The Farmington Museum sits on the east bank of the San Juan River and covers the natural and cultural history of the Four Corners region. Exhibits address the geology of the Colorado Plateau, the oil and gas industry that drove Farmington's 20th-century growth, and the history of the region's Navajo and Ancestral Puebloan cultures. The collection isn't large, but it's a useful primer before heading out to the surrounding landscape.
The museum shares the building with the E3 Children's Museum, making it a good stop for families. The setting on the river with mature trees is pleasant; bring a picnic for the grounds. Entry is free. The building is at 302 North Orchard Avenue, a short drive from downtown.