Veterans Day is a meaningful holiday on the annual calendar that provides citizens with an opportunity to celebrate those who have served in the armed forces. It’s a chance to reflect on sacrifice and service while also spending quality time with family and friends. This year, consider spending your Veterans Day in Durango to enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or you’re excited to take part in all of the events and gatherings, you’ll find reasons to linger longer than you planned and plenty of inspiration to return year after year. Don’t miss the top Veterans Day activities in Durango below.
Veterans Day Activities in Durango
When travel plans bring you to Durango over Veterans Day in November, you’ll find you’re right on time to enjoy the annual parade, community celebration, and fireworks display as well. While government offices and public service centers are typically closed on this meaningful holiday, the city itself is still in full swing celebrating Veterans Day in style. The entertainment kicks off around 11:00 am with the Veterans Day parade that’s hosted along Main Avenue. The parade showcases a color guard made up of local veterans as well as music, dance performances, floats, and more. When the parade comes to a close, guests are invited to make their way to the Animas Museum where there are often Veterans Day displays, exhibits, and speakers on hand to provide more insight into the history of this holiday. Durango often hosts a community celebration as well as the Transit Center Parking Lot between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. This is a family-friendly gathering complete with live music, fantastic food trucks, great beverages, and activities for all ages. The evening ends with a fireworks show downtown around dusk that’s sure to be fun for everyone in your group!
Infuse Some Family-Friendly Thrills into Your Veterans Day Adventure
If you’re looking to infuse some adrenaline-pumping fun into your Veterans Day stay in Durango, consider heading over to the Inferno Mountain Coaster at Purgatory Resort while you’re in town. This mini-roller coaster is located conveniently at the base of the mountain and stretches over a half mile in length. It’s a fun-for-all-ages winter attraction where riders can control the speed of their cart as they glide along savoring sights of the Needle Mountains and ski runs that adorn the greater Purgatory Resort area. When it comes to unique ways to enjoy sightseeing this time of year, this mini-coaster is difficult to top!
Try Dog Sledding
Yet another unique stop to add to your Veterans Day itinerary when you want to try something new is dog sledding over at the Durango Dog Ranch. This welcoming locale is run by a passionate team of professionals who will help you organize customized dog sledding outings through the snow-covered surrounding meadows. They’ve been in business for more than 20 years and always pair amazing adventures out in nature with opportunities to learn more about the dogs as well as the history of dog sledding along the way.
Warm Up with a Savory Beverage
When you’re ready to get in from the snow and cold and warm up with a hot beverage in hand, there are many local stops to be sure to check out while you’re in town. Places like the Office Spiritorium and El Moro Tavern on Main Avenue as well as The Bookcase and Barber on 2nd Avenue offer visitors great places to settle into cozy surroundings and enjoy handcrafted cocktails that are innovative and flavorful. The Office Spiritorium sits within the historic Strater Hotel and is a top destination for enjoying cocktails paired with live music over Veterans Day as well.
Add an Inspiring View to Your Itinerary
A Veterans Day getaway to Durango is a chance to get out and make the most of amazing views along the way. If you’re up for a hike, consider bundling up and strapping on snowshoes to see the Cascade Canyon waterfalls in all of their frozen beauty this time of year. You’ll want to make sure you have your camera ready to go as well so you can capture the glittering scene on film. The winter sunsets that can be viewed from places like The Rim Trail are equally inviting. Located on Fort Lewis College campus, this trail is always a great place to enjoy a hike, but in November, you’ll find an evening trek this way comes with some great rewards in the way of an exceptionally colorful seasonal sky.
Enjoy Your Trip to Durango in Style
When a trip to Durango is calling, Durango Colorado Vacations has the luxurious accommodation options you deserve to enjoy while you’re in town. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our impressive portfolio of vacation rental options in the area including our Veterans Day rentals that are bound to please! Browse our Purgatory vacation rentals here.
