From its rugged Rocky Mountain peaks and vast canyons to its wide-open spaces and cowboy culture, Colorado offers an authentic look at the heritage of the American West. Among the state’s many NTA supplier members are the following three attractions—Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, the Trinidad History Museum and the Old Town Museum—and each highlights different aspects of the state’s rich history:
Trinidad History Museum Located in southern Colorado off Interstate 25, the attraction encompasses a number of different sites: the Bloom Mansion, the Baca House, the Santa Fe Trail Museum, the Barglow Building and the Baca-Bloom Heritage Gardens.
“In one city block you can see a million-dollar, two-story adobe home or a three-story Second French Empire Victorian, all surrounded by heritage roses and antique hollyhocks,” says Kirby Stokes, director.
Stokes says groups can take part in cooking programs that feature the Horno oven. Additionally, the attraction will debut a summer concert series this year.
The Trinidad History Museum is part of NTA-member History Colorado, which manages eight additional attractions across the state.
To learn more, contact Stokes or go to historycolorado.org/museums.
Old Town Museum The 6.5-acre site celebrates the agriculture, history and heritage of Burlington, a town that’s located just off Interstate 70 near the Kansas border. The attraction, which is open year-round, includes 21 restored buildings with authentic artifacts that represent life in eastern Colorado around the turn of the 20th century.
From Memorial Day thru Labor Day, travelers can enjoy the daily High Noon Can-Can Show and live gunfights in the saloon on Saturdays. The Wild West Dinner Theater, which includes a meal and melodrama stage show, is offered the fourth Saturday of the month.
Other popular options for groups are interactive demonstrations covering early pioneer life and the Emporium at Old Town shopping area that features handcrafted items.
To learn more, contacy Nikki Wall or visit burlingtoncolo.com/old-town-museum.htm.
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center Set among oversized sandstone rock formations and the snow-capped peaks of the mountains around Colorado Springs, this award-winning center features a 20-minute film in the new Geo-Trekker theater and a number of interactive exhibits in its museum.
Groups can book hikes, biking excursions and guided nature walks, as well as jeep, Segway and open-air bus tours. These options allow visitors to see Cathedral Valley, Balanced Rock, the Kissing Camels and the other famous formations in the park.
New for 2018 is the Garden of the Gods Gateway Adventure Series. Led by top naturalists, interpreters and historians, this set of monthly presentations includes classes, lectures, guided hikes and interactive demonstrations.
The center also offers American Indian dance programs.
To learn more, contact Penny Whalen or go to gardenofgods.com.
Top Photo: Garden of the Gods
Photo by Pat Henderson
