Extended Weekend Getaways A Train Excursion
Journey into the heart of the unspoiled Rocky Mountains of southwest Colorado for an unforgettable adventure, and immerse yourself in the authentic Old West in Durango. Step back in time as you relax and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the San Juan National Forest on the historical Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which has offered memory-making, year-round adventures for 144 years. Durango Train provides a taste of authentic railroading history presented as it was in 1882. Choose from full-day, round-trips to the old mining town of Silverton; half-day adventures to Cascade Canyon; or an exclusive, limited-run, 3.5-hour escape on our shortest and only early-evening journey on the Highline Express.
A Relaxing Getaway
Looking for a vacation filled with wonder? Glenwood Springs has all you seek and more. Soak in the geothermically heated natural mineral waters of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Iron Mountain Hot Springs. You can also soar high above the canyon on thrill rides or dive below the Earth’s surface to explore the winding caves at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in hiking and biking, snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding. And water lovers will scream with glee when shooting the Shoshone Rapids on Colorado River rafting excursions or spotting elk and bald eagles on peaceful float trips.
Make your way to the Land of Water, where wonders await. No matter the time of year you visit, you’ll always find plenty of things to do in Glenwood Springs.
The Arts Point of View
Arts and culture is an immersive experience in Colorado, and there are several new offerings to ignite the senses. In 2025, Colorado’s arts and cultural scene offers a rich tapestry of immersive experiences that captivate both residents and visitors alike. Denver, in particular, has emerged as a hub for interactive art installations and cultural festivals that engage the senses and foster deep connections with diverse artistic expressions.
One of the most notable attractions is Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station in Denver. This 90,000-square-foot facility transports visitors into a surreal, interdimensional world, blending art and storytelling in a fully immersive environment. The installation features four distinct realms, each meticulously crafted to provide a unique sensory experience, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts seeking unconventional narratives.
In addition to permanent installations, Denver hosts annual events that celebrate cultural heritage through immersive experiences. The Colorado Indian Market & Southwest Art Fest, now in its 43rd year, is a prime example. Held at the Colorado Convention Center, this festival showcases the work of over 150 artists and craftsmen, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with Native American and Western art, dance, and storytelling. Highlights include performances by world champion dancer Larry Yazzie and musical acts like Inka Gold, providing a dynamic and enriching cultural immersion.
These immersive experiences reflect Colorado’s commitment to integrating art and culture into the fabric of everyday life, offering both residents and visitors avenues to explore and connect with diverse artistic expressions in profound ways.
Studying History
For travelers with a passion for history, Colorado offers a fascinating journey through time, from ancient civilizations to the Wild West and beyond. Begin your adventure at Mesa Verde National Park, where you can explore the remarkably well-preserved cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans, who inhabited the region over 700 years ago. Guided tours of Cliff Palace and Balcony House provide an up-close look at these architectural marvels and the ingenuity of the early inhabitants. Moving forward in history, a visit to Bent’s Old Fort near La Junta takes you back to the 1830s, when this adobe trading post served as a cultural crossroads for fur trappers, Native American tribes, and westward-bound pioneers.
For a glimpse into Colorado’s mining boom, head to Leadville or Central City, where historic districts preserve the grandeur and grit of the late 19th century. The National Mining Hall of Fame in Leadville showcases artifacts from the era when prospectors flooded the state in search of fortune. Meanwhile, in the state capital, Denver, you can visit the Molly Brown House Museum to learn about the life of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, a socialite, philanthropist, and Titanic survivor. Whether you’re exploring ghost towns, historic railroads like the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge, or frontier forts, Colorado’s rich past ensures that history buffs will find plenty to discover.
