With the summer season in full swing, Coloradans are filled with excitement and anticipation for summer vacations across the state’s stunning landscapes, and History Colorado offers a remarkable array of activities at 11 museums and historic sites. Each site is conveniently located within an hour of a National Park or a landmark railroad, making them the perfect addition to any summer road trip! From history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts to culture seekers, every visit to a History Colorado site promises to ignite a deeper appreciation for our shared past, allowing visitors to uncover the rich tapestry of stories that define the Centennial State.
History Colorado Summer Road Trip Pairings
Tours & Treks
For those seeking adventure inspiration, let History Colorado’s Tours & Treks team curate an unforgettable experience! With each trip specially designed to inspire wonder in our past, we hope these tours encourage participants to live in the present and explore parts of the Centennial State they have yet to discover. Visit the Tours & Treks events page for additional information and details!
Museums Around the State
History Colorado’s museums span the state and are designed for multi-generational audiences. The museums include interactive elements and engaging narratives that immerse visitors in the history of Colorado and the American West. Our museums include:
- The History Colorado Center in Denver features more than fifteen exhibitions that span five floors, capturing the spirit of the Centennial State.
- The Ute Indian Museum in Montrose connects the historic and contemporary lives and culture of the Ute peoples, showing their deep traditions of adaptation and persistence.
- The El Pueblo History Museum in Pueblo incorporates a reconstructed 1840s trading post, an archeological site, and innovative exhibitions that explore the many cultural and ethnic groups of the region.
- Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center in Fort Garland, where visitors can explore life in a 19th century military fort and the intersectional, complex histories of the people who lived there for millennia.
- The Center for Colorado Women’s History in Denver, is set within a beautifully restored Victorian-era home and is the first state museum focused on the past, present, and future achievement of Colorado women from the Centennial State.
- Trinidad History Museum grounds encompass lush gardens as well as historic Bloom Mansion and Baca House, that exemplify Southern Colorado lifeways throughout the 19th - 21st centuries.
- The Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin in Leadville depicts Western life in a Colorado mountain town during the 19th century silver mining boom.
History Colorado has also created an Affiliate Network of museums across the state dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Colorado. Explore our interactive map to view locations and information about each Affiliate museum.
Kids Free General Admission to All Museums
In addition to hosting wonder-inspiring exhibitions, each of the seven History Colorado museums across the state offers free general admission to kids ages 18 and under, meaning families looking for fun activities this summer need look no further than History Colorado. With opportunities to see historic homes, adobe forts and innovative playgrounds – in addition to a full roster of events – there’s bound to be something the whole family will love. So, prepare the caravan, grab the road trip snacks, and visit us soon!
Explore the Colorado Rockies by Rail!
Last but certainly not least among History Colorado’s offerings is the true Colorado gem, the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Located 45 miles west of Denver, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is one of Colorado’s most authentic living museums, offering historically immersive experiences. Offers include daily train rides, mine tours, gold panning demonstrations, and special seasonal events that further transform this picturesque experience into something truly remarkable. Be sure to keep an eye out for Sasquatch wandering through the forest, and invite the friendly creature for a group photo.
