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2010 Durango Area Story Ideas
Durango Discovery Museum opens in 2010
- After years of fundraising and planning, the Durango Discovery Museum will open Phase II of its interactive science and energy center in Durango’s historic Powerhouse in October, 2010.
- Phase II of the museum’s development will incorporate Durango Discovery Kids and add thousands of square feet of space for hands-on science + energy exhibits for all ages, historic interpretation exhibits, Sudden Science™: science clubs and summer camps, the Solar Roller™: mobile discovery center, a museum shop and café, energy demo labs and workshops, and multipurpose space for special public and private events.
- The museum will be an exciting new destination in historic downtown Durango. Housed in the country’s oldest surviving coal-fired, steam-generated AC power plant, “the POW” promises to ignite curiosity, spark imagination and power exploration.
- Information at (970) 422-2034 or visit www.durangodiscovery.org.
Melodrama Returns to Durango
- Traditional “melodrama” will return to Durango in summer 2010 with “The Great Durango Melodrama at the Henry Strater Theatre.”
- Two different shows will be staged on alternate nights beginning in early June and running through mid-August. The George M. Cohen classic “The Tavern” has been confirmed, with a second show to be announced.
- The melodrama is a traditional theatrical art form characterized by exaggerated movements, strong emotions, up-tempo dialogue and clear conflict between good and evil. They also entice audiences to boo the villain, cheer for the hero and rollick with Vaudevillian comedy.
- www.henrystratertheatre.com or call 970.375.7160.
Value Travel—More Fun for Less Money!
Just get here! We don’t believe in the “naycation” concept that loomed in 2009—everyone deserves a vacation! Once you are a here,
Durango offers value vacation options that won’t feel like a budget vacation. The natural beauty of our mountain town offers a splendid backdrop for an adventurous, relaxing, family or getaway vacation that fits your budget. A wide variety of lodging options in town and out-of-town.
- Golf at Hillcrest Golf Club
- Mini golf at Sky Ute Casino and Durango Park
- Vallecito Lake—fishing, hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding, camping, water sports
- Rafting or kayaking on the Animas River
- Trimble Hot Springs—spa soak for total relaxation
- Honeyville honey—watch bees make honey
- Animas River Trail—stroll, run, bike along the river
- Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing and plenty of other outdoor activities
- Museums – Animas Museum, Train Museum, Center for Southwest Studies, Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum
- Live Entertainment at numerous venues
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Check out our list of “Frugal or Free” things to do in the summer
Agritourism
- With the increased awareness of sustainability, health and the desire to become educated on where your food is coming from, agritourism is a growing travel trend. The Durango area provides the perfect venue for agritourism with 300+ days of sunshine, more restaurants per capita than San Francisco and great farmers/ranchers that work with famous chefs such as Celebrity Chef Darren McGrady (Royal Family in England) and Emril Lagasses.
- The area offers an unforgettable rural experience and a breathtaking location where vacation and agriculture meet. La Plata County was recently named “One of the Best Places to Live in Rural America “by The Progressive Farmer. Pick the Durango area to be the setting for your agri-vacation. Here’s a taste of what the Durango Area has to offer: On-Farm/ranching, Dude Ranches, Manufacturing, Retail, Culinary, Microbreweries, Farmer’s Market and Special Events.
Soaring® Tree Top Adventures
Reminiscent of tree-to-tree soaring in the movie Medicine Man or the magical elfin tree houses in Lord of the Rings. In a remote valley, accessible only by train, Soaring® Tree Top Adventures is an extreme zip line adventure and the only one of its kind in the continental United States. Soar through the Aspens and glide above the Animas River on the highest quality stainless steel cable system. A Sky Ranger is there to handle equipment and maintain the maximum level of safety. Soaring can be enjoyed by thrill seekers of all ages.
- Zip line adventure—Petzel custom harness
- Only accessible by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Soaring® Tree Top Adventures has opened its longest zip line span of 1400 feet, across mountainside and over the Animas River, for the ninth river crossing in Soaring’s zip line course. This span is the fastest and most thrilling Soaring run yet, and almost triples the length of the guest favorite predecessor of 560 feet.
- Soaring® Tree Top Adventures is ranked the #1 Attraction in not only Durango and in Colorado, but as the #1 Attraction in the United States on TripAdvisor.com, a consumer site that allows guests to write unbiased reviews about their experiences with lodging and attractions worldwide.
