Durango is a former mining town in southwestern Colorado. Tourists are drawn to the area for its outdoor activities, historic downtown, and scenic beauty. This small town happens to be one of our favorites in Colorado- a trip here is worthwhile any time of year.
Shopping & Culture
Downtown Durango is a Nationally Registered Historic District with many shopping options. There are boutiques, galleries, and Southwestern gift shops. For unique home décor items and housewares, stop in Urban Market on Main Avenue. Another great store is Earthen Vessel Gallery, also on Main Avenue. If you are looking for traditional Native American items, stop in Toh-Atin Gallery on 9th Street.
The Animas Museum is the history museum of Durango and tells the story of its inhabitants. It’s housed in the former city school building that was built in 1904. If you plan to enjoy the outdoors, we recommend the Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.
Did You Know? The FBI traces its origins to this area.
The Railroad
Arguably the most popular attraction in town is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This heritage railway is a designated National Historic Landmark. The 45-mile track stretches from Durango to Silverton and has been continuously operated since 1882. June through August you can catch a Summer Brew Train with beer tastings, food, and live music!
Outdoor Activities
Purgatory Resort is a family-friendly resort that offers skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and tubing in the Winter. In the Summer months you can enjoy the mountain coaster, ziplining, ropes course, paddle boarding, and many other activities
Try Durango Rafting Co. for rafting and kayaking trips down the Animas River.
There are many area trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. The Animas River Trail runs through Durango and along the Animas River, connecting the trail network and local parks.
National Parks
Durango has access to some excellent National Parks and Monuments. You can take day trips to Mesa Verde National Park, Chimney Rock National Monument, Four Corners National Monument, or Hovenweep National Monument. Tickets for National Park tours can be purchased at the Durango Welcome Center.
Eat
Chimayo Stone-fired Kitchen is a great option for lunch or dinner, serving Southwestern and Mediterranean cuisine.
For dinner and a show, try Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers. The meal is a traditional cowboy dinner and includes an old west music and comedy stage show. There are also wagon rides and a souvenir shop.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Durango has a very active nightlife. The Strater Hotel is home to the Diamond Belle Saloon and The Office Spiritorium. Both have live music and cocktails, and you can even catch an Old West Gunfight outside the Diamond Belle.
The Balcony Bar and Grill has a rooftop patio with live music, casual drinks and food, and a great view of the San Juan Mountains.
Durango Craft Spirits, Durango’s first grain-to-glass distillery since prohibition, offers tours and tastings. When we were there, they also had a band playing in the parking lot, so you could listen to live music as you sampled their various spirits.
Stay
The Strater Hotel, built in 1887, is a downtown Durango landmark located on Main Street. It has an Old West feel and the rooms are filled with antique furniture. The General Palmer Hotel is another option for a historic hotel right down the street.
