DENVER, Colorado–February 3, 2026–Throughout 2026, Colorado will commemorate 150 years of statehood while celebrating 250 years of American independence. This dual milestone marks a rare opportunity to highlight Colorado's place within the broader narrative of the United States. Centered on the theme "The View From Here," several signature initiatives, educational programs, exhibits and community-led events are being designed to inspire connection, community engagement and statewide pride. These include:
- Digital Passport Program available on Colorado.com that encourages participants to explore Colorado’s attractions, businesses and hidden gems to earn rewards. Through the free program, participants can enjoy exclusive offers, discounts and increase their chances with each check-in to win prizes like $500 in United travel credits and 150,000 United MileagePlus® miles.
- Drone Shows: Stories in the Sky will bring an estimated 150 awe-inspiring drone shows to communities across the state throughout the commemoration. Set to music, every show will be customized to celebrate the corresponding event and host destination..
- Historic Preservation comes to the forefront with a goal to add 150 new or revised historic sites to the state’s register by the end of 2026, perfect for the history-buff’s itinerary.
- Statewide Oral History highlighting more than 150 diverse stories from across Colorado through recorded oral histories.
- History Where It Happened, a revitalization effort to update and add 150 historic markers across Colorado, ensuring a more accurate and inclusive representation of the state’s history.
- Statewide Event Calendar offering a diverse lineup of events— ranging from concerts and festivals to history exhibits, cultural observances, public art, educational programming and more.
- 14er Climb, celebrating that Colorado is home to 58 mountain peaks topping out at over 14,000 feet, known as “14ers.” In summer 2026, outdoor enthusiasts and climbing teams will unite to summit these peaks, creating a once-in-a lifetime challenge.
To learn more about America 250 - Colorado 150, visit the official website at Am250CO150.org.
Additionally, visitors can experience Colorado’s storied past in a variety of ways including museums, exhibits and cultural institutions; outdoor exploration; historic hotels; scenic and historic train rides; the state’s cowboy culture; mine tours and ghost towns; historic music and performing arts venues; unique culinary offerings and more. For more inspiration, visit Colorado.com.
Museums, Exhibits and Cultural Institutions:
Colorado’s collection of museums and cultural institutions showcase artifacts from Colorado’s ancient and not so ancient history and include niche museums for lovers of dinosaurs, pioneer history, skiing, mountaineering, mountain biking, mining and much more.
- Fans of Colorado history will revel in the History Colorado Center in Denver with three stories of exhibitions packed with gold mining, Wild West, Ancestral Puebloan and other Colorado museum treasures. In celebration of Colorado’s 150, History Colorado is offering several special exhibits throughout the year including:
- Moments that Made US, a marquee exhibition running through October 18, 2026 featuring more than 40 artifacts that bear witness to the moments that shaped America. This particular group of significant objects has never been under one roof before and include George Washington's spurs, Jackie Robinson's bat, moon rocks from Apollo 11 and Nixon's Oval Office tape recorder.
- Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation, a rare traveling exhibition featuring America’s most consequential founding documents. From May 28 to June 14, 2026, visitors will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to view historic artifacts such as an original engraving of the Declaration of Independence and rare drafts of the U.S. Constitution, many traveling outside Washington, D.C. for the first time.
- 38th Star: Colorado Becomes the Centennial State is a revolutionary new exhibition that pulls back the curtain on the turmoil that led to the rejection of Colorado’s statehood four times and shows visitors where the state of Colorado began by revisiting its origins through authentic photographs, documents, artifacts and voices that formed the Centennial State.
- Colorado Public Radio (CPR) announced the launch of Colorado 150 Postcards that celebrates the Colorado Sesquicentennial with 150 postcard-style stories designed to share Colorado’s people, places and history through short stories that highlight moments both familiar and unexpected.
- CO150 Film celebrates the top "Colorado" films of all time - films shot, set or made by talent from here. These films will be screened in local and historic theaters across the state, connecting iconic films with places and people that inspired them.
- The Smithsonian Americans Exhibition will travel to the Fort Garland Museum and the Breckenridge Welcome Center and explores how deeply intertwined American Indians are in the culture of the United States.