Arts and Museums
A hidden jewel in the art world, over a dozen galleries carry treasures from American Indians, Contemporary Western and Southwestern works of museum-quality art represented with sculptures, pottery, baskets, fine art photography and home furnishings. An allure of gold, silver, precious stones and bronze is transformed into sculpture and custom jewelry. Durango is home to a national treasure for Indian studies – Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College. The Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum at Sky Ute Casino and Resort celebrates the Native American heritage of the area. The Animas Museum traces the birth and history of our mountain town while the D&SNGRR Museum brings the steam-engine’s heritage to life. The Durango Discovery Museum is scheduled to open October, 2010. Watch for the Victorian Aid Society; their members are often spotted in Period attire walking town or giving tours.
Geo-Cultural
- Mesa Verde Country is the archeological center of America offering unforgettable opportunity to see and experience the life of the ancient Ancestral Puebloans. Home of Mesa Verde National Park. Historic Durango shows off our lovingly preserved and thriving downtown. Durango is the winner of the 2007 Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
- Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College
- Tohatin Gallery and other art galleries with museum-quality works
- Animas Museum
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
- Sky Ute Casino and Resort
- Southern Ute Cultural Center
- Walking tour of Historical Main Avenue and 3rd Avenue
- Historic Downtown Durango
Green and Eco-friendly Efforts
- D&SNGRR-nighttime filter, carbon neutral with tree planting
- City of Durango is 100% green powered
- Trails 2000 maintains and develops trails in the area
- Raider Ridge Café—totally wind powered
- Strater Hotel--hot water and electricity co-generation systems, green award for sustainability. 2008 Governor’s Awards for Downtown Excellence. The state of Colorado named the 1887 property as the “Best Building Improvement Project: Best Restoration.”
- Wilderness Trail Ranch—total recycling program, organic and local food coop
- Carvers Brewing Company-hot water solar heater
- Powerhouse at the Discovery Museum-pedal powered outdoor movies
- Durango Farmer’s Market
- Buy local campaign by the Chamber of Commerce
- Green building at SKA, meeting space and tasting room
Ski and Boarding
Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) is a fun-family destination for skiers and snowboarders. Conde Nast Traveler named Purgatory one of the Top 20 Resorts for 2008. Ski Magazine selected Purgatory as one of the 7 Great Mountains to Ski with Your Kids in the November 2007 issue. As Phase 1 of a 25 year master plan, DMR had over $100 million in base renovations, new slope-side lodging and ski-mountain improvements this year.
The resort offers 85 trails with terrain for all ability levels, including a dedicated beginners’ area and two terrain parks. At the start of the 2009-2010 ski season, Purgatory unveiled 125 new acres of expert tree-skiing terrain in the Legends area on the back side of the mountain. The Legends Expansion is the first major terrain expansion since 1985, increasing Purgatory’s expert acreage by more than 30 percent and the overall skiable acreage of the mountain by more than 10 percent. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Purgatory offers a complete lineup of winter activities, including sleigh rides, snow tubing and ski biking.
Ski Hesperus is located 11 miles west of Durango and offers day skiing and night skiing on lighted slopes. This smaller ski area has 1 chair lift and 1 rope tow; a tubing hill and base lodge. Top: 8,880 feet. Ski and boarding lessons available.
- www.ski-hesperus.com, (970) 259-3711
- Chapman Hill Ski Area greets the 2010 year with snowmaking for a consistent ski and boarding season. This in-town ski hill has one rope tow, ski and boarding lessons and night time skiing. Sledding hill to the north side of the ice arena. Located on Florida Road, this hill has taught many a Durangatan how to ski!
- Durango Nordic Center has over 18 Km of groomed trails from easy to difficult for classic and skate skiing. Lessons, clinics and races. Located North of Durango across from Durango Mountain Resort. www.durangonordic.org/NordicCenter.htm, 970-385-2114
- Hillcrest Golf Course and Vallecito Lake also offer Nordic Skiing when snowfall permits.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Named number three in the World’s Top Ten Train Rides by the Society of American Travel Writers in 2009. Retrace the steps of claim-seeking miners and board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as it winds through the remote and scenic mountain wilderness to the historic town of Silverton. Originally constructed to haul silver and gold from mining camps, the railway has been in operation since 1881. In the winter, the train reveals a snow-filled wonderland on the trip to Cascade Canyon. During the year, enjoy theme rides like Thomas the Tank™, Polar Express™, Peanuts™ Easter Beagle Express and Peanuts™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express.
