Exploring modern marvels as a traveler can certainly be exciting, but the thrill of finding places where the past still somehow remains very much alive and well is always a one-of-a-kind experience. A great place to visit when you’re looking to balance modernity and history is Durango, Colorado. Here, Wild West charm is always within reach, and the remnants of ancient civilizations that once thrived remain firmly at your fingertips. When you’re heading this way, excited to pursue incredible stories of the past, planning a journey into the rich history of Durango that thrills begins right here!
Start Your Adventure on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Long before Durango was a vibrant hot spot for tourism, it was a thriving center for transportation. Much of this came about with the arrival of the railroad in 1880 at the hands of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway. Durango was quickly established as the central regional hub for moving gold and silver from the San Juan Mountains, and this designation was followed by a wave of miners, settlers, and merchants alike arriving in town.
In tandem with these new arrivals, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad emerged. Originally hitting the rails in 1882, this team engine was first built to move precious metals, but was eventually turned into a passenger train. That’s exactly what it remains today, and your historical journey to Durango deserves to include a ride of your own!
When you purchase your ticket, you’ll step onboard this historic train and enjoy truly fascinating things to see in Durango, Colorado. Along the route, passengers are treated to gorgeous views of mountains, canyons, rivers, and forests that set a scenic scene with every passing mile. When you adventure on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, there’s a unique sense that you’ve truly stepped back in time and can see through the eyes of those who admired the Animas River Valley long before your arrival.
Head Further into the Past at Mesa Verde National Park
Travelers who can’t wait to take their historical journey to Durango even further back in time need only make their way to Mesa Verde National Park during their stay. Not far from Durango, Mesa Verde National Park can be reached in about 30 minutes by car and is home to some of the most breathtaking archaeological sites found in the entire country.
This protected and undeniably beautiful place came into existence long before Durango was a railroad town. Thousands of years ago, the area was home to the Ancestral Pueblo people, and their legacy remains today in the form of remnant cliff dwellings. There’s something truly inspiring about walking among these dwellings that cling to impressive canyon walls in an enduring testament to their former inhabitants. Whether you capture them on camera, take a close-up guided tour, or simply admire them from a distance, it’s incredible to think you’re walking in the footsteps of those who crafted these structures between 600 and the 12th century.
Dive Deeper into History of Durango at Local Museums and Learning Centers
If you’re spending time in Durango on a historical journey enjoyed alongside the entire family, the Animas Museum is a place that everyone in your group is sure to love! Here, there are exhibits and displays to check out that are engaging and inspiring for visitors of all ages. The museum itself is housed in a former schoolhouse that dates back to 1904. This means that even your first step through the doorway is a meaningful testament to the past! Once you’re inside, you can take time to browse exhibits that spotlight local indigenous cultures, early settlers in the area, and the robust development of the local railroad, too.
After your visit, consider making your way to the Powerhouse Science Center as a follow-up stop on your history-focused itinerary. You’ll find this intriguing science center situated in a former coal-fired power plant on Camino Del Rio. The Powerhouse Science Center was established as a way to both educate the public and provide an authentic example of how historic architecture can be redesigned for a new and unique modern use.
These days, the science center functions primarily as a hands-on children’s museum packed with eye-opening interactive displays and exhibits. The Powerhouse Science Center also hosts a variety of educational programs on-site throughout the year, so it’s well worth your time to check on the event calendar before you arrive.
Add a History-Focused Walking Tour to Your Itinerary
One of the very best ways to learn more about Durango’s fascinating past is alongside a local on a guided walking tour through town. That’s exactly what you can enjoy when you book your place on a Horsefly History Tour while you’re in town! These tours can be customized to your unique travel and history interests, spanning historical ghost tours and history-focused food tours to outings that zero in on Wild West legends.
Many of these tours are family-friendly excursions, giving everyone in your group a chance to learn more together and ask questions of your guide along the way. Plan on setting off for your tour from Main Street and spending a few hours out and about exploring pieces of the past that are sure to inspire.
Book Your Next Durango Getaway Today
There’s no better time than now to begin turning your Durango travel plans into reality. When you’re ready to enjoy the best this vacation destination has to offer for yourself, the team at Durango Colorado Vacations will be here to help you find incredible accommodations to match. Our collection of inviting property options includes cozy cabins, welcoming condos, and luxurious vacation homes to choose from as well. Whether you’re here for a few days or looking forward to an extended stay in Colorado, our rentals will have you feeling right at home.
Reach out today to learn more about our exciting lineup of rental options available and how we can help you tailor the details of your stay to your travel style. We look forward to helping you enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure to Durango soon!
