Colorado Tourist Attractions  

"Must See Tourist Attractions in Colorado."

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ATTRACTIONS

Denver   Front Range   Northwest   Southwest   South Central   Southeast   Northeast   National Parks

Denver

Butterfly Pavilion & Insect Center - Colorado's Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center is the only stand alone non-profit insect zoo in the nation.

Casa Bonita - Casa Bonita offers great Mexican food plus over 30 attractions including cliff divers, escaping gorillas, cowboy shootouts, lost caves and caverns, amusement arcade and more.

Children's Museum of Denver - At The Children's Museum of Denver you'll find interactive playscapes where children can touch and explore, try out roles and pretend to their heart's delight. It's a place where play is learning. And learning is fun!

Colorado's Ocean Journey - Self-guided tours through a variety of exhibits, including the Colorado River Journey, the Indonesian River Journey, and Sea Otter Cove. Families can also participate in fun-filled Overnights, Workshops, and Guided Tours.

The Colorado Railroad Museum - The Colorado Railroad Museum is recognized as one of the best privately supported rail museums in the United States. This "can't miss" site for the rail fans features over 70 historic narrow and standard gauge locomotives and cars exhibited on 15 acres at the foot of North Table Mountain, near Golden, Colorado.

Denver Art Museum - See one of the finest art collections in the West.  Various hands-on activities for children and families are scheduled daily.  During the summer of 2001, an exhibition drawn from one of the world's great European painting collections will be on view at the Denver Art Museum, in addition to other traveling exhibitions and the permanent collection.

Denver Botanic Gardens - Enjoy a myriad of gardens containing collections of plants from all over the world, including Japan, the Mediterranean, Africa, Spain, France, Australia and the tropics, among others.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts - The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is a showcase for live theatre, a nurturing ground for new plays, a preferred stop on the Broadway touring circuit, an award-winning teleproduction facility, a national training school for actors and the site of some of this country's most innovative voice research.

Denver Firefighters Museum - The Denver Firefighters Museum houses an extensive archive of old photographs, documents, certificates, journals and news stories about early Denver and the development of firefighting technology. It is dedicated to the preservation of Station No. 1, and the collection and display of firefighting equipment and memorabilia. This is a "hands on" living museum. You can lean inside for a look at the dashboard controls, try on a firefighter's helmet, and imagine that you are driving a team of horses.

Denver Zoo - The Denver zoo houses  more than 4,000 animals representing nearly 685 species - 157 of which are threatened or endangered.  The Denver Zoo’s animal collection is the 7^th most diverse in the United States and represents animals from North and South America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

Heritage Square Alpine Action - Colorado's Best Alpine Slide, the only 70-foot licensed Bungee Tower, and a heated Water Slide.

Lakeside Amusement Park - A great variety of amusement park rides awaits you at Lakeside.  There are rides for every level of excitement and adventure.  The park features a World-Famous Cyclone Roller Coaster, a coal burning miniature steam train that will whisk you around the park and lake, 15 rides just for kiddies in Kiddie's Playland, 40 rides, picnic areas and lots more.

Molly Brown House Museum - Experience the Home of the Heroine of the Titanic. The Molly Brown House Museum has become a major tourist attraction in the state. Each year approximately 40,000 people visit the house to learn about the lifestyle enjoyed by Victorian Denver's upper-middle class and gain a glimpse into the life of Denver's unsinkable lady.  Family activities and gift shop.

Six Flags Elitch Gardens -  Six Flags Elitch Gardens features more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions including a water park.

Tiny Town Railroad - The Oldest Kid Sized Village and Railroad in USA. Unique one-sixth-sized town with over 100 colorful buildings.  Enchanting train ride powered by authentic steam locomotive, neslted in scenic mountain canyon 30 miles from Denver.

United States Mint - The Denver Mint produces coins for general circulation, commemorative coins and miniature medals. It's also the only other mint besides Philadelphia that gives tours. Free, 20-minute tours let the public view the pressing of coins from start to finish. The gift shop also has collectibles, toys, games and clothing.

Water World - America’s largest family waterpark with over 40 aquatic attractions on 64 beautifully landscaped acres just minutes from downtown Denver.

Arvada Center - The Arvada Center is proud to offer award-winning, professional regional theater (both plays and musicals); Denver’s best children’s theater; a wide variety of concerts; classical and contemporary dance performances; nationally recognized gallery exhibitions; a history museum; over 600 arts and humanities classes each year for students of all ages; and a banquet and conference facility.

Astor House Museum - Located in historic downtown Golden, Colorado, the Astor House Museum and Clear Creek History Park offer a unique look back in time of

Front Range

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse - The Teahouse is a gift from Boulder's sister city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan and is the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Handcrafted by over 40 Tajik artisans, the Teahouse is a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors, patterns and furnishings. The Teahouse features an eclectic, international menu and teas from all over the world.

