The Cultural Heritage Museum at the Elkhorn Project celebrates the unique history of the Estes Valley and the Elkhorn Lodge's place in that history. The historical museum is situated in the Ranch House, the original James family home. The James family began the Elkhorn Ranch as a cattle ranch. Soon, travelers from far and wide descended upon the Estes Valley seeking temporary lodging. What began as taking in a few tourists turned into a viable business for the James family. The Elkhorn Lodge continued to expand into all the buildings you see today.

In addition to the history museum, the Elkhorn Project intends to create a living history museum illustrating life as it was in the late 1800s in the Estes Valley.