Columbine of Aspen

We had a very nice visit and while I paid full price for my purchases on my first visit, the gentlemen were willing to negotiate with my kids as they were using their own money. They had some great fossils and minerals and it’s a fun place to see. The reason I give them only 3 stars is they are extremely, and I mean, extremely, overpriced. First, I forgot this was Aspen. Everything is over priced. Second, we didn’t know the fossil market very well and didn’t know about availability. Imagine the pit in our stomaches when we visited Dinosaur Ridge (outside of Denver) two days later and saw many of the same things we had purchased (fish, teeth, etc.) for substantially less. For instance, the fish from Wyoming, priced here at $ 95 were available at Dinosaur Ridge for $ 20-​$ 35. The Mososaur teeth were $ 15 at Columbine, and $ 3 at DR. My kids were sooooo upset when they realized they had overpaid (as it was their own money). A lesson well learned by everyone, I guess. So enjoy the view, but do your homework before you buy.

Remember Plunderin’ Petes on the Simpsons where you can buy national treasures, priceless fossils, and artifacts? Well this is that place in real life. The stuff is pricey but it’s arguably priceless so I say charge what ever you want guys. Their inventory is really amazing. You have to stop in and look at it at least. It’s like a museum of 40 million year old stuff that looks really cool.
My brother got some of these fossils of ancient critters and used them as bricks on the outside of his fireplace. Classy, I know.
It’s one of those few places I’ve ever been that made me wish I made more money than I do.
And the guys working there could not be friendlier. There’s no Aspen arrogance here. They treat everyone well.