Arguably the most gorgeous state in the US, Colorado is a must-visit destination if you want to have a wonderful vacation in the country. There are many cities to visit in Colorado, but make sure you do not skip Durango. Although it is a small city, Durango offers tons of attractions that guarantee the ultimate vacation. From museum visits and live performances to skiing and rafting, all the activities are suitable for everyone, which is why it is best to travel with your loved ones. Keep reading to learn about the top 15 things to do in Durango, Colorado. Do not miss even a single activity.
1. Enjoy a family rafting on Durango River (from USD 80.0)
How do you connect with nature and appreciate its beauty even more? By indulging in outdoor activities. One of the most fun family activities that you can do in Durango is rafting. Enjoy a fun time on the rapids of Durango River with the best people in your life. You can choose your own difficulty level, so there is no excuse for not being able to raft. You do not have to bring your own splash jackets and helmets as they will be provided for free. There will also be a guide along the way so your safety is guaranteed!
1/4 Day Family Rafting In Durango
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
2. Explore every corner of Mesa Verde National Park (from USD 108.0)
Moving on from rafting, your next destination should be Mesa Verde National Park. Even though the national park provides a gorgeous natural landscape, what makes the spot popular is the dwellings of Ancestral Puebloans that are scattered throughout. The dwellings come in various shapes and sizes. You are free to explore them all. Your guide will share some insights into the history of Native American culture along with the architecture and spiritual elements of the dwellings.
700 Year Tour - Half Day Mesa Verde Cultural Tour
Duration: 4 hours
3. Ride the steam train at Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This heritage railroad connects Durango and Silverton. Enjoy riding vintage trains around the year across the scenic, rugged landscape of Colorado. You get to know more about the history and railroad heritage of the region on these rides. The railroad also offers special themed train rides on a regular basis complete with music, craft beer, and a liberal dose of history! Take your pick of round trips and short journeys for a truly unique experience.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Address: 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
Website: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 51 USD onwards
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4. Enjoy a thrilling zipline experience at Soaring Tree Top Adventures
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Feel the adrenaline rush as you soar over the tree canopy of the San Juan Mountains. Known as the longest zipline course in the United States, Soaring Tree Top Adventures has 27 different zip lines of varying heights. The heights range from 56 ft (17 m) to 1400 ft (427 m), letting you get a close-up view of the landscape. This facility is only accessible via train and suitable for the entire family. You could also enjoy lunch on an elevated platform and other such unique experience while here.
Soaring Tree Top Adventures
Address: 1 Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango, CO 81301
Website: Soaring Tree Top Adventures
Price: 600 USD
5. Browse the fascinating collection at Animas Museum
This local history museum is suitable for people of all ages. It is housed in a 20th-century school building and has a variety of exhibits and interactive programs. The inside of the museum still has the school rooms that used to be with high-ceilinged roofs, ornate desks, and slate blackboards. This building, which is operated by La Plata County Historical Society, is also featured on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to a research library and an archive of interesting photos collected over the years.
Animas Museum
Address: 3065 W 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301
Website: Animas Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
6. Pick up souvenirs at Toh-Atin Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Fun with Koshari. The Pueblo Clown. #hopi #pueblo #carving #nativeamerican http://ift.tt/2bc6N7g
Posted by Toh-Atin Gallery on Friday, August 12, 2016
Shop to your heart’s content for souvenirs at this cheery gallery located in the heart of town. A family-run business that has been around for generations, this gallery has collections of beautiful Native American and Southwest art. During your visit, you can learn all about the craftsmanship and materials that go into the making of these gorgeous pieces. Colorful rugs, jewelry, pottery, sculptures, and baskets are just some of the things showcased here.
Toh-Atin Gallery
Address: 145 W 9th St, Durango, CO 81301
Website: Toh-Atin Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
7. Mingle with locals at Durango Farmers Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
2 months until opening day! Photo courtesy of o bar o cabins
Posted by Durango Farmers Market on Tuesday, March 9, 2021
The farmer’s market in Durango is a great way of getting a glimpse into local life. Browse the colorful displays of fresh produce, crafts, and other wares. Munch on delicious cheeses, fruits, and baked goodies as you make your way around the vendors and stalls. This family-friendly market often features live music and is the best way to literally get a ‘taste’ of Durango! Do remember that pets are not allowed at the market.
Durango Farmers Market
Address: 259 W 9th Street Durango, CO 81301
Website: Durango Farmers Market
Opening hours: Sat: 8am - 12pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
8. Visit an interactive science museum Powerhouse Science Center
Set on the banks of Animas River, Powerhouse Science Center is a worthy place to visit, especially if you are traveling with kids. If you are not fond of science, you still need to come to this place. Through its interactive science exhibits, hands-on activities and programs, the science center will make you change your mind about science. The most interesting exhibits include Air Rockets, Planet Phases and VR Theater.
