Additionally, the museum has an extensive collection of digitized documents, Native American relics, and an interesting collection of artifacts yielded from local fires. No matter the time of year, theres always so much to do in Durango. The focal point of the hatchery is a coldwater stream thats perfect for fishing so long as you have the necessary permits. Click on a link below to learn more about local brewers from Durango, Colorado. Pledge to follow our safety guidelines and preventative action, for a chance to win your DREAM Vacation to the spectacular Durango, Colorado! Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Durango, 2700 Main AveDurango, CO 81301(970) 375-7300. . Some of the beautiful displays include an elevation grass collection, a quaint crevice garden, a whimsical wind garden, and an arboretum. From the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway to Tracks Across Borders and the Trail of the Ancients, explore some of the most breathtaking sights in Colorado. Santa Rita Park is a beautiful place to be in Durango. Many places across the United States offer tourists similar shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. Besides the excellent accommodations, Strater Hotel is one of the best Durango attractions in general. It's located at the train station, but if a train is in the station, you will need to walk to the very front of the train, past the hissing steam engine, and cross the tracks. Brewing incredible craft beers since its establishment in 1995, its something of a local institution. The trail is peaceful and perfectly suitable for beginner-level hikers. If you have time to add on a day trip, consider heading out to the Mesa Verde National Park for a close-up look at the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Browse different rides & seasonal events. The Southern Ute Museum celebrates the indigenous Southern Ute Tribe by educating visitors on the rich and vibrant history of Native American culture here. 6 Amazing Colorado Towns To Visit In Fall (2022) | TravelAwaits 1 Skier Place. Trekking the Sky Steps up to Fort Lewis is a must for anyone visiting Durango. One of the most popular activities at the park is hiking. No matter the time of year you plan to visit, Purgatory Ski Resort is one of Durangos greatest points of interest. Top 5 Spots for Gorgeous Things to See in Durango CO | Durango Colorado Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This unique museum features an eclectic mix of items, with everything from antique cars to a solar-powered car, as well as antique farm equipment, covered wagons, models, mounted animals, and a variety of other random pieces. The Colorado Trail runs for a little less than 500 miles through the Rocky Mountains from Denver to Durango. This gorgeous alpine lake is set between two towering mountains in the Weminuche Wilderness of Durango, Colorado. If you do, one of the best things to do in Durango for couples is going on a date together at this spectacular winery. Address: 3065 W 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301, United States. You can do things like view exhibits on Native Americans, see a restored 1905 classroom, attend an intriguing lecture, listen to audiotapes, learn about significant events, and so much more. Winter activities are dog sledding, Nordic skiing, riding horse-drawn sleighs, snow tubing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and endless more. Why not check out some of the best things to do in Denver & some of the best things to do in Colorado Springs? One of our favorite places! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn, 528 Main AveDurango, CO 81301(970) 403-8182. Visit Durango, CO | Official Tourism Site of Durango, Colorado One of the top things to do in Durango tonight is watching an amazing live show at Bar D Chuckwagon while enjoying a mouth-water dinner featuring roast beef, steak, chicken, and more. The pools feature a range of temperatures for you to enjoy as you drift away to sounds of the nearby forest and bubbling springs. For something a bit less intensive, try the half-mile Alpine Slide, where you ride a small board with wheels down a curvy course made up of U-shaped concrete. Grand Lake is one of the best spots in Colorado for swimming, fishing, boating and soaking up some sun. It is the ideal place to go bouldering, climbing, hiking through thick forests, mountain biking through trails of varying difficulties, and many others. #1 Skier Place Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-9000. Visiting other parts of Colorado? Durango is found in the south western region of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Whether you visit during warmer months or winter, you can take in the jaw-droppingly gorgeous landscape as you enjoy the ride. Established just over 10 years ago, Animas Chocolate & Coffee Company is a purveyor of delectable, chocolate confections that can be enjoyed at their onsite cafe or carried out. Surrounded by dense, lush forestry as well as incredible sandstone boulders, Dalla Mountain Park is a perfect place for exploring. Purgatory Resort is one of our finest accommodations in the Durango community and is home to the Inferno Mountain Coaster: a mile-long thrill that guides you through the trees while providing an unbeatable mountainside view, all while YOU control your own speed. We independently evaluate all recommended services and products. 