Celestial Seasonings Tea Company Tour - Visitor can enjoy a free 45 minute tour which includes an introductory video covering the Celestial Seasonings story, Walk through an Art Gallery and view original paintings from their tea boxes, stroll through the Celestial Herb Garden, view the production line where 8 million tea bags are produced daily or experience the Mint Room, and encounter the mind-clearing power of peppermint and spearmint. 

Chautauqua Park Historic District - Chautauqua Park offers a playground, hiking trails, breathtaking views, delicious meals at the historic Dining Hall, and entertainment, including lectures and performances at the Community House. Chautauqua is also home to the Chautauqua Summer Festival and the esteemed Colorado Music Festival.

Georgetown Loop Railroad - Ride the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. The railroad is located just 50 minutes west of Denver, operating daily Memorial Day weekend through October 7. The round-trip train ride takes one hour and ten minutes, with an option to tour the Lebanon Silver Mine.

The Dairy Center for the Arts - The Dairy Center for the Arts is a 40,000 square foot performing and visual arts center. The Dairy is a unique community treasure, now home to fifteen of Boulder's finest arts organizations, making it the city's largest multidisciplinary art center. Some 140,000 visitors pass through the building each year, enjoying classes, exhibitions and performances in dance, music, theatre, literary, visual and media arts. 

Estes Park - Estes Park is nestled 7,500 feet above sea level in the shadow of Rocky Mountain national Park.  Cradled by fifty-four 12,000-foot peaks, the village is the doorway to hundreds of thousands of acres of wilderness, boasting 355 miles of recreational and back country trails and teaming with wildlife.

Fiske Planetarium/Sommers-Bausch Observatory - Located on the beautiful campus of the University of Colorado, Boulder, science comes to life for the more than 25,000 visitors each year. They discover the intriguing world of astronomy and space science at the largest Planetarium between Chicago and Los Angeles.

Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art - Located in the city of Boulder, the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art boasts the largest, privately held collection of western art in the country, Leanin' Tree features a magnificent exhibit of fine art including cowboy, Native American and wildlife subjects, desert and mountain landscapes, and bronze sculptures.  The museum also offers a shop of Leanin' Tree greeting cards.

Boulder History Museum - The Boulder Museum of History is housed in the Victorian Harbeck-Bergheim mansion. Seven exhibit rooms explore the history of the Boulder region in all its colorful splendor.

Northwest

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens - At an altitude of 8,200 feet-one of the highest alpine gardens in North America--Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is in a unique position to grow and display a collection of plants that will grow and thrive at high altitude. Still developing, it is comprised of four separate gardens, each with a different focus.

Colorado Ski Museum - Travel back to times when skiers braved exciting mountains with primitive, basic equipment. Learn about the 10th Mountain Division, many of whom pioneered skiing in Colorado...You can even see how early mountain trail grooming was done.

Dinosaur Journey Museum - This museum features the latest exhibits and information about dinosaur excavations, realistic robotic dinosaurs and a working paleontology laboratory.

Doo Zoo Children's Museum - The Doo Zoo Children's Museum exists to celebrate the creative potential in each child through hands-on exhibits and programs that excite the imagination, stimulate curiosity, and provide joyful opportunities for discovering through exploration.  421 Colorado Ave. (970)241-5225.

Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge & Pool Resort - The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is the world’s largest outdoor mineral pool covering over two city blocks. Other activities include mini golf, a waterslide, spa and lodge.

Museum of Western Colorado - The Museum of Western Colorado, located in Grand Junction features three outdoor sites and a research library—Dinosaur Journey, Cross Orchard Farm and a History Museum.

Nordic Sleigh Rides and Dinner Theater - Your evening begins with a sleigh ride on custom-built Santa sleighs pulled by huge Belgian draft horses wearing antique brass sleigh bells. For your meal, you will be served great steaks, barbecue chicken or baked salmon dinners complete with hot apple pie for dessert. Then enjoy the show!

Western Colorado Botanical Gardens - Located at the Watson Island trailhead of the Colorado River Trail, the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens features a butterfly house, greenhouse and outdoor gardens. 

Western Colorado Center for the Arts - Visitors can view native and contemporary art of the Southwest including Anasazi pottery, Navajo rugs, prints and changing exhibitions by regional artists.

Glenwood Caverns - Located on top of Iron Mountain, just north of Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Caverns offers tours inside magnificent caverns formed of Leadville limestone approximately 325 million years ago.

Southwest

The Children's Museum of Durango - The Children's Museum of Durango is an educational and playful place for all ages. Hands-on learning, interactive exhibits, workshops, and programs invite us to discover more about ourselves and the world around us. 

