Denver, CO (May 24, 2022) — Colorado is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates the state’s diverse origins and embraces travelers and residents from all walks of life. This month, Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis signed a bill into law passing historic legislation officially recognizing Juneteenth, African American Emancipation Day, as Colorado’s 11th state holiday. June also marks National Pride Month and Pride celebrations are happening across the state.
Below is a sampling of experiences that showcase Colorado’s rich cultural heritage, diverse and minority-owned businesses, as well as adaptive adventures for all abilities, LGBTQ+ offerings and events and more. For more information, visit COLORADO.com.
Explore Colorado’s Rich Cultural Heritage:
Amache Named as America’s Newest National Historic Site, Granada: President Biden signed the Amache National Historic Site Act in spring 2022, designating the Amache site in Granada as part of the National Park System. This designation, the first in the National Park System during this Administration, will permanently protect the site for future generations and will help tell the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II.
Journey Across Colorado’s Black History Via a New Interactive Mobile App: Later this summer, History Colorado will launch the “Black Heritage Trail,” an interactive mobile app that maps sites and places of Black historical significance to explore throughout Colorado. This mobile guide will highlight virtual and in-person experiences that present historical narratives that trace Black history from pioneer days to modern times. It will feature important locations, landmarks and photographs alongside oral histories from History Colorado’s collections.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation Named the Historic Chicano/a/x Community Murals of Colorado to Its 2022 List of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places: The Chicano/a/x Community Murals of Colorado represent the Hispano history and culture of the Chicano/a/x people of Colorado. They were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and 70s, which used art as a means to educate young people and citizens-at-large about the significant contributions of Hispanos, Chicanos, Mexican Americans and Latinos to American society.
2022 Marks the 100th Anniversary of Lincoln Hills, the Historic Mountain Resort for African American Families, Black Hawk: Lincoln Hills was developed in 1922 in Gilpin County as a recreation area by and for African-American families who were not welcomed in more popular vacation spots due to segregation. It was only one of four such areas in the United States, and the only resort of its kind in the West. In honor of the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of Lincoln Hills, History Colorado is producing a series of programs to highlight the unique history of Lincoln Hills, and the Black experience in Colorado.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Colorado’s Oldest Church Commissions Labyrinth, Conejos: Colorado’s oldest church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, in Conejos on the New Mexico border, is receiving a new piece of architecture. El Santuario de los Pobladores will be completed in the fall of 2022 and is a giant labyrinth that is meant to be walked through slowly and contemplatively by designer Ronald Rael.
Ute Mountain Tribal Park Offers Guided Tours, Towaoc: The Ute Mountain Tribal Park on the southern border of Mesa Verde offers tours with a Native American Ute guide. To preserve the Ancestral Puebloan architecture, the area was set aside by the Ute Mountain Utes and is accessible to the public only through guided tours. Ute guides interpret the history, dwellings and centuries old rock art decorating the canyon walls.
Support Colorado’s Diversity & Minority-Owned Businesses:
The Culture Museum Opens in Denver: The Culture Museum, a selfie experience, is a new immersive, multi-room art installation dedicated to celebrating iconic moments in Black pop culture. The museum, which recently opened in the RiNo Art District in Five Points, explores an array of Black culture expressions with themed rooms ranging from ‘90s sitcoms and iconic films, to hip hop music, to the barbershop and family reunions.
Inclusive Guide Launches in Colorado: Inclusive Journeys was founded by two Black women with a mission to create data-driven, economic incentives for businesses to be more inclusive and welcoming, resulting in safer spaces for people who regularly experience discrimination. The Beta version of their Inclusive Guide, a digital Green Book and website like Yelp for inclusivity, launched in the Denver community on Juneteenth with a plan to launch in other cities across the country in the future.
Juneteenth Music Festival, Denver (June 17–19, 2022): This historic street festival returns to Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, the historic “Harlem of the West,” with live performances, art, vendors and fun for the entire family. Don’t miss the interactive and educational programming at acclaimed African American cultural institutions and landmarks across Five Points.
Latino Outdoors, Statewide: Latino Outdoors is a unique Latinx-led organization working to provide members of the Hispanic and other underrepresented communities with transformative outdoor experiences. As part of this work, the organization serves as a platform for sharing cultural connections and narratives that are often overlooked by the traditional outdoor movement. It is a space for the community to be present, share their voices and showcase how conservation roots have been ingrained in la cultura Latina for generations.
Mango House, Aurora: Mango House is a refugee resource center with several non-profits operating inside, along with a food hall with international offerings including Burmese, Sudanese, Syrian and Somali cuisine.
Pioneering the Field: Women in Mining Exhibit, Leadville: The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum is proud to announce the women featured in the upcoming temporary exhibit, “Pioneering the Field: Women in Mining”. After thorough examination of the more than 50 women nominated, 15 have been chosen to be included in the exhibit. Women were nominated from across the country who have a wide variety of experience in the mining industry. Opened May 22, 2022.
Tocabe, Denver and Greenwood Village: This restaurant is the only American Indian owned and operated restaurant in Metro Denver specializing in Native and Indigenous cuisine. It offers guests a warm, open space to dine with connections to American Indian cultural elements, infused with a contemporary atmosphere.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Events:
Beers for Queers, Leadville (June 23, 2022): FREIGHT celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with beers, music and games. This all-age friendly event is welcoming of anyone and everyone. Special cocktail and mocktail menu will be available. No cover, just love.