- The El Pueblo History Museum is opening a new exhibition that tells the rich and complex stories of Black exploration, settlement and achievements in Pueblo, Colorado and across the state. Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History is a thought-provoking traveling exhibition that shares stories and artifacts from the lived experiences of Black Coloradans.
Explore the Great Outdoors:
Colorado’s outdoors tell the story of the state itself. From dino tracks to Indigenous trade routes, mining roads and railroad passes, the landscapes that shaped Colorado’s past continue to define its adventurous spirit today. In fact, Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs is known as “America’s Mountain” and was the inspiration for Katharine Lee Bates' iconic American anthem, "America the Beautiful." Today, it can be visited by car, foot, bike or rail.
- National Parks, Monuments, Historic Areas & State Parks: Colorado's four National Parks, nine National Monuments and three National Historic Areas are home to some of the world's most wondrous and diverse scenery as well as important cultural attractions that illustrate the state’s storied past. From exploring the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans at Mesa Verde National Park to learning about the history of the 10th Mountain Division that trained at Camp Hale near Vail during WWII to visiting the Amache National Historic Site that was a WWII Japanese Internment Camp, a road trip through Colorado becomes an experiential history lesson. Colorado’s 43 State Parks protect some of the state’s most iconic landscapes, preserving the natural places that have shaped recreation, conservation and community for generations.
- Jurassic History: Recent construction work in Dinosaur National Monument revealed new dinosaur fossils, marking the first fossil excavations at this location in 100 years. Take on gargantuan fossil tracks at Picketwire Canyonlands south of La Junta where visitors can feast their eyes on the nation’s largest collection of fossilized dinosaur footprints, as well as put their own tiny feet right inside them. At the Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita, uncover dinosaur bones from the Jurassic era during real life dino digs and dino expeditions during the summer and fall. Take a different look at the earth’s prehistoric life at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, near Cripple Creek. Here, enormous petrified redwoods and detailed fossils of ancient insects and plants tell a story of Colorado's past.
- Scenic & Historic Byways: Colorado’s 26 Scenic & Historic Byways (more than any other state) follow routes first shaped by Indigenous peoples, miners and settlers. They invite travelers to experience the state at a slower pace, winding through dramatic landscapes, historic towns and communities rich with cultural heritage. Twenty of the state’s byways are now available for electric-vehicle roadtripping with Frontier Pathways Scenic & Historic Byway designated as the state’s newest EV Byway in November 2025.
- 28 Ski Resorts & Areas: Colorado’s 28 ski resorts and areas trace their roots to the early mining towns, rail corridors and mountain communities that helped shape the state’s winter sports legacy. Today, these year-round playgrounds welcome visitors of all ages and abilities to recreate in the same mountain landscapes that once fueled Colorado’s mining economy and now power its outdoor lifestyle.
Colorado’s historic hotels are living landmarks built during the eras of rail travel, mining booms and grand mountain tourism. Today, they blend preserved architecture and timeless character with modern comforts, offering travelers a chance to stay inside Colorado’s history.
- Grand Dames: Established in 1918 by Spencer and Julie Penrose, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is famously known as the "Grand Dame of the Rockies" and holds the record for the longest-running consecutive Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond ratings in the world. The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is famous for its panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and was the inspiration for Stephen King's novel The Shining.
- Wild West Classics: The Strater Hotel in Durango has continuously operated since 1887 and is home to The Diamond Belle Saloon, a Wild West-themed saloon with ragtime piano players and waitresses in historic costumes, The Delaware Hotel in Leadville was a hub for the rich and famous including socialite Molly Brown, the magician Houdini and outlaw Butch Cassidy. The New Sheridan in Telluride is home to one of the oldest bars in the West, featuring original 1895 mahogany woodwork, leaded glass and light fixtures. Aspen’s Hotel Jerome first opened in 1889 during the silver boom and is the only hotel to have remained open throughout Aspen's history.
