Since 1997 the life of one of Estes Park’s most influential forefathers, F.O. Stanley, has been commemorated by displays and programs hosted by the Stanley Museum, now located in the Lower Stanley Village shopping center.

Stanley, a resident from Maine is known for constructing Estes Park’s historic Stanley Hotel, but he also paved the way for Estes Park to be known as a crown jewel for Colorado’s tourist destinations.
Stanley’s significant contributions to Estes Park also include development of the town’s infrastructure including power, sewer, and water system along with roads in the area. Through the use of his Stanley Steamer Mountain Wagon bus, Estes Park became the first resort community to transport visitors significant distances from railroad depots by automobile.

Stanley and his family are known for much more than development of the community’s improvements. Along with his twin brother, F.E. Stanley, they were inventors who held the first patent ever on the airbrush invention, photography innovations and violin production. Examples of all are on display at the museum.

In its location, the Museum provides programs and has adapted its popular history and ghost story tours to virtual tours in a presentation format. With the Museum's 1909 Model R Stanley Roadster, it presents a much more detailed talk about the significance of the Stanley steam car, its place in automotive and transportation history and an introduction to how it works. It also offers groups of 10-20 its history lectures with special teas.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.