The Ultimate Colorado History Trail: Top Museums, Missions & Historic Towns (Currently Open)
Where the Past Comes Alive in the Centennial State
Colorado is more than just a destination for mountain adventures and scenic beauty—it’s a land steeped in rich history and pioneering spirit. From ancient Native American civilizations and Spanish missions to Wild West boomtowns and mining camps, every corner of the state has a story to tell.
The Colorado History Trail offers a fascinating journey through time, connecting travelers to museums, missions, and towns that shaped the identity of the American West. Whether you’re tracing the steps of gold miners, exploring centuries-old adobe missions, or walking the same streets as frontier legends, Colorado’s historical treasures are currently open and ready to explore.
Let’s dive into the top museums, missions, and historic towns that make up this ultimate journey through the heart of Colorado’s past.
History Colorado Center – Denver
Where Colorado’s Story Begins
Start your historical journey in the heart of downtown Denver at the History Colorado Center, the state’s flagship museum for cultural preservation and storytelling.
Why it’s a must-visit:
Interactive exhibits bring the state’s history to life—from Native American heritage to the mining era and modern urban growth.
The “Living West” exhibit explores Colorado’s landscapes and how people adapted to them over time.
Rotating exhibits showcase everything from frontier life to civil rights movements and local art.
Family-friendly? Absolutely! Hands-on activities make it fun for kids while still deeply engaging for adults.
Currently open: Yes, with year-round exhibits and seasonal special events.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the immersive “Colorado Stories” gallery, where historic tales are told through multimedia and reconstructed environments.
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site – La Junta
A Frontier Trading Post Reborn
Travel back to the 1830s at Bent’s Old Fort, a painstakingly reconstructed adobe trading post that once stood at the crossroads of commerce and culture on the Santa Fe Trail.
Why it’s iconic:
This was a key hub for trappers, traders, settlers, and Native Americans alike.
Live interpreters in period clothing bring the fort to life daily.
Visitors can explore blacksmith shops, living quarters, and trading rooms exactly as they appeared 180 years ago.
Currently open: Yes, managed by the National Park Service with guided tours available year-round.
Perfect for: History enthusiasts and families seeking an authentic frontier experience.
Fun Fact: The original fort played host to historical figures like Kit Carson and John C. Frémont.
Mesa Verde National Park – Cortez
Ancient Cliff Dwellings and Ancestral Stories
Step into one of North America’s most remarkable archaeological wonders at Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the ancestral homes of the Ancestral Puebloan people.
Why it’s extraordinary:
Over 600 cliff dwellings carved into sandstone alcoves dating back over 700 years.
The famous Cliff Palace, one of the most impressive ancient dwellings in the U.S., is accessible via guided tours.
Currently open: Yes, with most sites accessible seasonally and ranger-led tours operating through fall.
Tip for travelers: Visit in early summer or fall for ideal weather and smaller crowds.
Experience highlight: Watching the sunset over the canyon from Sun Point Overlook—a breathtaking glimpse into both history and nature.
Georgetown – The Silver Queen of the Rockies
A Victorian Gem Frozen in Time
Nestled in a mountain valley along I-70, Georgetown offers visitors a living glimpse into Colorado’s silver mining boom of the late 1800s.
Why it’s worth visiting:
The town’s Victorian architecture and charming main street remain largely unchanged.
Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a fully operational narrow-gauge railway that winds through stunning mountain scenery.
Visit the Hotel de Paris Museum, a 19th-century French hotel preserved exactly as it was in 1900.
Currently open: Yes, with regular train rides, walking tours, and museums open year-round.
Perfect for: Families, photographers, and lovers of Colorado’s mining history.
Pro Tip: Visit during the Georgetown Christmas Market, one of Colorado’s oldest and most festive holiday traditions.
Manitou Springs – Gateway to Pikes Peak History
Healing Waters and Historic Wonders
Tucked at the base of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is a historic spa town founded in the 1870s for its natural mineral springs and health resorts.
Why it’s historic:
The town’s Native American heritage blends with Victorian-era architecture and charm.
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum lets visitors explore reconstructed Puebloan structures.
The nearby Pikes Peak Cog Railway (established in 1891) is the highest cog train in the world.
Currently open: Yes, with year-round lodging, dining, and cultural attractions.
Don’t miss: Sampling the naturally carbonated water from the town’s free mineral springs—each has a distinct flavor and story.
Trinidad History Museum – Trinidad
A Showcase of Southern Colorado Heritage
Located near the New Mexico border, Trinidad was once a bustling stop along the Santa Fe Trail and a hub for trade, art, and cattle ranching.
Why it’s worth a visit:
The Trinidad History Museum complex includes the Baca House, Bloom Mansion, and Santa Fe Trail Museum.
Explore Victorian life, frontier trade, and the cultural diversity that shaped this southern Colorado town.
The entire district has been beautifully preserved, with art galleries and cafes now occupying historic storefronts.
Currently open: Yes, under the History Colorado network, offering tours and community events.
Best for: Cultural travelers and history buffs exploring Colorado’s lesser-known treasures.
Manzanola Mission Churches – Southeastern Colorado
Sacred Architecture in the High Plains
Colorado’s Spanish mission heritage is lesser known than that of neighboring states, but the historic mission churches of Manzanola and Fowler tell powerful stories of faith and community.
Why they’re significant:
Built by early settlers and missionaries who migrated north along the Santa Fe Trail.
Feature adobe construction, hand-painted murals, and timeless bell towers.
Still active places of worship and community gathering.
Currently open: Yes, with public access during select hours or special tours.