- The Gilded Age: Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel is renowned for its stunning 8-story atrium lobby, timeless elegance and traditional Afternoon Tea. Opened in 1892, it has a rich history, having hosted presidents and pop stars alike. The Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs was nicknamed the "little White House of the West" after President Theodore Roosevelt's visits, and legend has it the first Teddy Bear was created there. Denver’s Oxford Hotel will honor the Centennial State this summer with special overnight packages and activations including local art shows and music performances paired with Colorado-inspired cocktails served up in the iconic Cruise Room. The Armstrong Hotel is a beloved centerpiece of Old Town Fort Collins, which originally opened in 1923.
- Mid-Century Motor Lodges: Get your kicks on a Colorado road trip and stay in a recently renovated mid-century motor lodge including the Mellow Moon Lodge in Del Norte that offers 15 well-appointed guest rooms, local goods and provisions at Rodeo Mercantile and specialty coffee and creative craft bakes at The Lunar Lounge. The Nightingale Motel in Pagosa Springs had a recent remodel inspired by 1950s roadside motels but with contemporary styling and luxury linens. Mesa Verde Motel in downtown Mancos, near Mesa Verde National Park, offers a quirky and affordable lodging experience with hand painted artwork featured in every room, an on-site coffee shop and cocktail lounge. The Stellar Inn is a boutique mountain inn located in Westcliffe known for its cozy atmosphere, modern amenities and location in an internationally certified Dark Sky Community.
Colorado’s nine scenic and historic railroads combine history, fantastic landscapes and plenty of outdoor adventure. Some Colorado train rides traverse still-wild terrain that can’t easily be experienced any other way.
- Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: This 1880 vintage line is best known for its appearance in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” A National Historic Landmark on wheels, the Cumbres & Toltec steams 64 miles over the Rocky Mountains.
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Travel by historic steam-powered or diesel locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago while winding through breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million-acre San Juan National Forest.
- Royal Gorge Route Railroad: This route takes passengers along the curves of the Arkansas River and past the 1,000-foot-high granite walls of the Royal Gorge Canyon.
- The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway: The world’s highest cog railway with an apex at the 14,107-foot summit of Pikes Peak.
- Denver Union Station: Denver’s historic Union Station will celebrate Colorado’s 150th birthday with a series of special events starting early summer, including The Still Below, an immersive Colorado themed pop-up bar in the Webb Gallery and the 2nd annual Colorado Day party on Aug. 1st with local entertainment, a tasting event and more. Skiers can also take the Winter Park Express Ski Train from Union Station to the slopes of Winter Park Resort.
Cowboy Culture:
Colorado’s cowboy culture is deeply rooted in its 19th-century ranching industry and can be experienced today through premier rodeos like the National Western Stock Show, authentic dude ranch and farm stays, trail rides, western wear shops, museums and historic Western town events.
- Dude & Guest Ranches: Colorado is home to more than 30 dude & guest ranches that bring Colorado’s cowboy culture to life and offer vacation experiences that range from upscale, romantic resort-like properties to rustic, working ranches where guests can take part in everyday chores like herding cattle.
- Rodeos: The new Tough Draw Tour brings a rider-first, bull riding–only event to the Snowmass Rodeo Grounds for a pivotal stop in the Tour's inaugural season August 21-22, 2026. The Greeley Stampede is one of Colorado’s largest summer festivals, celebrating Western heritage with a massive PRCA rodeo, a carnival and a star-studded concert series. A local tradition for over 100 years, the Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series is a historic PRCA-sanctioned event and is often cited as the most successful weekly rodeo in the country.
- Western Wear: Dress the part with classic western wear from family-owned businesses like Devner’s legendary Rockmount Ranch Wear where the snap-button western shirt was invented. It’s a "western icon" that has outfitted celebrities like Eric Clapton and Elvis Presley. F.M. Light & Sons is the crown jewel of western retail in Steamboat Springs and one of the most historic stores in the American West. Make a custom hat at hatmakers across the state including Greeley Hat Works and Aspen’s Kemosabe.
Colorado mines tell the stories of early explorers, fur trappers and prospectors who came to the state in hopes of striking it rich. Some of Colorado’s mining towns, like Breckenridge, Leadville and Telluride, remain lively destinations to this day.
