut Vance Brand, Apollo-Soyuz and Shuttle commmander, with a variety of photos and time-capsule artifacts.

If you head from Longmont towards Boulder along 119 (or visa versa), be sure to stop in the Celestial Seasonings Tea factory. The tour is quite interesting, the "tea storage room" will clear out your sinuses, and the gift shop will please tea lovers to no end.

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