Top Things to do in Colorado
Top Hotels in Colorado
- 1. Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites
- 2. Grand Hyatt Denver
- 3. Monarch Casino Resort Spa - Black Hawk
- 4. Le Meridien Denver Downtown
- 5. Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn
- 6. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Trinidad
- 7. The Oxford Hotel
- 8. Origin Hotel Red Rocks
- 9. SCP Colorado Springs Hotel
- 10. Warwick Denver
What to do and see in Colorado, United States: The Best History Museums
Colorado is home to no less than twenty-six ski resorts such as those in Vail and Breckenridge; other winter activities include snowboarding, sledding, sleigh rides, snow hiking and snowmobiling. The state is blessed with national parks, grasslands and forests where in warmer weather you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing. Wildlife abounds, from bears to moose and raccoons to wolverines. More interested in local history? Head for either the Ute Indian Museum or the Koshare Indian Museum, and don't miss the forts such as Fort Garland and Bent's Old Fort. For a complete change, why not take a ride in a hot air balloon from South Park Valley or Boulder and admire Colorado's picturesque landscape from above?
Restaurants in Colorado
1. The Anasazi Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 281 reviews
Southwest Colorado's premier archaeological museum, featuring the Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi) and other Native American cultures, including two archaeological sites and a research collection of over 3 million artifacts.
Reviewed By warrens93
I have a degree in Anthropology and a focused interest in the ancient cultures of the Southwestern Native Americans. This museum tells it all. If you're going to Mesa Verde, then you might as well go here to. BTW, the staff is excellent!
2. Edgar Experimental Mine
3. Overland Trail Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Since 1936, visitors have enjoyed a step back in time when they visit the Overland Trail Museum. Extensive exhibits include pioneer history, Native American artifacts and antique farm equipment. Historic buildings include two barns, a general store, a prairie school, church, barbershop, 1915 stone block house, a caboose and a boxcar depot.
4. Museum of the Mountain West
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By 620miket - Apple Valley, United States
My friend and I were traveling from California to Indiana, stopping at as many national parks as possible along the way. We happened by the Museum of the Mountain West while driving through and were absolutely blown away by the collection Mr.Fike has acquired over the years. It felt as though we stepped back in time. Every piece in the museum has a story. Mr.Fike and his staff are extremely friendly and proud of the things they have on display. Thank you for preserving this history and for sharing it with the world. This is a must do if you’re in the area. We were there for almost three hours and could have easily stayed for many more, so much to see. Thank you Mr.Fike and your amazing staff and volunteers for an amazing experience!
5. Estes Park Memorial Observatory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 68 reviews
The Estes Park Memorial Observatory (EPMO) is a community resource dedicated to fostering scientific education of children in Estes Park and serving as an educational venue for the community and visitors. EPMO holds events throughout the year in conjunction with the local school system, the Estes Valley Astronomical Society and the Rocky Mountain National Park. The observatory schedules private and group viewing sessions and hosts educational lectures on astronomy, cosmology, astrophotography and special astronomical events such as comet fly-bys and more! We also have fun on going projects like our Human Sundial Project. EPMO is currently offering opportunities for volunteers. Just contact us to get involved and learn about our sky along the way! Can't help? Donate to our Estes Park Observatory and come visit anytime!
Reviewed By gaby5706
Mike was great, the four of us greatly enjoyed his passionate teaching about astronomy. Our ages ranged from 17-28 and though we had no scientific background and honestly, not too much of an interest in Science, we all walked out with a greater appreciation for astronomy and an interest in learning more. It was exciting seeing different constellations, galaxies and planets through the telescope. If we are ever back in Estes we will definitely come back again! Thank you!
6. Center for Colorado Women's History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
The Center for Colorado Women’s History focuses on scholarship, research, lectures, tours and exhibits that expand the understanding and collective memory of the history of women in Colorado. Most importantly, the Center is connecting local stories to the broader stories of women’s history worldwide. The historic house has been the home to inspiring women since 1883. It has been beautifully restored to the era of 1912-1924 and is furnished with the family's original belongings. Guided house tours weave together the stories of the many women, such as Anne Evans, who lived and worked in the home and the impact of the families on early Denver.