Outdoor Adventure
- Animas River for kayaking, rafting, floating, fishing
- Durango Dog Park
- Soaring® Tree Top Adventures
- Mountain Biking and Road Biking
- Hiking—With over 350 miles of trails there are plenty of options. Take the train to Chicago Basin and hike in, Trails 2000, Colorado Trail, San Juan National Forest
- Skiing, snowboarding, snow biking, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides
- Trail running
- Horseback riding, hayrides, stage coach rides
- Running , walking
- Fishing—gold medal waters of the Animas River
- Boating, canoeing, paddle surfing—Vallecito Lake
- Hunting—guides
- Golfing and mini golf
- Climbing
- Camping
- DMR serves as a natural summer playground offering spectacular views and activities including the Alpine Slide, miniature golf, bungee trampoline, Frisbee golf, climbing wall, Digglers Mountain Scooters, and scenic chairlift rides with access to mountain biking and hiking trails.
Cheers: City of Brewerly Love
- Steamworks Brewing, Carvers, SKA, Durango Brewing
- First Source Water
- Awards for beers at competitions
- Green building at SKA, meeting space and tasting room
- Carvers has changed to solar powered heaters
MultiGen Travel
- Theatres & entertainment: Community Concert Hall, Fort Lewis College Theatre, Henry Strater Theatre, Melodrama, Durango Art Center, Bar D Chuck Wagon
- Live entertainment at restaurants, bars and coffee houses, Abby Theatre
- Restaurants—more restaurants per capita than San Francisco
- Animas River Trail—paved trail
- DMR—chairlift ride, mini golf, bungee trampoline, Diggler Mountain Scooters, Alpine Slide, climbing wall
- Vallecito Lake
- Sky Ute Casino and Convention Center
- San Juan Skyway—driving tour
- Easy access by airlines
- Soaring® Tree Top Adventures
- Historic Downtown Durango
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
- Durango Wildlife Education & Fishing Hatchery
- Animas Museum
- Trimble Hot Springs or Durango Recreation Center
- Horseback riding, hay rides, stage coach rides
Vallecito Lake
“Lake of the Little Valley”—Sheltered in a secluded mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level, Vallecito Lake is one of the largest and most beautiful bodies of water in all of Colorado. Only 22 miles northeast of Durango, Vallecito Lake lies in a steep and pristine valley surrounded by millions of acres of unspoiled San Juan National Forest. This mountain hamlet promises a secluded getaway for fishing, camping, horseback riding, hiking, relaxing, boating and other water sports.
- Dude Ranches, cabins, camping, world-class resorts, fun eateries
- Breakfast trail rides and horseback riding
- Fishing contest
- Tour of Carvings
- Pontoon, boat and jet ski rental
- Learn surfboard paddling
- Winter activities: snowmobiling, ice fishing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Sky Ute Casino Resort and Conference Center
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe recently completed their state-of-the-art casino resort! The 45,000 square foot gaming floor including slots, poker/blackjack, and bingo. Stay in an elegantly appointed luxury hotel room or suite, choose from one of five unique restaurants to dine in, take your shot at striking it rich in the Rolling Thunder Lanes, and immerse yourself in the culture of the Southern Ute people.
A great vacation at the Sky Ute Casino Resort
- Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum
- 140-room luxury hotel
- 5 restaurants
- 24 full-site RV hook-ups
- banquet and convention space
- 24-lane AMF bowling center
- 45,000 feet of casino floor with 550 slot machines, 20 gaming tables, roulette and a Bingo hall
The Wild West
It’s what the Wild West movies tried to capture--modeled after the history of Southwestern Colorado. From Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to City Slickers; you’ll find it in Durango.
- Jeep tour to old mining ghost towns
- Enjoy the Diamond Belle Saloon and an action-packed gun fight during the summer months
- Travel back in time on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Visit our museums—Animas Museum, Railroad Museum
- Walking tour of historic Main Avenue
- Stage coach ride, horseback rides, hayrides, rodeos
- Bar D Wrangler
- Cowboy and Heritage celebrations throughout the year
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Biking Mecca
- Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists
- Hosted Lance Armstrong movie premiere “Race Across the Sky”, October, 2009.
