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March 2024 by Jenni M.
Before heading back to Southern Colorado, I asked my fiancé if he was interested in visiting the Kit Carson Home & Museum. It was a beautiful day on March 20, 2024, in downtown Taos, NM. Unbeknownst to me, he had been there as a young boy. Now that he's old - lol - he didn't remember the museum bring set up the way it was. We arrived at approximately 3:20PM which was forty minutes from closing time. Dave, the lone museum staff member, explained that he would stay as long as we needed, but not accept any new visitors after a certain time. Tickets to the non-profit museum were $10 per adult. Cash or card was accepted. Dave made our visit a 5-star experience. He loves history. He has read several of the books if not all of them from the gift shop. He recommended "Blood & Thunder" by Hampton Sides which was an historical account of Kit Carson's life, "yet reads like a novel." We first watched a 20-minute documentary in the theater across the courtyard highlighting Carson's key adventures. The women's restroom was nearby and reasonably clean. Then we trekked back over to the museum. If you're over 5'6" watch your head because the doorways are low. There were minimal artifacts scattered throughout, but we enjoyed it nonetheless. Parking was a bit of a hassle as there was no lot - only metered street parking a ways down. And in the last words of Kit Carson, "Goodbye, friends, adios amigos."
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October 2023 by Glynnis Gaines
An interesting museum. I learned more about Kit Carson than I knew before I went. I love history and this was a charming place to visit. I hope they can get some funding to do some better labeling of some of the pieces, replace the adobe, and continue maintenance. Worth a visit on a nice afternoon--it might inspire you to read more!
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October 2023 by Rocco Guaragno
I was shocked to see the museum only had 4.4 stars. Many reviewers are not wowed by the Carson’s home and the artifacts in it. The legend of Kit Carson is not in what he owned but in what he did. He lived in a time and in a way where possessions did not make a man. The accomplishments he made can not be measured in importance of the development of the west. If you notice throughout the west there are towns, mountains and forests named after him. Having some knowledge of Kit Carson previous to the visit of the museum I thought it was interesting to see his home and some of his personal belongings. I highly recommend this museum.
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August 2023 by Madeline M
This was a really nice time, the home is in beautiful condition and the history of Kit Carson was interesting. The man that works there, sets you up on your tour, was very friendly and knowledgeable, a sweet person.
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August 2023 by Garry Thompson
During my recent Vacation I was able to visit Taos, New Mexico. While walking around the old plaza and surrounding area I happened upon the Kit Carson House and Museum. Being a history buff, I seized the opportunity to visit the home of the famed Mountain Man, Explorer, Army Scout and Indian Agent. I started my visit by watching a short video about Kit and then began my tour of the four-room house that He and his wife Josefa called home from 1843 until their death in 1868. The tour is self-guided, and you can browse the home at your own pace. None of the furniture in the home is original to the home however there are a few artifacts that belonged to Kit including his Mason’s Apron and the desk that he used while serving an Indian Agent. The courtyard was used as a corral and stable when the Carson’s lived here. As you walk through the house there are several displays detailing the life of the famed Mountain Man and Explorer. Because I am a reader, I spent a little more than an hour touring the House and grounds. I dare say that most people can complete their tour in about 30 minutes. When you finish the tour of the house be sure to take a short walk down the street behind the home to Kit Carson Park. Located within the park is Kit Carson Memorial Cemetery where Kit and his wife along with other members of their family are buried. The entrance to the park is a little hard to find, however the staff at the Museum are happy to provide directions. I enjoyed my visit and would recommend anyone visiting Taos to allow a little extra time to visit this historic site.
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August 2023 by Cynthia P
A disappointing museum. While there are many interesting articles, in my opinion, they are not presented in a way that showcases the importance and life of the man. The admission price is modest and even though we were disappointed we thought it was still worth a visit. Please note parking on the street is very limited. There is a parking lot across the street a reasonable walk to the museum.
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June 2023 by Madrona Beach
I'm glad they've preserved the building where Kit Carson lived, though as photos indicate it was basically rebuilt as tourist attraction in the 20th c. There's a lot of potential for this museum to tell important stories about myths vs reality in the history of the US west. Unfortunately, the stories it now tells are "here is some old stuff that might be similar to what would have been in this house 150 years ago."Price for entry: $10
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June 2023 by Allen Wickham
Interesting place to get to know the history of the area. Not all of the ancient house is wheelchair accessible, but the majority of the place is. The theater could use some work.
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April 2023 by Laura Ramos
It was small and there was not a whole lot of artifacts but it was a great experience.
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January 2023 by Doris Holderness
Enjoyed the 20 minute video then House and Museum.
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November 2022 by Rodney P.
The museum has not changed much in recent years, but I still enjoy each visit. They do not pull any punches - Kit Carson was a man of many facets; some good and some bad. However, I have to say there are few in history who have contributed so much to our history as a country.
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October 2022 by Linda Anderson
This was very good. Not large but well done. There was a very good movie that documented the history as well. I would recommend making time to watch it. We really thought it was interesting and had a lot of different items to see. The building is the original home and it contains family belongings.
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October 2022 by Carol Caley
The movie before the tour of their home gave a better picture of the man than anything I previously knew or thought I knew. He wasan amazing man of great moral character and courage. So very glad it was open..website said closed. It was a highlight of our tripMontana to Texas.
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August 2022 by Jane Bongo
Worthwhile stop to learn about the life of Frontiersman Kit Carson.
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July 2022 by Paula E.
Loved this homestead and our visit here. I'm a sucker for old restored homes showing how they lived back in the day. Be sure to check out the movie before hand to explain more. Lots of things to read. Look at, admire and learn about.
