Even though Durango, Colorado has its roots in the Old West, you don't need to worry about hearing shouts of "This town ain't big enough for the two of us!"...while Durango is undeniably Western, it's not that kind of wild anymore. Let your inner cowboy ride free while you discover Durango's Wild West heritage!
If you like your history straight up, check out the charming Animas Museum. A former schoolhouse, this local history museum features exhibits all about the craziest stories of the West, from Native American lore to bizarre cowboy feuds!
Colorado is loaded with steamy hot springs that you can enjoy all year round, such as Trimble Spa and Natural Hot Springs. Day-use passes are available for the springs, Olympic pool, and dry sauna. The water in the springs is loaded with minerals that are supposed to be great for your skin and muscles... but if this old-timey method of relaxation isn't enough, then you can book a massage at their spa as well.
Step back in time, and enjoy a BBQ dinner and a show that's perfect for the whole family at the Bar D Chuckwagon Supper Show. Part comedy routine and part live concert, the performance is a feel-good way to end an evening spent eating home-cooked food, shopping, and exploring the family-friendly attractions offered on-site.
Historic Downtown Durango features old-school buildings that are now occupied by upscale eateries, funky coffee shops, local diners, quirky saloons, and chic boutiques. Walk up and down the street checking out the views of the mountains, enjoying the fresh air, and poking into the local businesses along the way.
Back in the day, the Diamond Belle Saloon was one of the West's best piano bars, and its really taken the Wild West theme to heart: Waitresses dressed in can can costumes serve up classic bar food and delicious burgers, bartenders sling whiskey while live ragtime music fills the air, and, in the summer, gunfight re-enactments thrill the saloon's patrons.
The indoor pool, sports bar, Wi-Fi, and modern rooms all make the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Durango Central a nice place to unwind after all of that Wild West fun. It's a quick drive from downtown Durango, but still offers views of the stunning San Juan National Forest, so you get the best of both worlds here!
A ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a great way to experience the Wild West! Vintage steam locomotives take passengers on a scenic ride through the forests and mountains of the Durango area. The views are pristine, so it's not hard to imagine yourself as a pioneer on your way to your next big adventure in Colorado!
From lively saloons to scenic train rides, there's a lot of ways to have fun in the Wild West, and there's no better way to experience the excitement of it all than Durango!