15th Annual Big Gay Raft Trip, Glenwood Springs: The Big Gay Raft Trip is held twice each summer: the second week of June and the third week in August. Each weekend trip offers a full day of rafting, including lunch, welcome parties, happy hours, friendship dinners at various Glenwood Springs restaurants and a Sunday brunch. There have even been a few weddings during Big Gay Raft Trips. Summer 2022 marks the 15th annual Big Gay Raft Trip bringing together men and women for two weekends of rafting and camaraderie on the Colorado River.
Blockwide Pride at the Dairy Block, Denver (June): Denver Milk Market is hosting events from June 23-27, including a Family Day, a Drag Revue, Drag Bingo Brunch and the Musical Monday Broadway sing-along. The Maven Hotel is offering a YAS Queen Getaway that includes two rainbow cocktails, a box of colorful sweets from Colorado’s Temper Chocolates and an in-room disco experience featuring a curated Prideful Playlist and a disco ball! Several other Dairy Block partners are also offering month-long specials like the Pride Flight at Blanchard Family Wines.
Boulder Pride Festival (June 6–12, 2022): To celebrate the goal of equality and respect for all, the Boulder Pride Festival takes place June 6-12 with the main celebration happening Sunday, June 12 with a motorcade, 150 vendors, food and drinks in Boulder’s Central Park and more. Fun Fact: America’s first same sex marriage license was issued in 1975 in Boulder at the Boulder County Court House. And because of its significance in LGBTQ+ history, the Court House is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Denver PrideFest (June 25–26, 2022): Denver PrideFest features a two-day festival that draws visitors from throughout the state of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. The weekend kicks off with the Pride 5K on Saturday, June 25, followed by the two-day Denver PrideFest at Civic Center Park. The Fest includes over 250 exhibitors, 30 food and beverage vendors, and live performances all weekend long. Sunday begins at 9:30am with colorful floats, marchers, music and much more at the annual Coors Light PrideFest Parade.
Meow Wolf Celebrates Pride Month, Denver: On June 1, Denver Meow Wolf is hosting the official kick-off to Denver Pride month hosted by Indie 102.3's LGBTQ+ show, Serve It. The event will feature music and performances from all LGBTQ+ artists, including DJ Kori Hazel, drag queen Mikki Miraj and friends, and musical headliners Wheelchair Sports Camp and Destino. The Denver Meow Wolf location is hosting two official pride events, and will be out in the community participating in myriad ways in Denver PrideFest.
Experience Adventures for People of All Abilities:
Accessible Colorado State Parks: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) strives to ensure everyone can access the state’s special places and activities. CPW offers the Columbine Pass, which provides reduced park entrance fees to Colorado residents with different abilities. It also offers accessible fishing locations in every corner of the state and offers people with disabilities hunting accommodations and services. Requests can also be made for sign language interpretation and assistive listening equipment in the parks. Visitors searching for wheelchair-accessible trails across the state can access the Colorado Trail Explorer app.
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) Offers Adaptive Sports and Recreation Programs, Breckenridge: BOEC’s Summer Wilderness Program features camps and retreats for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities who want to enjoy the experience of rafting, rock climbing, hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), camping, an accessible high ropes course and much more. As a national leader in adaptive outdoor adventure, BOEC’s programs take place on their 39-acre campus in Breckenridge as well as provide an opportunity to explore the amazing sights and sounds of the western United States.
The Creede Repertory Theatre is a Place of Belonging, Creede: The Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT) is an artistic haven with an EDI committee informed by work done in society and the larger theatre world. CRT commissions new, diverse playwrights annually and employs reduced bias hiring practices. This August, CRT will present five American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted productions, and high-quality assisted listening devices and trigger warnings are provided for every performance. Each year, the Education Department reaches over 35,000 underserved young people through camps, workshops and touring productions, and free childcare is provided for all company members.
Meow Wolf Offers Audio Tours for Blind and Low Vision Travelers, Denver: Meow Wolf Denver has created a groundbreaking two-hour Audio Description Tour, Highlights of the Convergence. Travelers who want or need a guided experience can explore the Convergence through the descriptive narration of expert guides, detailing key visual elements and action that might not be observed by someone with limited vision. This complimentary Audio Description Tour is designed specifically for audience members who are Blind or have low vision, allowing for a more inclusive experience of the exhibition by means of description, storytelling, touch exploration and play.
National Sports Center for the Disabled, Winter Park: The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) has provided adaptive sports lessons in Colorado for more than 40 years. NSCD offers a variety of adaptive lesson opportunities--including skiing, rafting, horseback riding and more — for both groups and individuals.
The Sensory Trail, Boulder: The Sensory Trail is designed specifically for people with vision impairment and for sighted visitors to imagine what it might be like to be blind. The 1.2 mile dirt trail, near Artist’s Point, has signs in English and in Braille that encourage hikers to use their other senses — touch the trees, smell the native flowers, listen to the birds and the wind blowing through the trees. Thirty trails and sites in Boulder are accessible for people experiencing disabilities.
Wilderness On Wheels, Grant: The mission of Wilderness on Wheels, or WOW, is to stimulate the development of access for disabled persons to natural outdoor environments. WOW accomplished this through the construction of a 1-mile, 8-foot wide boardwalk starting at 9,100 feet to the top of a 12,300-foot mountain 60 miles west of Denver near Grant. It is free to hike the boardwalk at Wilderness on Wheels.
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ABOUT COLORADO: Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine and 28 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, 26 scenic and historic byways and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, “Explore Colorado” visit COLORADO.com or call 1-800-COLORADO. Follow Colorado on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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