Historical Tours & Places to Visit
Cradle of Colorado – Six Historic Journeys
The Cradle of Colorado Six Heritage Journey Tours to Explore Cradled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountains at the headwaters of the Rio Grande, lies the San Luis Valley. This vastness, coupled [...]
Creede Underground Mining Museum
The town of Creede evolved from a history rich in mining and scenic surroundings. Silver was first discovered in Creede in 1889. Mining was the area’s main industry for almost 100 years until the Homestake Mining Company closed down [...]
Cultural History of the San Luis Valley
Cultural History of the San Luis Valley Article and Photos by Field Editor Ryan Michelle Scavo The San Luis Valley has a long history of human habitation. From early native peoples and Spanish explorers to modern agricultural communities [...]
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Hidden away in a little-known corner of the southern Rocky Mountains is a precious historic artifact of the American West. Built in 1880 and little changed since, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the most spectacular example of [...]
Fort Garland Museum
Fort Garland was established in 1858 in southern Colorado, with its garrison of over 100 men it served to protect the earliest settlers in the San Luis Valley. We invite you to walk the parade ground of the fort [...]
Jack Dempsey Museum
Come discover the World’s Greatest Heavyweight Boxer of the 20th Century! Jack Dempsey, also known as “The Manassa Mauler”, was the world’s heavyweight boxing champion from 1919 to 1926. Dempsey, a Colorado native was born in Manassa, Colorado. The [...]
Jeeping Through Ghost Towns
Article & Photos by Field Editor Ryan Michelle Scavo Colorado’s long history of mining provides off-roaders and 4x4 enthusiasts with a plethora of unique, off-the-beaten bath places to explore! Visitors to the San Luis Valley and surrounding area will [...]
La Garita Natural Arch
La Garita Natural Arch is different from many of the others you’ll find scattered around Colorado. Rather than being formed from uplifted sandstone as most arches are, the Ventana Arch formed within a magma intrusion called a volcanic dike. [...]
Los Caminos Antiguos Byway
Los Caminos Antiguos Byway Length: 129 Miles Driving Time: 3 Hours Los Cominos Antiguos Byway is a historic route that will take you through Alamosa, Fort Garland, San Luis, and Antonito, passing right through the Great Sand Dunes [...]
Rio Grande County Museum & Cultural Center
The Rio Grande County Museum & Cultural Center offers visitors a glimpse into the past of Rio Grande County and it's early settlers including Native Americans, mountain men, fur trappers, gold seekers, farmers and ranchers, and merchants. Many settlers [...]
San Juan Catholic Spiritual Center
San Juan Catholic Church Spiritual Center Walk the same path where courageous Hispano settlers journeyed into Southern Colorado from New Mexico to live their Catholic faith at the foot of the La Garita Mountains. The SAN JUAN CATHOLIC [...]
Shrine of the Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross are a series of graphic meditations of the last hours of Christ’s life – His judgment, sufferings, death and resurrection. Sculpted by internationally know artist Huberto Maestas, the meditations are truly beautiful. The Shrine [...]
Silver Thread Scenic Byway Driving Tour
Silver Thread Scenic Driving Tour Length: 117 Miles Driving Time: 3 hours The Silver Thread Scenic Byway has been designated as a U.S. Forest Service National Scenic Byway and connects Creede, Lake City, and South Fork. Silver Thread [...]
Summitville Historic Mine District
Summitville Historic Mining District Summitville was the location of one of the earliest gold discoveries in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Despite the historical significance of the district not many details are available about [...]
The Bachelor Loop Historic and Scenic Byway
Beautiful scenery and historic markers await travelers along the Bachelor Loop route north of Creede. The loop is one of the many ways historic Creede acknowledges and embraces its past as a mining town and the continuation of the mining [...]
The Windsor Hotel
605 Grand Avenue Del Norte, CO 81132 Phone: 719.657.9031 Established in 1874, The Windsor Hotel is a landmark luxury hotel in Del Norte, Colorado, known for it's hometown culture. Enjoy the ambiance of Colorado's western history [...]