- The Argo Gold Mill: Located in Idaho Springs, the Historic Argo Mill is one of the best preserved historic gold mills in the world. This summer, it will debut the Mighty Argo Cable Car, a new high-speed year-round gondola taking riders to the mountain top Argo Landing, which will feature pedestrian plazas, viewing decks, an amphitheater, access to 28+ miles of hiking and biking trails and more.
- Ghost Towns: Colorado has well over fifty ghost towns, many of which are preserved as historic sites offering a unique look into the state's mining-era past. These towns range from fully intact, accessible settlements to remote ruins requiring four-wheel-drive access.
- Colorado Gold Trail: A scenic tour of gold rush towns and gold and silver mines that flourished in the boom of the late 1850s.
- Mine Tours: Mine tours across the state take guests below the surface to see how mining equipment worked, spot gold and silver veins, do some gold panning and learn about Colorado mining characters.
- Dunton Hot Springs: The storied 1800s mining town turned luxury mountain resort recently announced the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation project that has breathed new life into Dunton’s most iconic structures while preserving the soulful character that has made the property a cult favorite among discerning travelers.
Historic Music and Performing Arts Venues:
Colorado’s live music legacy has been shaped by history, geography and a spirit of independence. From early frontier dance halls and mining-town saloons to legendary venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, music has long brought people together across the state.
- Historic Opera Houses: The Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit connects five opera houses that offer world-class performances in an elegant historic setting that still carries the mystique of Colorado’s early mining boom days including the Tabor Opera House in Leadville and the Central City Opera House in Central City. Visitors can tour these exquisite opera houses and hear stories of stars and community members who brought music and magic to the opera houses for well over a century.
- Creede Repertory Theatre: Since 1966, Creede Repertory Theatre has presented plays and musicals in rotating repertory. The 2026 Season celebrates Colorado’s 150th birthday with a localized production of Working: A Musical, honoring Creede’s working people, rich history and the magic of theatre at 9,000 feet.
- The Mishawaka Amphitheater: Conceived in 1916 by musician Walter S. Thompson, The “Mish” officially opened in 1919 near Fort Collins and quickly earned its enduring reputation as a destination for music and celebration. The Mish was reinvigorated in 2010 and continues to draw artists and audiences to its spectacular setting on the Poudre River.
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, located near Morrison is a world-renowned, city-owned venue famous for its natural, 70-million-year-old, 300-foot-tall red sandstone monoliths. Officially dedicated in 1941, the 9,450-seat amphitheater offers year-round access, including a visitor center, the Performers' Hall of Fame and hiking trails.
A Taste of Colorado:
Colorado’s dining culture is rooted in the people and industries that shaped the state from Indigenous foodways to ranching traditions. Today, chefs across Colorado honor that legacy by showcasing locally sourced ingredients, regional flavors and historic recipes.
- Belly Up: Visit some of the oldest bars and saloons in Colorado including Buffalo Rose Tavern in Golden, The Mint in Silverthorne, Gold Pan Saloon in Breckenridge, Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville, the Buckhorn Exchange in Denver and The Minturn Saloon in Minturn, and step back into the old West.
- Wild West Eats: John Wayne ate and frequented The Outlaw Restaurant in Ouray during the filming of True Grit, where he famously left his hat behind, and it's still displayed there today. The Fort is an award-winning restaurant in Morrison specializing in "New Foods of the Old West" and featuring wild game, steak and other regional American specialties in a historic, frontier-themed replica fort. The restaurant is known for selling more buffalo steaks than any other independently-owned restaurant in the U.S. Opening in summer 2026, The Stockton transforms The Exchange, Denver’s historic center of cattle commerce, into a culinary destination centered on regeneratively raised Colorado beef and timeless steakhouse traditions.
- A Toast to Colorado: Presented by the Colorado Brewers Guild, the 11th Annual Colorado Pint Day returns April 29, 2026. Beer lovers across the state can visit 200+ breweries to purchase locally designed Colorado Pint Day glasses. This year's theme celebrates Colorado's 150th Anniversary.
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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, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800 COLORADO. Follow Colorado on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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