Entry No. 24 — the Fort Collins file — filed under: history

Lee Maxwell Washing Machine Museum

Tucked onto a farm three miles west of Eaton, Lee Maxwell's 20,000-square-foot building holds the Guinness-certified world's largest collection of antique washing machines — over 1,400 machines spanning from the 1840s to the mid-20th century. Maxwell, a retired CSU electrical engineering professor, personally disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled most of them. Among the standouts: a washer powered by sheep walking a ramp, a machine that doubles as a hair-perming device, and examples sourced from Austria, France, Germany, and Great Britain. He also authored the first comprehensive history of washing machines, viewing the collection as a record of women's liberation from domestic labor.

The move: Book an appointment together and arrive ready for a genuine two-hour guided tour from Maxwell himself — the machines are wild enough to spark conversation for the whole drive home. Pair it with lunch in Greeley or a stop at one of Eaton's small-town diners.

📍 Before you go Tours are by appointment only — email [email protected] or call 970-454-1856. Tours run approximately two hours, typically at 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. during warmer months. Cost is around $150 for groups up to 10 (confirm current pricing when booking). Children under 12 are not admitted. The museum is on a working farm, so wear closed-toe shoes. No walk-ins.

• 📍 Eaton
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 35901 County Road 31, Eaton, CO 80615

Hours: Added 2026-06-11 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-11