The 16 Towns You Need To Visit In Colorado In 2017
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Annie
Author
It is 2017, which means it’s time to begin making plans for what we want to see and do during this brand new year! If you are having a difficult time crafting your list of resolutions, take our advice and visit these 16 remarkable Colorado towns:
One of the most thriving towns during Colorado's mining heyday was that of St. Elmo, which at one time recovered millions and millions of dollars worth gold from area mines. During the 1890s, St. Elmo was seemingly unstoppable, continually welcoming new families to the area as well as an array of (once) thriving businesses. Sadly, as quickly as the town grew, it diminished, even losing its post office in the early 1950s. Today the quiet town is nearly abandoned but features several hauntingly beautiful and deserted homes and businesses.
If you are a Colorado native, there is a good chance that you are familiar with the Gunnison County town of Crested Butte… but have you ever taken then time to visit? We happen to think that the town of 1,500, whose motto is aptly "A National Historic District," is the best kept secret in Colorado. Click to the link above to find out why!
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Established in 1881, Grand Lake was named for the lake it borders and features year round recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Quite possibly one of the most popular outdoor activities for all ages is strolling the boardwalk, which according to the Grand Lake Chamber’s website, features more than 60 restaurants, shops, bars and galleries. During your stroll along the boardwalk, make plans to stop for ice cream, take the kids to the large Main Street playground, shop the boutiques, and even have a delicious meal (or two) at one of the unique restaurants!
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Have you ever dreamed of owning your OWN town? Thanks to a generous Craiglist-er, somebody's dream became a reality, as the small Adams County ghost town of Cabin Creek was on the market this summer for a (surprisingly affordable) cost of $350,000.
If there is one thing that Colorado has its fair share of (aside from beautiful scenery, good people, and unique activities, of course), it is ghost towns. While Colorado has a population of nearly 5.5M living in prosperous areas, there is still a fair share of abandoned and historic spots, including the town of Dearfield. Though the abandoned Dearfield isn’t haunted per se (no reported ghosts here, folks!), there is still a sense of eeriness in the town, due in part to its few remaining buildings.
As someone who hails from a small town in Colorado, I can vouch for the overall friendliness and hospitality of those who live in small(er) towns. That being said, how can we pick just one to name the friendliest in the entire state? Click on our link and you will see why we love charming Lake City and all of its town pride.
If you are a Colorado history buff (or an avid Only in Colorado reader), you have probably come to notice that Colorado is home to hundreds of deserted ghost towns that have remained untouched and forgotten after all of these years. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence not only in Colorado, but around the world. However, when it comes to the Colorado ghost town of Gothic, the buildings and land were not only repurposed, but now serve as a vital location for biological research in the nation.
Is it just me or do you automatically assume that a town with a population of less than 500 would be somewhat uneventful and—dare I say it—boring? Shame on us for thinking this way because what some tiny towns lack in size, they make up for in other ways (and then some). Take for instance the tiny town of Creede with its population of just under 300 and unique opportunities galore!
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Seeing as though Colorado was once a prosperous mining location and hotspot for the railroad, it should come as no surprise that the state is home to several historic cities and towns… but which of these towns is the oldest of them all? The answer is San Luis; a charming little town that is a must see!
Even before becoming a state in 1876, the Colorado Territory had seen its fair share of abandoned towns, a rise and fall in mining, and even several floods that changed the course of history. However, to see all of the above is something truly one-of-a-kind and makes the story of Montgomery all the more unique.
Located 30 miles west of Denver, Idaho Springs is a historic mining town of 1,717 that is tucked inside of colorful Clear Creek Canyon. What makes this somewhat tiny town stand out from all the others? In addition to its stunning surroundings, Idaho Springs is chock full of fun things to see and do, perfect for a weekend day out!
Founded in 1859 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, Georgetown is a colorful and historic area that was not only a hotbed for silver mining, but for the railroad as well. With easy access via I-70 (just 45 miles west of Denver), the historic "Silver Queen of the Rockies" is truly the ultimate Colorado fall destination with its original downtown area, opportunity to enjoy the changing colors from aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad, multiple museums, and stunning fall foliage located both in and around town.
Surprise; Georgetown isn't just a must-visit town in the autumn! In fact, for the last 66 years, the historic mountain town of Georgetown has transported their charming community to a simpler time and place thanks to their annual Christmas Festival, which was even named one of USA Today's 2015 "Best Holiday Festivals"!
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There is nothing quite like a charming old time Christmas celebration… Sure, the modern day holidays are fun too with the elaborate lights, television specials, and online shopping specials, but lets face it: nothing compares to the simplicity of carolers, candles, and handcrafted gifts, which is exactly what you will find at this old world Colorado Christmas celebration in beautiful Golden!
Located in south central Colorado, Antonito is a small town of just over 700 that may sound tiny, but packs a punch in terms of friendly residents and fascinating attractions like their historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad terminus, various pieces of art located throughout town, and Cano's Castle (pictured).
When it comes to picturesque Colorado towns, there is no place quite as perfect as Durango; a historic southwest town that offers some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in the state!
Have you been to any of these towns before? Which ones did we leave out? Let us know!
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