Ideal for: Architecture lovers and those seeking a peaceful, spiritual stop on their historical journey.
Central City & Black Hawk – Colorado’s Gold Rush Legacy
Twin Towns That Built the Rockies
When gold was discovered in 1859, the twin mining towns of Central City and Black Hawk became known as the “Richest Square Mile on Earth.” Today, they’ve transformed into vibrant heritage and entertainment hubs.
Why visit:
Explore the Gilpin History Museum and restored 19th-century buildings.
Visit The Teller House, one of the grandest hotels of the mining era.
Catch a show at the Central City Opera House, open since 1878 and still hosting performances.
Currently open: Yes, with year-round events, gaming, and historical tours.
Best for: Those who enjoy mixing history, art, and nightlife.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Durango
Ride Through Colorado’s Wild West Past
Boarding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is like stepping straight into a Western film. This historic train has been in continuous operation since 1882 and remains one of the most iconic experiences in the state.
What to expect:
A 45-mile route through the San Juan Mountains, following the path of early miners and settlers.
Period-authentic steam locomotives and restored passenger cars.
Access to the D&S Railroad Museum, showcasing artifacts from Colorado’s railroad history.
Currently open: Yes, with daily rides and themed excursions throughout the year.
Perfect for: Families, train enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an unforgettable scenic journey through history.
Cripple Creek – The Heart of Colorado’s Gold Boom
Striking It Rich in the Rockies
Once home to over 50,000 hopeful miners, Cripple Creek was one of the most important gold rush towns in the West. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark district that keeps its wild spirit alive.
Why it’s worth visiting:
Visit the Cripple Creek Heritage Center and Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum.
Tour the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, where you can descend 1,000 feet underground.
The town’s restored buildings now host hotels, casinos, and local theater productions.
Currently open: Yes, with guided mine tours and attractions available year-round.
Insider Tip: Visit in August for the Cripple Creek Donkey Derby Days, a quirky tribute to the town’s mining-era mascots.
Leadville – America’s Highest Historic Town
A High-Altitude Journey Through Time
Perched at 10,200 feet, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in North America—and once one of its wealthiest.
Why it’s iconic:
The National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum celebrates the pioneers of Colorado’s mining industry.
Walk the Leadville Historic District, with more than 50 preserved Victorian buildings.
The Tabor Opera House, built in 1879, is a masterpiece of frontier opulence.
Currently open: Yes, with museums and guided walking tours throughout the year.
Perfect for: History buffs and travelers fascinated by Colorado’s boomtown legacy.
Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center – Fort Garland
Defending the Frontier
Built in 1858, Fort Garland once housed troops led by Kit Carson to protect settlers in the San Luis Valley. Today, it serves as a museum that tells the story of Colorado’s early military and Hispanic heritage.
Why it’s significant:
Restored adobe buildings and reconstructed barracks showcase frontier military life.
Features exhibits honoring Buffalo Soldiers and local Indigenous communities.
Hosts cultural festivals and living history events.
Currently open: Yes, with indoor and outdoor exhibits accessible to visitors.
Best for: Families, military history fans, and those interested in early Colorado defense outposts.
Golden History Museum & Park – Golden
Where Colorado’s Territorial Story Began
Before Colorado became a state, Golden served as the territorial capital. The town’s museum complex celebrates this pivotal era in state history.
Why it’s worth your time:
The Golden History Museum features rotating exhibits on early settlers, mining, and pioneer families.
The adjacent History Park includes preserved cabins, a blacksmith shop, and a working schoolhouse.
Stroll along Clear Creek, where gold panning and old-time charm still thrive.
Currently open: Yes, with family activities and guided tours available.
Pro Tip: Pair your visit with a brewery stop—Coors Brewery, one of the world’s largest, was founded here in 1873.
Silverton – A Living Museum in the Mountains
Authenticity at 9,300 Feet
Tucked deep in the San Juan Mountains, Silverton is a perfectly preserved former mining town that feels straight out of the 1800s.
Why it’s amazing:
Designated as a National Historic Landmark District.
Historic sites like the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour let visitors explore tunnels and mining machinery.
Quaint streets lined with saloons, general stores, and vintage hotels like the Grand Imperial.
Currently open: Yes, year-round, though best visited in late spring through early fall.
Perfect for: Adventure seekers and photographers chasing Colorado’s Wild West authenticity.
San Luis – Colorado’s Oldest Town
A Legacy of Faith and Culture
Founded in 1851, San Luis holds the title of Colorado’s oldest continuously inhabited town. Rich in Hispanic culture, it remains a center for heritage and faith.
Why it’s a must-stop:
The Stations of the Cross Shrine on Mesa de la Piedad y de la Misericordia offers panoramic views and spiritual reflection.
Visit the Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center to learn about the region’s early settlers and traditions.
The town’s adobe architecture and community warmth make it a timeless experience.
Currently open: Yes, with guided tours and visitor centers operating seasonally.
Perfect for: Cultural travelers, spiritual seekers, and anyone tracing Colorado’s early roots.
Your Colorado History Trail Awaits
Colorado’s landscapes are breathtaking, but its history is what truly gives it depth and character. From ancient cliff dwellings to gold rush towns and mission churches, the state offers a living timeline of America’s frontier spirit.
Every site along this trail—currently open and thriving—invites you to walk in the footsteps of explorers, dreamers, and builders who shaped the West.
So pack your camera, your curiosity, and your sense of wonder. Whether you follow the entire Colorado History Trail or choose a few destinations, you’ll discover that the story of Colorado is the story of resilience, innovation, and boundless adventure.
Start your journey today—and let the past guide your next great adventure in the Centennial State.