All About Durango
A True Western Town
What began in 1880 as a railroad depot connecting southwest Colorado mining towns still thrives today as charming Durango, Colorado. The original narrow gauge steam trains still run every day from the original depot and one can still sense the spirit of the Old West 129 years later. Durango was recently named #5 on the list of True West magazine's Top True Western Towns of 2011. With over 80 buildings in the National Historic Register, Durango's downtown offers much to explore, learn and enjoy for those who appreciate the days of the Old West.
Beyond Steam and Spurs
Today, Durango is all grown up into a popular destination offering a unique blending of quasi-urban sophistication with its western heritage. For the modern traveler, Durango leaves little to be desired, offering cuisine from local to international, basic to fine dining, micro-breweries, wine bars, organic food stores, art galleries, museums, theaters, and seemingly endless outdoor adventure opportunities.
Some Recent Accolades
Best Places to Live and Best Place to Put Your Outdoor Life First -- Men's Journal
Top Micropolitan Area in the US (Durango ranked #1 out of 576 communities under 50,000) -- Politicom
Top Ten Western Towns -- True West Magazine
Top 200 Town in the US -- Outdoor Life Magazine
Top Ten "Life Is Better Here" -- Town & Country
"Next Big Thing" -- Outside Magazine
Colorado's Secret Stashes -- Ski Magazine
Durango has been selected as the starting point of the prestigious US Pro Cycling Challenge
Come Early or Stay Late - A Few Other Things To Do!
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Ride the rails that put Durango on the map! Step back in time aboard a true steam powered narrow gauge train still operating much as it was over 100 years ago. www.durangotrain.com
Mesa Verde National Park
Visit ancient cliff dwellings of the Anasazi (Ancestral Puebloan) people in one of the most archeologically rich, and most preserved, sites in the world. www.mesaverde.org
Fall Color Tour
Colorado's mountainous terrain offers spectacular autumn color whether you are hiking up into the mountains or simply driving through by car. Peak foliage typically occurs just prior to the Heritage Celebration. If you would like to include some fall foliage viewing as part of your visit we recommend that you plan for that prior to our event rather than following the event.
Center of Southwest Studies Museum
Located at Fort Lewis College in Durango, the Center for Southwest Studies was founded in 1964 as a means to connect individuals and communities with opportunities to explore, studay and experience the Southwest's dynamic heritage. Including museum exhibit spaces, a special collections library, classrooms, labs and offices for the college's Anthropology and Southwest Studies programs, the Center is a great place to discover a better understanding of the environmental, cultural, historical and political elements that continue to shape this unique part of our world.
Durango Discovery Museum
Housed in what was originally Durango's steam generated AC power plant, the Durango Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum presenting a wide range of programs, exhibits, and activities designed to provide an entertaining and inspiring look at energy - past, present and future. www.durangodiscovery.org
Henry Strater Theatre
One of the oldest and most prestigious continually running theatres in Colorado, the theatre operates year round as a community space, welcoming live bands, touring productions and two wonderful Melodramas during the summer. www.henrystratertheatre.com
Durango Arts Center
Promoting the exploration, education, enrichment and enjoyment of the arts for all ages. Located in downtown Durango the DAC has become a hub for cultural innovation since 1997, bringing visual arts, theater, dance, live music, educational programs and more for all ages. www.durangoarts.org
Community Concert Hall
Take in an evening at the symphony, opera, dance or live concert performance at Fort Lewis College's 600 seat auditorium. Fall season schedule to be advised. www.durangoconcerts.com