15 Best Restaurants in Steamboat Springs, CO Top-Rated Places to Eat. If youre looking for recommendations, the distillerys most popular varieties include the award-winning Cinder Dick Bourbon, the Mayday Moonshine, and Soiled Doves Vodka. 30 Best Day Trips From Colorado Springs Places Nearby! Situated just 20 minutes north of Durango, Colorado is one of the coolest places in the US. You'll find great places for climbing and bouldering just outside of Durango. During the summer months, there are loads of cool water activities, and in the winter, the forest gives way to several winter sports. A fun outing for the family, you can see how 1.25 million fish are raised in order to be released into Colorado's waterways. You can find things to do year-round in this wonderful mountain reserve. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Nick Fox / Shutterstock Stretching the more than 45 miles between Silverton and Durango in Colorado, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an epic sight and attraction. If you are just looking for a nice walk, it's best to turn back at the bridge. A tributary of the San Juan River and part of the greater Colorado River system, the Animas River is surrounded by the beauty of nature. This glorious attraction is a nature lovers paradise. This Durango institution is a small-batch chocolate maker that uses the finest ingredients and methods. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Durango - Tripadvisor Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Strater Hotel. Each Soaring Tree Top Adventures tour is a whopping 5.5 hours in length; itll be a day you wont soon forget. Whether you start at north Main and walk south or vice versa, you're sure to find something you'll love. If you are the athletic type, you may enjoy a journey to the top of one of the many 14ers near Durango, where you will spend approximately 10 hours hiking. Located just west of Durango outside of Mancos,Mesa Verde National Park is home to over 5,000 archaeological sites, the most famous of which are the cliff dwellings. We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase. Durango, Colorado - Activities and Events | La Plata County Top 100 Things To Do In The Four Corners: CO, AZ, NM, UT Once you arrive, plan to indulge in house specialties such as the Alaskan King Crab Cake, hand-cut steaks, and must-have sauces and sides. Adults will likely find that the displays bring out the inner child in them as they discover things they never knew or had forgotten. The Strater Hotel. Owned and operated by the local historical society, the museum is set in the 1904 Animas School Building; in addition to its incredible contents, the historical building is also fun to explore. Whether you start at north Main and walk south or vice versa, youre sure to find something youll love. Grab take-out lunch from a Durango restaurant, set up your hammock, and enjoy the views! Tours are available for all snowmobiling skill levels and are guided by experts. One of the top vacation spots in Durango, Colorado, Strater Hotel should be on your short list of places to stay. Go on a shopping spree to fill your day (and cart) as you explore the great bargains and steals hidden in these shops! The Durango Community Recreation Center is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike for its many cheap and exciting possibilities. Satellite. Its a mecca for culinary creativity, its considered one of the happiest winter towns in the state, and its served as a muse for many artists. Things To Do Scenic Drives Scenic Drives Experience scenery and nature like never before with Durango, Colorado's stunning scenic drives. This paved trail is a very popular biking trail during the summer and for good reason! In winter, nearby Purgatory Ski Resort offers some of the best skiing in Colorado. If youre looking for inherently Colorado things to do in Durango, be sure to book a tour with Ice Pirates Backcountry Adventures. Lemon Reservoir is a magnificent area just northeast of Durango. First is the hot springs and no trip here is complete without visiting Ouray Hot Springs pool once. You will surely feel the warmth and hospitality that draws so many people to Durango! The route from Silverton to Ouray is known as the Million Dollar Highway due to the expense of building the road in such a difficult environment. This train ride is likely going to far exceed your expectations. Admission is free. Popular attractions here during the summer are alpine slides, mountain coasters, a bike park, and a lake for water recreation. If you are not up for a tour, you can view them from nearby lookouts, which offer impressive views of the remains. Save on outdoor activities, tours & rentals. The menu is also packed with local, sustainable ingredients that contribute to a flourishing local ecosystem. Take the Pledge to "Care for Durango" In order to ensure our beautiful area can be enjoyed for years to come, we encourage you to be a responsible traveler when you visit Durango. The open-air carriages with UV-protected glass-paneled roofs provide unbeatable views! Address: 225 Girard St, Durango, CO 81303, United States. Just a stone's throw away from the Animas River Trail north of Downtown Durango lies the Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum. Beautiful, peaceful! Address: Animas River Trail, 1900 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301, United States. 1. The forest consists of towering alpine peaks as well as desert mesas, and the San Juan National Forest has a unique ecosystem that sets the stage for year-round fun. The Powerhouse Science Centers exhibits delve into subjects such as the evolution of the guitar, life with wolves, the science of bicycles, and female inventors. