14 Best Things To Do In Trinidad, Colorado

Javan
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read
things to do in trinidad co

Trinidad is a city located in Las Animas County, Colorado. It is has a kind and welcoming community and a lot of attractions and sceneries. The city gained fame when a local doctor from the area performed the first sex-change surgery. Try outdoor games in the parks or go camping at the South Shore Campground. Learn about the city’s history in some of its famous museums. Make sure you get to taste several dishes at the restaurants and brewers. The city has five accessible airports, a train station, and other road vehicles. Scroll down this article to know more about the best things to do in Trinidad, Colorado.

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1. Visit Southern Colorado Coal Miners Memorial

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Southern Colorado Coal Mining Memorial & Museum on Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Coal mining plays a huge role in the rich past of the municipality and the whole region. Southern Colorado Coal Miners Memorial features monuments that honor the workers. You can even find the names of the coal miners engraved in the statues. Offering its visitors an educational experience, this is a great place to visit if you are traveling with your kids as well.

Southern Colorado Coal Miners Memorial

Address: 101 N Convent St, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States

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2. Play bowling at Trinidad Lanes

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Trinidad Lanes LLC on Friday, October 25, 2013

If you do not want a typical night while in Trinidad, you can check out Trinidad Lanes with your loved ones and play a good game of bowling. The place has a snack bar to ensure you do not go hungry after your game. A full-service bar is also offered on-site for some refreshments. All ages are welcome here, so you can definitely bring your kids along.

Trinidad Lanes

Address: 823 Van Buren St, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States

Website: Trinidad Lanes

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri: 6pm - 10pm; Thu: 8:30am - 12pm, 6pm - 10pm; Sat: 3pm - 10pm (closed on Tue & Sun)

Price: 25 USD onwards

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3. Learn about the area's history at Louden-Henritze Archaeology

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Trinidad State students unleashed their T-Rex creation outside the college's Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum. Ferociousness will ride atop his (her? Ford "jungle" in September's ArtoCade parade.

Posted by Visit Trinidad Colorado on Monday, August 4, 2014

Situated in Samuel Freudenthal Memorial Library, history enthusiasts can surely enjoy a trip to Louden-Henritze Archaeology, featuring plant and marine animal fossils. By the museum’s entrance, you will find a T-Rex exhibit. It also has displays of other archaeological artifacts such as tools used by the ancient people who used to reside in the area. Though it is a small museum, you can enjoy an enriching and educational tour during your visit.

Louden-Henritze Archaeology

Address: 600 Prospect St, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States

Website: Louden-Henritze Archaeology

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 3pm (closed from Fri - Sun)

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4. Explore creative works at A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art features numerous Native American and Western artifacts as well as creative canvas paintings. It is a wonderful destination for both culture and history enthusiasts. Known as a talented artist, the museum also showcases artworks made by Harvey Dunn, Harold von Schmidt, and Arthur Roy Mitchell’s students. This place holds special events such as auctions and poetry festivals, drawing in plenty of creatives.

A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art

Address: 150 E Main St, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States

Website: A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

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5. Hike to the scenic Simpson's Rest

Simpson's Rest Trinidad, Colorado
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Loco Steve used under CC BY 3.0

Simpson’s rest is a hilly area with a Hollywood-like sign written “TRINIDAD”. You cannot miss seeing this place as it can be seen from a distance. At this attraction, you’ll get a view of most parts of the city from up there. From mountains to streets and downtown, the view from up here is like you have the city below you. Walk or cycle your way to the top of this place. Access to Simpson’s Rest is limited to daylight hours and the gates are closed when it gets dark. Make sure you carry with you a pair of binoculars for a better view of places far away.

Simpson's Rest

Address: Simpson’s Rest, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States

Website: Simpson’s Rest

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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6. Go camping at South Shore Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay or even several days’ camping at South Shore Campground. There are 10 sites located in the campground with each having vault toilets and availability of fresh-water taps. When it gets dark, try lighting your fire as electricity is not provided. Try out fishing, swimming, and boating as it is just a short walk from the camp to the lake. Dump station and camper services are available just at the entrance of the camp. To join the adventure in this place, make sure you book your reservations earlier.

South Shore Campground

Address: Trinidad, CO 81082, United States

Website: South Shore Campground

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7. Learn about the historic district of Trinidad at Trinidad History Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Trinidad History Museum on the Historic Santa Fe Trail on Monday, February 17, 2020

Trinidad History Museum has a collection of attractions and gardens on a whole block. It is focused on educating and entertaining visitors about the local history of Colorado and its people’s culture. On this historic block, you will tour Baca House and Santa Fe Trail Museum where there are textiles and photographs. Second is the Barlow Building; you shouldn’t miss the Greek architectural structure. Borderland of South Colorado stores early artifacts and Bloom Mansion displays examples of second empire architecture. Baca-Bloom Garden has croquet mallets to display.

