Things to Do in Durango, CO – The Historic Downtown
Historic Downtown Durango is a great place to start your exploration of the town. Walk down Main Avenue and take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant community. Be sure to stroll by the Bar D Chuckwagon, where you can hear old western music and enjoy a comedy show. What are some other things to do in Durango, CO?
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
No visit to Durango is complete without a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Durango Train). This historic train runs through the beautiful Animas River Valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Be sure to visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, which chronicles the history of the town’s iconic train. Admission is free for everyone.
Durango’s Boutique Hotels & Inns
Durango is home to some of the best boutique hotels and inns in Colorado. If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay, be sure to check out the Strater Hotel. This historic hotel features Victorian-style architecture and top-notch service.
For something a little more rustic, try the Durango Riverside Resort. This cozy lodge is located on the banks of the Animas River and offers easy access to all the town’s attractions.
Durango Botanic Gardens
The Durango Botanic Gardens is a must-see for nature lovers. This beautiful garden features more than 30 acres of hiking trails, gardens, and meadows. The botanic gardens are also home to Durango Public Library, which offers a great selection of books and magazines.
Things to Do in Durango, CO – Hiking and Biking Trails
What are some things to do in Durango, CO for active travelers? If you’re looking for a challenge, hike up to the top of Engineer Mountain. This popular trail offers stunning views of the valley below. For an easier hike, try the Animas River Trail. This flat, paved trail runs along the banks of the river and is perfect for families with young children.
If you’re looking to explore Durango by bike, be sure to check out the Horse Gulch Trail System. There are trails for beginners and experienced bikers alike – and if you’ve never tried mountain biking, you can learn it there.
San Juan National Forest
A trip to Durango wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the San Juan National Forest. This beautiful forest is home to scenic hiking and biking trails. Be sure to stop by the visitor center, where you can learn about the history of the area and pick up a map of the trails.
San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado are a great place to hike, camp, and fish. Historically, they were a gold and silver mining site in the colonial days.
Pinkerton Hot Springs
If you’re looking for things to do in Durango, CO that are a little more relaxing, try Pinkerton Hot Springs. These natural hot springs are located just outside of town and offer stunning views of the mountains.
Mesa Verde National Park
Located just a short drive from Durango, Mesa Verde National Park is a must-see for any visitor to the area. This park is home to some best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan ruins in the country. Be sure to take a guided tour of the cliff dwellings – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Places to Visit in Durango – Museums and Art Galleries
Looking for things to do in Durango, CO to satisfy your inner historian or aesthete? You’re in luck. Durango is home to a number of museums and art centers.
- The Animas Museum chronicles the history of the town from its early days as a mining town to its present-day status as a popular tourist destination.
- The Fort Lewis College Center of Southwest Studies is dedicated to the history and culture of the Southwest.
- The Durango Arts Center is the perfect place to see local art and buy souvenirs for your friends and family back home.
- The Toh-Atin Gallery is the oldest and largest Native American art gallery in Durango.
- Diane West Jewelry & Art is a great place to find unique art and jewelry made by local and nationally recognized artists.
There’s also the Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum, where you can see taxidermy animals native to Colorado. It’s a great place for kids to learn about the area’s wildlife, and for the adults to take some family photos.
For something more scientific and hands-on, head to the Powerhouse Science Center. This museum has interactive exhibits on space, physics, and the environment.
Skiing, Adventures and Rafting in Durango
Durango is a great place for winter sports. The Purgatory Resort is the largest ski resort in the area, with more than 100 trails and lifts. Hesperus Ski Area and Chapman Hill are smaller, but it’s perfect for beginner skiers and families. All three resorts offer lessons for beginners, so you can learn to ski even if you’ve never been on the slopes before.
For zip lining, axe-throwing or whitewater rafting, head to Durango Adventure and Zipline Tours. They offer a variety of adventure activities, so you can find the perfect one for you. There’s also Soaring Tree Top Adventures with the longest zipline in the USA.
Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours is another great place for outdoor adventure in Durango. They offer whitewater rafting along the Animas River, jeep tours, and zip lining.
Things to Do in Durango, CO – Shopping, Dining and Drinking
Durango’s Main Avenue is lined with quaint shops selling everything from Western wear to locally made art. Be sure to stop by Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory, where you can buy delicious handmade chocolates.
If you’re looking for a place to eat, Durango has no shortage of great restaurants. For a casual meal, try Diamond Belle Saloon or James Ranch Grill. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, check out The Kennebec Café.
After dinner, head to one of Durango’s many bars and breweries. Carver Brewing Company is a local favorite, with a variety of handcrafted beers on tap. Or, you could try distilled spirits at Durango Craft Spirits. For live music, check out The Summit – they have live bands every night.
Places to Go Near Durango
Sometimes it’s nice to get out of town and explore the surrounding area. For a longer road trip, head to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This park is about three hours from Durango, but it’s worth the drive. You can hike to the top of the tallest dunes in North America, or go sledding down them. Another nearby option is the Four Corners Monument, where you can stand in four states at the same time.
Planning Your Durango Vacation Yet?
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Durango, CO that are adventurous or relaxing, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs. With its beautiful scenery and rich history, Durango is a must-visit destination. Start planning your visit today and enjoy all the outdoor activities!
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