- The FLC mountain bike team won nine National Collegiate Cycling Association Championships in ’94, ‘95, ‘97, ‘01, ‘02, ‘03, ‘04, ’06, ’07 and ‘09. In the spring of 2000, the FLC road cyclists took the Division II National Championship title for the first time and moved up to Division I never finishing worse than 4th. In 2005, 2006 and 2007 the Men’s Team Time Trial Team won the title and Road Nationals. In 2007, the Women’s Team Time Trial Team won.
- The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. Citizens and professionals race the historic steam train the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad on its 50 mile trip from Durango to Silverton. This event pits man and woman against machine for an impressive ride over two-10,000 foot mountain passes and changing weather conditions.
- More than 1,000 miles of trails surrounding Durango
- Durango DEVO began as a men’s high school race team and quickly added programs. There are three age group cycling development platforms. Durango DEVO's mission is to teach riders that cycling is a healthy activity that can last a lifetime in numerous different ways.
- Exercise physiology lab and performance center in Durango, Colorado. Helping athletes and aspiring athletes to achieve peak performance in sport and life. The Durango Performance Center, along with the assistance of Performance Cardiology and Colorado Premier Training, and other coaches, will be a world class, state-of-the art physiology lab for all levels of athletes.
- The Discovery Museum at the Powerhouse will run a pedal-powered shuttle this summer to get people from the Farmer’s Market and the Buckley Craft Fair to the Powerhouse for our Playdays. Powerhouse Playdays will offer a free pedal-powered wifi café and pedal-powered open-air movie nights.
- The Durango Wheel Club has been a cycling institution in Durango since 1895! The Durango Wheel Club was originally formed as an advocacy group for better roads.
Take a ride--Motorcycle Country
Enjoy the thrills of riding a bike on the winding roads that lead to Durango. The San Juan Skyway along the Million Dollar Highway is a favorite cruise for motor cyclists. Summer of 2010 welcomes several motorcycle groups—HOG Rally, Kyle Petty Charity Ride, Four Corners Bike Rally and other group rides. For bike needs: Durango Harley-Davidson and Handlebar Motorsports
Movies Shot in Durango—“Hollywood of the Rockies”
- Colorado Territory (1949)
- Ticket to Tomahawk (1950)
- Denver and Rio Grande (1952)
- Viva Zapata (1952)
- Three Young Texans (1954)
- Run for Cover (1955)
- Maverick Queen (1956)
- Around the World in 80 Days (1956)
- Night Passage (1957)
- How the West Was Won (1963)
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
- Support Your Local Gunfighter (1970)
- National Lampoons Vacation (1983)
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (1984)
- The Tracker (1987)
- City Slickers (1991)
- Rebirth of a Locomotive (1992)
- Cliffhanger (1993)
- Durango Kid (1999)
- The Claim (2000)
- Nurse Betty (2000)
- The Prestige (2004)
Durango Area Awards
2007 "America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations", National Trust for Historic Preservation
2007 "Next Best Places to Ski, Live, Invest and Retire", Ski Magazine
2008 "Top Ten Western Towns", True West Magazine
2008 "7 Great Mountains to Ski with Your Kids", Ski Magazine
2008 "Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation", Colorado Historical Society
2008 "Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community", The League of American Bicyclists
2008 "Colorful Colorado Award", Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence
2008 "Top 10 Christmas Towns", HGTV
2008 "Top 20 Resorts", Conde Nast Traveler
2009 “Top 20 Romantic Getaways”, Sunset Magazine
2009 “America’s 200 best Hunting and Fishing Towns”, Outdoor Life
2009 "The West's 20 Best Small Towns", Sunset Magazine
2009 “Top Ten Train Rides”, Society of American Travel Writers
2009 “Best Places to Live in Rural America,” Progressive Farmer
2009 “Top 10 Places to Raise an Outdoor Child”, Backpacker Magazine, CBS news
2010 “Town to Watch”, True West Magazine
2010 “The Top 20 Ski Resorts in America”, Aroundme.com
2010 “Top Ten Ski Resorts to Down a Local Beer”, Away.com