Crow Canyon Archeological Center - If you're looking for an adventure in Southwestern archaeology, an exploration of Native American cultures, or a great way to experience the extraordinary landscape of the Four Corners region – Crow Canyon is the place for you!

Diamond Circle Melodrama - Located in the Historic Strater Hotel, 7th and Main, Downtown Durango, the world famous Diamond Circle Melodrama is a wonderful excursion back in time, to a bygone era of heroines, villains, and oh yes, the hero too.

Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour - The underground world of the hard rock miner is rarely seen by “outsiders.”  Now you too can go “on shift” and see the earth from the inside out. A one hour guided tour takes you 1/3 mile into Galena Mountain where you follow the vein and learn how mining was done.

Ouray - Ouray, the "Switzerland of America" has been a destination of world travelers for more than 100 years. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Districts.  In addition to skiing and ice climbing, you will find hot springs and the Bachelor Syracuse Gold mine.

Durango Arts Center  - The Durango Arts Center advances the visual and cultural arts for the enrichment of the individual, the community of Durango and southwest Colorado. 

South Central

Cave of the Winds - Explore this fantastic cave through the standard walking tour, or choose one of the two specialized tours. 

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is America's only mountain zoo! In addition to the collection of over 500 types of animals, you can ride the 1920's historic carousel, and see the most spectacular views of Colorado Springs. Your Zoo admission also includes access to the incredible Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.

Garden of the Gods - This incredible city-owned park is truly one of a kind. It offers towering sandstone formations, a wonderful view of Pikes Peak, paved and unpaved hiking paths, the historic Rock Ledge Ranch living history museum, and many other amenities.

Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway - Ride a cog train from Manitou to the summit of Pike's Peak.  The ride offer breathtaking scenery.  

Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame/Museum of American Cowboy - The only museum in the world devoted exclusively to the sport of rodeo and the men and women who have made it a world class sporting event. Visitors are treated to the Hall of Champions gallery, art exhibits, two video theatre presentations, rodeo & cowboy gear & memorabilia, live rodeo animals, rodeo arena, sculpture garden and a unique Rodeo America store.

United States Air Force Academy - Museum, Visitor Center, Movie (14 minute video) "Pursuit of Excellence", and Self Guided Tour - All free to the public.

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site - Located at the edge of beautiful Garden of the Gods Park, the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site is an educational, non-profit living history farm and museum.

Royal Gorge Bridge - Experience the World's Highest Suspension Bridge. Plus, an Aerial Tram, Incline Railway, Plaza Theater, and Nature Center with Colorado Wildlife and the Rocky Mountains. The park also features an entertainment gazebo, children's attractions, a variety of shops, restaurants and picnic areas.

Santa's Workshop - Santa’s Workshop/North Pole is a Christmas themed family amusement park located at the foot of Pike's Peak that has been in existence since 1956.  At the center of Santa’s Workshop is the North Pole, an ice-covered pole that never melts. Surrounding the North Pole are a variety of gift shops, each with their own unique selection of toys & gifts. Don't be surprised if you see Santa himself!

Seven Falls - Seven Falls is located in a natural box cañon. It is the only waterfall in Colorado listed in the National Geographic list of International waterfalls. The falls are best viewed from the Eagle’s Nest Observation platform – accessed by the mountain elevator located inside the mountain. One can also take the 224-step stairway.  Native Americans present interpretations of Indian dances hourly during the summer. Trails for walkers & bikers, snack bar, and picnic facilities.

Southeast

El Pueblo History Museum - The El Pueblo History Museum serves as the gateway to the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk & Historic District and as an educational gathering place focused on Pueblo’s diverse history and vibrant present. The museum showcases the history and traditions of the various cultural and ethnic groups in Pueblo.

Trinidad History Museum - The Trinidad History Museum is a unique complex featuring several attractions. The Bloom Mansion is the 1882 Victorian home of merchant, banker, and cattle baron Frank G. Bloom and his wife, Sarah (Thatcher) Bloom.

Koshare Indian Museum - Patterned after the Pueblo architecture found throughout the southwest, the meseum features the world's largest self supporting log roof and houses a magnificent collection of Native American art and artifacts. The museum was built through the efforts of and is home to the Koshare Indian Dancers - Troop 232 and Venturing Crew 2230 of the Rocky Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Sangre De Cristo Arts And Conference Center - The Sangre de Cristo Arts Center offers all of the arts for all of southern Colorado. From exciting contemporary and historic visual arts exhibitions to a fun, interactive children’s museum; from world-class performing arts programs to hundreds of education classes, the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center has it all!

