Colorado has a diverse array of historic sites, modern attractions and natural destinations, so where you go and what you do really depends on your interest. If you want to learn more about the state’s history, start your exploration at the Mesa Verde State Park, where you can view ancient cliff dwellings, or the Bachelor Syracuse Mine, which presents a realistic depiction of a 19th-century mining camp. To get an authentic taste of the past, hop a ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, which takes travelers the 46 miles from Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico, and back again daily. The Hidee Gold Mine in Central City and Old Hundred Gold Mine in Silverton give tours of these historic sites and let you pan mine for your own nugget.
If you want to enjoy a more modern vacation, Colorado has you covered. Elitch Gardens Theme Park in Denver has roller coasters and other exciting rides to get your blood pumping, and it also has an attached water park when you want to cool things down. The North Pole Home of Santa’s Workshop in Cascade brings out the child in everyone, while Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs provides rides and other amusement park-style experiences. The Downtown Aquarium in Denver lets you explore both native and exotic species, while the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs lets you get up close and personal with a wide array of wildlife.
If you want to breathe the mountain air and take in all the Colorado outdoors has to offer, a wide range of options await from backpacking, ATVing and boating to ballooning, camping and skiing. Some other activities include mountain climbing Mount Evans and snowmobiling through Rocky Mountain National Park. Fishermen flock to the Frying Pan River, while birders head to Pueblo Lake State Park to catch a glimpse of resident bald eagles. No matter your preferences, when it comes to travel, Colorado truly has something for everyone.