Richard E. Fike founded the Museum of the Mountain West in 1997. As a retired historical archaeologist, Fike served as state archaeologist for the Bureau of Land Management in both Utah and Colorado. The Museum is the result of Fike's lifetime dedication to preserving the history of the west. The Museum was incorporated in 2005 and the artifacts, buildings, and grounds have been donated by the Fikes to the 501(c)(3) for the education and enjoyment of visitors for generations to come.