HISTORY & HERITAGE

No trip to Colorado would be complete without experiencing its ancient and historic past. Formed by native peoples, westward exploration and expansion, industry and numerous influential citizens, Colorado’s rich heritage and artifacts are waiting to be discovered.

Visitors can experience the state’s earliest historic sites including Dinosaur Ridge near Morrison, Dinosaur Monument in Northwest Colorado and Picketwire Canyon in Southeast Colorado as well as the earliest residents, the Ancestral Puebloans, at Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and the Anasazi Heritage Center all located in the Southwest. The state’s rich American Indian heritage can be experienced at galleries and festivals across the state in addition to museums and sites such as the Ute Indian Museum, Koshare Indian Museum and along the Trail of the Ancients Scenic and Historic Byway.

The exploration of the West and life on the frontier can be seen at numerous historic forts including Bent’s Old Fort, Fort Garland and Fort Uncompahgre. Along the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway, travelers can experience living on the new frontier and the views that rewarded the settlers as they arrived at the base of the mountains.

The mining boom drew many people to Colorado with a hope of striking it rich. Travelers can experience a mining train trip 3000 feet/914.4 meters into the Bachelor Syracuse Mine in Southwest Colorado or see the prosperous main streets of mining towns such as Breckenridge, Leadville and Central City.

From cliff dwellings to historic railroads, ghost towns to scenic byways, museums and more – you’ll find many ways to experience Colorado’s distinctive character.

The heritage content was partially funded by a State Historical Fund grant award from the Colorado Historical Society.