Buell Children’s Museum - This 12,000 square-foot, two-level facility offers innovative, hands-on exhibits focusing on the arts, science and history for people ages 1 to 101.

Old Fire House No. 1 Children's Museum - The Children's Museum is a exciting, hands-on adventure into Trinidad's past. Adults as well as children delight in exploring Old Fire House No. 1, built around 1889. Visitors may sound the fire alarm and climb aboard the old red fire truck.

Rosemont Museum - The grandeur of a bygone era awaits you at the Rosemount Museum! Built in 1893, this 37-room mansion was home to the John A. and Margaret Thatcher family and named for Mrs. Thatcher's favorite flower. It remained a family residence for 75 years.

Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center - The Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center exhibits the storied history of Pueblo saddle-making, ranching, and the pioneering railroads that opened the state to settlers. The history of the native peoples of Colorado, from pre-history through the Utes, is interpreted with artifacts, maps, and drawings.

The Pueblo Zoo - Found in Pueblo, Colorado, the Pueblo Zoo covers 25 acres and was established in the 1920's. The zoo exhibits more than 300 animals of 110 different species from throughout the world.

Francisco Fort Museum - Francisco Fort was built in 1862 by Col. John M. Francisco and Judge Henry Daigre on land purchased from the Vigil-St. Vrain Land Grant. It was the first settlement in the Upper Cuchara Valley. The Museum is on the National Register of Historic Buildings and houses many fine artifacts thanks to the generosity of county residents. Located in La Veta.  (719) 742-5501

Northeast

The Kit Carson County Carousel - Ride the only antique carousel in America that still has the original paint on the scenery and on the animals. The deer have real antlers and some of the horses have real horse tails. A fully restored 1912 Wurlitzer Monster Military Band Organ plays while the carousel goes around. It, and the drive machinery are enclosed in the center of the carousel by 45 Victorian oil paintings.

Fort Morgan Museum - The Fort Morgan Museum has permanent  and temporary exhibits that showcase the museum's collection.  Signature exhibits on Plains military history, Colorado Indians, and bandleader Glenn Miller, who grew up in Fort Morgan.

National Parks

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - The Black Canyon of the Gunnison's unique and spectacular landscape was formed slowly by the action of water and rock scouring down through hard Proterozoic crystalline rock. No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

California National Historic Trail - The California Trail carried over 200,000 gold-seekers and farmers to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840's and 1850's, the greatest mass migration in American history. Today, more than 1,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen in the vast undeveloped lands between Casper Wyoming and the West Coast, reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American travelers and settlers.

Colorado National Monument - Established May 24, 1911, and on 20,453.93 acres, Colorado National Monument consists of geologic features including: towering red sandstone monoliths, deep, sheer-walled canyons, and a variety of wildlife (bighorn sheep, golden eagles, mule deer and mountain lions).

Curecanti National Recreation Area - Three lakes, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River, form the heart of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Panoramic mesas, fjord-like lakes, and deep, steep and narrow canyons abound. Blue Mesa Lake is Colorado's largest body of water, and is the largest Kokanee Salmon fishery in the United States. Morrow Point Lake is the beginning of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and below, Crystal Lake is the site of the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Recently discovered dinosaur fossils, a 5,000 acre archeological district, a narrow gauge train, and traces of 6000 year old dwellings further enhance the offerings of Curecanti.

Great Sand Dunes National Monument - Nestled in southern Colorado, North America's tallest dunes rise over 700 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The wind shaped dunes glow beneath the rugged backdrop of the mountains, creating a memorable scene. This geologic wonderland, containing 39 square miles of dunes, became a national monument in 1932.

Mesa Verde National Park - Mesa Verde National Park has the finest examples of Ancestral Puebloan structures and cliff dwellings in the world, dating from about 550AD to about 1300AD.

Pony Express National Historic Trail - he Pony Express National Historic Trail was used by young men on fast paced horses to carry the nation's mail across the country, from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California, in the unprecedented time of only ten days. Organized by private entrepreneurs, the horse-and-rider relay system became the nation's most direct and practical means of east-west communications before the telegraph. Though only in operation for 18 months, between April 1860 and October 1861, the trail proved the feasibility of a central overland transportation route, and played a vital role in aligning California with the Union in the years just before the Civil War.

Rocky Mountain National Park - The park's rich scenery typifies the massive grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide and looks out over peaks that tower more than 14,000 feet high. Wildlife and wildflowers call these 415.2 square miles (265,727 acres) of Colorado's front range, home. The road is closed over the winter. During the winter months snowshoeing is popular as is cross country skiing.

Yucca House National Monument - Yucca House National Monument is a large, unexcavated Ancestral Puebloan surface site. Yucca House is located in Southwest Colorado between the towns of Towaoc and Cortez.

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