Trinidad History Museum

Address:312 E Main St, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States

Website: Trinidad History Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Sun)

Price: 5 USD admission

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8. Try the popular burgers at Purple Toad Social Tap & Grill

Burger
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Amin used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Tired of exploring the amazing city of Trinidad, Colorado? Well, try out a meal or enjoy a drink at the Purple Toad Social Tap & Grill. The staff is polite and the chefs prepare the best dishes. It is the best place for lunch, dinner, late-night drinks, or a romantic date. You can pick from indoor seats and enjoy programs on television, or sit at the outdoor area and enjoy wines or a beer. Spacious parking space and wheelchair ramps are available. Payments can be made using cash, credit cards, or other digital methods.

Purple Toad Social Tap & Grill

Address: 101 Americana Way I-25 and Commercial Street Exit 14, Trinidad, CO 81082

Website: Purple Toad Social Tap & Grill

Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 8pm; Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 12pm

Price: 10 USD - 25 USD

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9. Go boating in Trinidad Lake State Park

Trinidad Lake State Park sign
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jeffrey Beall used under CC BY 4.0

Trinidad Lake State Park is located 4 miles (6.4km) west of Trinidad. Do not miss a chance to experience this amazing home of adventure while in Trinidad. Get to Trinidad Lake and try out your fishing, swimming, or boating skills. Keep fit by hiking and mountain biking on the mountain trails in the park. Make reservations and live the jungle adventure life in their camping sites. Explore the historical coal mining ruin or go shooting at the archery range. Several wild animals are found here, like coyotes and elks. Reserved parking space and tour guides are available for booking.

Trinidad Lake State Park

Address:32610 Colorado 12, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States

Website: Trinidad Lake State Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 70 USD

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10. Catch a theatrical show at Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre is located in the historic part of Trinidad. It is home to artistic plays and other performances. If you require not only entertainment but also educative plays then this is the place to be. Spacious parking space is available to all visitors and all ages are allowed in the theatre. Tarabino Inn, Stone Mansion Bed and Breakfast, and various other restaurants are just about a mile away. Grab your ticket and enjoy an amazing and educative play at the city’s finest theatre.

Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre

Address: 131 W Main St, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States

Website: Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 4.30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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11. Grab a meal at Tees Me Treat Me

Delicacies at Tees Me Treat Me
Source: Pixabay

Tees Me and Treat Me is a restaurant and a bar in Trinidad, Colorado. If you are a visitor to the city, make sure you get to taste its delicacies. Despite the pandemic, they still have their doors open and they offer quality service to their customers. Spacious off-street parking space and wheelchair movement assistance are available. Payments can be done through credit cards and other digital means. This is just the best place for you to grab lunch or a drink.

Tees Me Treat Me

Address: 105 W Main St, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States

Website: Tees Me Treat Me

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 2pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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12. Enjoy skating at Trinidad Skatepark

skateboarding
Source: Pixabay

Trinidad Skatepark is rated as a top skating area in the city. The fact that it is large in size and safe just proves it all. You want to visit a bar and can’t take your kids with you? The solution is to take them to Trinidad Skatepark and let them have a moment of their own. Make sure you have your helmet and other protective gear. The best fact about the park is that it is free to skate in. Gear up, it is time for an adventure at Trinidad Skatepark.

Trinidad Skatepark

Address: Beshoar Ave, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States

Website: Trinidad Skatepark

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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13. Explore the city with Trinidad Trolley Tours

Trinidad Trolley, Trinidad
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Billy Hathorn used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Explore Trinidad on a free tour for about one hour. It does not just educate about the city but it’s also an entertaining experience. Join the trolley with other visitors to know what Trinidad is all about. The guides are polite and well informed about the whole area. Make sure you have a glimpse of the All Saints Anglican Church, Hayes Court, and several other beautiful architectural structures. It is a nice way to learn about the city without getting lost.

Trinidad Trolley Tours

Address: 309 Nevada Ave, Trinidad, CO 81082

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14. Drop by the Art Cartopia Museum

Vochol01MAP
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY 3.0

Art Cartopia Museum is a car museum located in Trinidad, Colorado. It is a must-see if you are new to the city. You will be amazed by the creative tints on the cars plus they all have a story behind them. Check out all 25 cars with a guide to explain to you their story and the art behind it. There is also a gift shop at the museum, so do not forget to buy one of the gifts. It is close to Wonderful House Chinese Restaurants where you can grab a meal when you are famished after the tour.

Art Cartopia Museum

Address: 2702 Freedom Rd, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States

Website: Art Cartopia Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

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Enjoy your visit to Trinidad, Colorado

If you need to take a vacation to Trinidad, Colorado, try the above places for an astounding experience that you won’t regret. The list above should help you plan your getaway to the hidden gem of Trinidad. Start planning today.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hi, my name is Javan Ochieng from Kenya. I am a student who loves to engage in writing and play football. My task as a writer, which I am trying to achieve is, by the power of the written word, to...Read more

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