Reviewed By davidconnieh - Wheaton, United States
I loved the Byers-Evans House tour! Our tour docent, Margaret, did a fabulous job of explaining the history of the Byers/Evans families and how they influenced the development of Denver. I'm a bit of a historic house nerd and have visited many old mansions and am often disappointed by the inability of tour docents to answer my difficult questions. Margaret was a wonderfully knowledgeable guide and could speak with authority about everything we asked! Bravo! Great tour!
7. Tread of Pioneers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Official site of the Tread of Pioneers Museum! The Tread of Pioneers Museum features a 1908 Queen Anne-style Victorian home with turn-of-the-century furnishings. On display are various ranching, mining and pioneer life artifacts from Routt County, a comprehensive History of Skiing exhibit, as well as a Native American arts display. Our Western room, home of an extensive firearms collection, traces our agricultural history and the story of an infamous outlaw, Harry Tracy. Special museum features are a computer interactive exhibit, Kids Scavenger Hunt, oral history library, local history research library, unique museum gift shop, and a historic photograph collection.Location: Corner of 8th and Oak in downtown Steamboat Springs.Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Admission: $6 for adults; $5 for seniors over 62; $2 children for children ages 6 - 12; children under 6 years are free. Routt County residents are free with I.D.
Reviewed By GailF8 - Elmwood Park, United States
Visited today. Staff was very friendly and helpful - first day of opening since coronavirus shutdown. Impressive displays of town history both historical and natural, providing information about the Ute Indians, the hot springs as well as ranching, mining and skiing. Definitely worth a visit!
8. Central City Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By SarahTSears - Westminster, United States
I feel like this is an overlooked destination given its proximity to Denver and how great it is. I brought my sons to the Short Works and Madama Butterfly in July and it was very memorable. The venue was gorgeous. There is a courtyard and the theater company uses other adjoining buildings and buildings across the street (Williams' Stables) for concessions and other performances. Parking was a bit dicey, and I did not allow enough time so by the time I parked and paid up the street we were too late for the beginning of the short works and the attendant wouldn't let us in during the first short performance. Understandable. She also dealt well with me being sharp with her when she didn't let my boys in for the second performance when I ran across the street for snacks for them. Ugh, face palm; I apologized later -- I was just mad at myself for being late. Anyway, the short works that we saw were good and Madama Butterfly, magnificent. They had subtitles in English and a wonderful cast and set.
9. Hotel de Paris Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Louis Dupuy’s Hotel de Paris (1875) is a former French inn, located in the Colorado Rockies, with an English style interior, built by Chinese laborers. The boldly refashioned and reimagined futures of the hotel’s proprietors and workers illustrate the possibility of second chances through reinvention in the Western United States. Hotel de Paris Museum™, a Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is owned and operated by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Colorado. Hours may vary. Call or go online for details.
Reviewed By SMT56
When planning our weekend up in this part of the Colorado Rockies, I filled out the online form, because the museum / hotel is closed during the 'dead of winter.' To my surprise, Kevin, the Executive Director contacted me and set up a private tour. At Kevin's suggestion, we watched the exceptionally well produced Rocky Mountain PBS special on the hotel (where Kevin does a great job on-screen!) and came a bit more prepared. What an absolute delight! Our '45 minute' tour was actually an hour and a half, and was informative, entertaining, inspiring, and just a great time!!! Kevin's passion and knowledge are so very evident. How could we have lived here in Colorado so many years and yet had never discovered this gem!! You are looking into the life of this remarkable 'renaissance man,' with all the original furnishings around you! This is a MUST-SEE! This is a true Colorado treasure!
10. Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By Duchtel - Grand Rapids, United States
This was definitely a great find to learn about Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. There are several exhibits that cover quite a few topics ranging from diversity to history. The setting in this old courthouse is just gorgeous. It was set for demolition back in the 70s (I think) but fortunately saved. In the time of COVID they have a map to download onto your phone and also an online scavenger hunt to entertain kids.
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