Powerhouse Science Center
Address: 1333 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Website: Powerhouse Science Center
Opening hours: Sat - Mon, Wed: 9am - 4pm; Thu - Fri: 9am - 1pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 7.50 USD
9. Buy fresh and organic produce at James Ranch
What do you think about food shopping in Durango? If you want to go hunting for the freshest and organic local produce, there is no place better than James Ranch. From beef and pork to cheese and raw milk, all are available at the ranch. Moreover, the ranch also boasts its spectacular greenery and the cattle. You are also welcome to recharge your energy at the on-site restaurant James Ranch Grill. The table on the farm restaurant serves delicious meals like green chili pico burger, beet salad with goat cheese and mini corn dogs among others, in a relaxed and casual ambiance.
James Ranch
Address: 33846 US-550, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Website: James Ranch
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: Free
10. Have a pleasant stroll in Historic Downtown Durango
Soak up the charm of when Old West meets Southwest by stopping by and exploring Historic Downtown Colorado. Have a pleasant stroll around the downtown area without having to have specific destinations in mind. Just wander around and you can see the heritage of the Old West on the buildings, the railroad and more. The downtown area is also loaded with tons of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Make stops at your favorite eateries in between your stroll for the best experience.
Historic Downtown Durango
Address: Durango, Colorado, United States
Website: Historic Downtown Durango
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
11. Drop by Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum
Posted by Durango Fish Hatchery on Thursday, 21 November 2019
Another museum that is worth your time is Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum. Enter the museum to see the diverse wildlife that Durango, as well as Colorado, has. The most interesting feature about this place is the fish hatchery. You can enjoy a close look at how fish and trout are raised and hatched. If you want, you can also feed the fish. Do not go in a hurry. After leaving the museum, go admire the calm Animas River that is located right by the museum and hatchery.
Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum
Address: 204 E Park Ave, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Website: Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm
Price: Free
12. Visit a renowned brewing company Ska Brewing
Having brewed delectable beers since 1995, Ska Brewing makes it to the list of the top brewing companies in Colorado. Ska Brewing offers brewing tours for those interested in knowing more about the brewing process and how the facility is powered by wind. You can choose from a wide selection of tap beers available. What is more, the brewing company also features a beer garden and a weekly barbecue for everyone to participate in.
Ska Brewing
Address: 225 Girard St, Durango, CO 81303, United States
Website: Ska Brewing
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
Price: Free
13. Be stunned by the beauty of Pinkerton Hot Springs
You would not want to miss this unique attraction called Pinkerton Hot Springs. No, you will not visit the hot springs to soak yourself in, relax and wash the fatigue away. Instead, you make a stop at the hot springs for its beauty. Unlike many other hot springs, Pinkerton Hot Springs is a natural wonder that is just as fascinating as Grand Canyon. You will see a rock pile right in the middle of the hot springs and because of the minerals contained in the water, the rocks have displayed different colors. The rocks were piled there to discharge the hot springs. You are allowed to touch the water but keep mind that it is extremely hot.
Pinkerton Hot Springs
Address: 35554 US-550, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
14. Indulge in outdoor activities offered by Purgatory Resort
Purgatory Resort is among the most popular winter and summer resorts in Colorado. Surrounded by a range of mountains, the resort features plenty of fun activities to choose from. You would not want to say no to tubing and snowcat skiing, would you? What about sleigh rides and snowmobile adventures?
Purgatory Resort
Address: 1 Skier Pl, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Website: Purgatory Resort
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Be entertained by delightful performances at Bar D Chuckwagon
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The day has arrived! The 2019 season is starting tonight! We're looking forward to warm summer nights filled with...
Posted by Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers on Friday, May 24, 2019
Make sure you have a fun evening by finding your way to Bar D Chuckwagon. Be prepared to be entertained by the Old West cowboys playing the Old West music and singing the Old West songs, comedies and other performances. Savor your delicious supper first (boneless chicken breast or sliced roast beef) before the shows begin.
Bar D Chuckwagon
Address: 8080 Co Rd 250, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Website: Bar D Chuckwagon
Opening hours: 5:30pm - 9:30pm (daily)
Price: 29 USD
Durango is such a great place for a vacation
Okay, now that you have known all the best things to do in Durango, you agree that the city will make a great place for a vacation, right? There is no need to think twice. Start making your itinerary now. It is going to be a fun and memorable vacation in Durango.
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