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Durango Inn & Suites. Besides their delightful confections, Animas Chocolate & Coffee Company is also known for its smelter hot chocolate and Desert Sun organic coffee. Perched on the Animas River just north of downtown, Memorial Park is a beautiful area with swimmable rapids and a beach-perfect during a hot summer day. It has so much to offer you, no matter what season you visit. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Durango - Tripadvisor The lake, nestled between two mountains, is a haven for camping and is renowned for having the most popular hiking trail in the San Juan Mountains. The city is a beautiful place to walk and a great place to dine: here's our guide to some of the best restaurants in the area. Rare finds, fun fashion, and antique treasures are yours to discover here! Finally, the San Juan National Forest is a great place to spend a few days camping too. Read more. If you're looking for things to do in summer in Durango, you'll find plenty of activities at Purgatory! The Dalla Mountain Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering many fun activities in nature. One of the best introductions to the Colorado Trail is to hike to Gudys Rest, a high spot on the trail that overlooks the Animas River valley and Junction Creek. You can walk right up into the engineer's cab of a steam engine, see deep inside the fire box, and view all the gauges, knobs, and levers. The Durango Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 8:00 am to noon a block west of Main Avenue. Museums. A trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad should be at the top of your list of things to do on your vacation in Durango. Durango, Colorado is known for its southwestern charm, its incredible natural settings, and its rich history. Some of Colorado's Top Places to Retire | Retirement in CO The Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum offers its guest exhibits on Colorado wildlife and an awesome hatchery to explore. 2. For more ideas, see our list of the top things to do in Durango. The cold, winter air whipping against your face as you weave in and out of mountainous terrain is an exhilarating experience. The exquisite woodwork and detail in this 1880s and 1890s Victorian treasure are fascinating. This loop trail, set near beautiful Durango, Colorado, is a nearly 2-mile trail thats suitable for both hikers and horses. Spanning nearly many miles in the states western region, the forest is the perfect destination for adventure-seeking, nature lovers. All of the corn used in their products are sourced from the local Ute Mountains while grains are sourced from a local malting company. Without a doubt, Durango is one of the most incredible mountain towns in Colorado. Spend time indoors on your own or with your friends or family at the Durango Community Recreation Center. Many people come here for the long list of things to do in the area, but the historic downtown, with numerous buildings remaining from the late 1800s, offers great dining, shopping, and accommodation for those who just want a relaxing getaway. Whitewater rafting with professional guides. During your hike of Emerald Lake, youll reach elevations of up to 2,000 feet and experience some truly inspiring sights. James Ranch Grill is a fabulous restaurant offering delicious food and guided tours. One of the loveliest attractions in town, the Durango Botanic Gardens surrounds the local public library. Here are some of the best places in Colorado to retire, in no particular order: Take your time exploring this park and let the unspoiled forest provide you with peace and quiet and leave you feeling rejuvenated. Dessert, French $$ - $$$ Delicious Breakfast and . Downtown Durango has over 500 shops with everything youll need for your visit. Although the hotel doesnt have a full-service restaurant, it does serve breakfast each morning; however, youre only a stones throw away from many local restaurants. 14 Best Cabins For Rent In Durango, Colorado - Updated 2023 Check out some of the many wonderful places you might consider during your visit to Durango. 1. Theres no place better to warm up after a cold day in the mountains than with a cup ofhot chocolate. Enjoy either a self-guided walking tour or a scenic drive through the Parks cultural sites. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. Durango Craft Spirits is a well-loved distillery featuring an extensive menu of numerous alcoholic beverages. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. It got its start as a mining town. If you want to opt-out of hiking, you can also drive along the pass to view the majestic flowers. Are you craving a much-needed getaway from big cities, bustling crowds, and towering skyscrapers? The outdoor tanks located on the grounds produce over 1.3 million fish a year that help stock some of the waters around the state. Our favorite part of the trail goes from the Durango Public Library to the Whitewater Park. Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-3500 (800) 525-8855; 2023 Visit . Durango always values the safety and wellbeing of all residents and visitors. This 7.9 round-trip hike hugs Junction River and pine forest the entire way. What a nice place to relax or just drive around, hike and enjoy nature. 15 Top-Rated Things to Do in Durango, CO | PlanetWare . Serving fresh, eco-friendly meats and fish, Ore House is a delicious spot for dinner.