Colorado Experience

According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado “has more than 1,000 ghost towns, over 600 of which have some sort of remains.” Visit St. Elmo, Animas Forks, and Ashcroft, three of the best-preserved ghost towns in the state, and meet the spirits of Colorado’s mining past.

The famous Oscar Wilde saying “Life imitates art far more than art imitates life” holds little truth in Colorado. With the magnificent mountains and bucolic landscapes located across the state, artist and pioneers could not help but replicate the sights before them. From the documentary art of early

expeditions, to the celebratory art of the iconic bronco busting cowboy, discover the backstory of 250 years of Western American art.

After earning her physician’s license in 1897, Anderson struggled to find work in Denver where people “didn’t believe in women doctors.” She did not let this stop her love of medicine and moved to Fraser, where she cured lumberjacks, tended to miners’ injuries, and even cared for animals. Meet the tenacious treasure of Fraser, one of the first to practice medicine in the state of Colorado.

Evidence of prehistoric mammals and early humans have been discovered across Colorado. Lamb Spring in Douglas County is home to the largest collection of Columbian mammoth bones in the state, offering archaeological insight into these prehistoric dwellers. The discoveries of Lindenmeier near Ft. Collins and Mountaineer in Gunnison reveal much about the people who lived here over 10,000 years ago.

Take a ride on the Galloping Goose, seven operational railcars that ran through the rugged San Juan mountains from 1931 to 1952. Carrying cargo, mail, and passengers, these “Motors” connected Dolores, Telluride, and Ridgeway with many locations along the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. Discover their mechanical and weather-related adventures, learn how they have been preserved, and why they attract visitors from around the world.

Join us on a wild ride as we discover some of Colorado’s oldest amusement parks. Elitch Gardens, Denver’s most popular park, opened in 1890 and operated as Denver’s first botanic garden, zoo, and motion picture theater. Across town, Lakeside Amusement Park wowed with its Art Deco décor. In

Burlington, their speedy animal carousel attracted children of all ages. Discover why these parks are the most thrilling in Colorado.

Colorado has been a leader in aviation since the early 1900s. From the Alexander Aircraft Company, which in the 1920s was the largest airplane manufacturer in the world, and Elrey Jeppesen, a young man who turned his passion for penning aviation charts into a booming business, to Emily Howell Warner, the first commercial female pilot, explore Colorado’s history of Aviation and meet the inspiring individuals who have shaped an industry.

Located near Great Sand Dunes National Park, The Trujillo Homestead and The Medano Zapata Ranch have a history dating back to Paleo-Indians, with early Spanish explorers and New Mexican sheep herders and cattle ranchers settling the area in the 1800s. Today, these National Historic Landmarks provide a window to the past and a sanctuary for many wetland birds, rare plants and insects, and of course cattle and bison.

The 1910s marked the early years of tourism to Colorado’s front range and quickly, promoters presented the surrounding mountains as magnificent park attractions. Today, 46 public parks make up the Denver Mountain Parks system, including famous destinations such as Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater, Mount Evans, and Winter Park. Meet those who had the foresight to preserve these epic spaces, and understand why it is vital to preserve them for Coloradans and tourists alike.

Discover how lodging has changed with transportation throughout Colorado. From stage coaches and railroads to the autobus and eventually cars, tourists have increasingly flocked to Colorado’s mountains. Venture to Grand Lake and Steamboat to discover the history behind some of the favorite places to stay

while making a mountain escape.