Colorado in Color: Explore the State's Black History, Culture & More

Colorado’s past often calls to mind images of splashy Spaghetti Westerns filled with wind-burned, blonde cowboys galloping across the dusty plains. But there’s more to the picture than that. 

Vibe Tribe Adventures

Vibe Tribe

Raska

Raska Sauce & International Cuisine

Colorado not only boasts a rich Black history of civic engagement and entrepreneurship; it’s also home to numerous communities of color that round out the real picture of our Centennial State.

Historical Sites

Black American West Museum & Heritage Center, Denver

Learn about Colorado’s many early Black cowboys — including the famous Bill Pickett — and the tremendous role they played in America’s big Western expansion.

Five Points Walking Tour, Denver

In the self-guided tour of historical Five Points, step into monumental footprints left by jazz legends and the local artists’ community.

Barney Ford House, Breckenridge

Known as “the Baron of Colorado,” his name is based on the Lancelot Ford locomotive, a perfect symbol of the powerful force that propelled this formerly enslaved man through life.

Dearfield ghost town near Greeley

See this once-booming community of 300 Black homesteaders who settled here in the early 1900s.

Fort Garland Museum & Cultural CenterFort Garland

In the late 1870s, Black troops known as Buffalo Soldiers were stationed at Fort Garland and served in innumerable ways. They did everything — from preventing conflict between the Native Americans and the white prospectors to guarding and repairing the post, and they even acted as its fire department.

The Hattie McDaniel House, Fort Collins

McDaniel’s childhood home isn’t gone with the wind. It’s a standing memorial to her fascinating life and work.

Lincoln Hills near Black Hawk

Lincoln Hills emerged in 1922 as a recreational haven for Black people who weren’t freely permitted to visit national parks and public resorts. Today, it’s owned privately and its outdoorsy outings empower youths by connecting them with nature.

Black Heritage Trail, around Colorado

Download the History Colorado app, which features the Black Heritage Trail, for your next road trip. With it, learn about the many often overlooked ways Black Americans influenced and explored the West as you stop at places of significance throughout the state.

Eats & Drinks

Jessie's Smokin' NOLACentennial

Fire up your tastebuds with New Orleans-style faves like po'boys, gumbo and — of course — red beans and rice. Top off your meal with a slice of boubon pecan pie.

Raska Sauce & International Cuisine, Fort Collins

Signature dishes include pink lentil soup, Alicha stew and Ethiopian chicken upon request. Get a “little taste of everything” to go.

Novel Strand Brewing Co., Denver

They say, “beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.” And with canned favorites like Eau du Cologne and Ninja Sh!t, we’ll drink to that!

English DocksideColorado Springs

Passion-infused seafood satisfies at this popular eatery. You can even bring home a bottle of their signature My Secret Seasoning to inspire your own cooking.

Raglin Market, Boulder

Fresh and affordable fine dining sets this venue apart. From chicken and andouille gumbo to green-goddess salads and satisfying veggie sandwiches,
it’ll appeal to all palates.

The Crepe Shack, Snowmass Village

This menu offers a dizzying list of crepes, from Black Passion berry coulis to Pizza Lovers. It’ll take a minute, but this menu’s a sweet read you’ll surely savor.

Outworld Brewing, Longmont

Themed as “an interstellar trading post” run by monastic “Tappist” monks, Outworld elevates this beer-drinking experience by light years.

Rising Sun Distillery, Denver

Carefully selected small batch, farm-to-bottle ingredients make for an exciting blend of homegrown sophistication in every single pour.

Opting Outside

Get outdoors with experienced Black guides and other leaders of color. These welcoming groups will get you going across the Front Range and beyond. Get started with the basics of Colorado camping >>

Black History Bonuses

Colorado’s heritage is, indeed, as colorful and notable as its cultural celebrations. Here are some fun-filled festivals that celebrate our diversity and history well beyond February’s Black History Month.

Self-Guided Tours

These invite you to walk in big footprints. 

  • Pueblo — Explore the town co-founder by trapper-trader-explorer James Beckwourth.
  • The Little Rectangle — See where Boulder’s Black community once lived.

Want More?

Get ideas for winter vacations the whole family will love >>

Check out these hidden-gem history museums >>

Learn more about Colorado's diverse history and cultures >>