Explore

Animas River Trail - The River Trail stretches 9 miles through Durango’s Animas River Greenway. The trail is an easy connection to many of our recreational areas, parks and open spaces, including the Durango Recreation Center, Powerhouse Science Center and more. Bike, ride, stroll. Visit one of our local sport shops to rent a bike a bike for the day. Click HERE for a map of the Animas River Trail.

Take a Hike - Durango is filled with many hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy. Many are located right in town and offer a nice getaway to enjoy the beautiful scenery in Durango. See our hiking guide here or visit the Durango Welcome Center for a full map and information on some local trails.

Explore our lakes & rivers - Spend a lazy day on the water at one of the multiple lakes in our area. Whether you want to just lay on the beach and soak up the sun or get out on the water on a paddle board, spending the day at the lake is a great way to soak in all the beauty of Durango.  Lake Nighthorse, Haviland Lake, Molas Lake are just some of the lakes that are within 45 minute drive of Durango. Lake Nighthorse is located close to town and offers a swim beach, motorized/non-motorized boating and fishing. The reservoir opens each spring. Check website for dates and times. Day pass vehicle entrance $10, and walk/bike $4. Season passes and puch passes are also available.  If you want to get out on the water in a boat check out Go Fish Durango. They offer chartered fishing excursions and daily cruise options. 

The Animas River runs right through the heart of Durango and offers a great place to cool off in the summer. There are many points through town where you can access the river and enjoy all it has to offer. River Rafting is a popular fun activity for the whole family.  Durango offers several local rafting companies that can take you down the rapids for a fun thrilling adventure. During the late summer months when the water is low, you can dip your toes in the water at one of the swim beaches or take a tube down the river. You can also go on your own adventure in an inflatalbe kayak or paddle board*. Check out Roll ebike & Paddle Board for Paddle board rentals or Ski Barn for daily rentals of  inflatable kayaks, tubes and paddle boards. They offer two convenient locations: 3533 Main Avenue or 1316 Main Avenue #10 

*If you access the river on your own, please use caution especially when the river is running high. Be prepared with the proper equipment including a life jacket and helmet for the rapids. Watch the weather forecast, the weather can move in quickly in Colorado, especially in the early afternoons. Know the ability levels of your group and consider utilizing local companies who are familiar with the water features and rapids. For more information on river safety click here.

 

 

Visit

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum - The museum features a giant interactive train model, authentic cars and engines that rolled the rails for kids to explore, and many unique artifacts reflecting the history of the railroad. Admission is free! Open 7 days a week.Located in the 500 block of Main Ave. Also ask about the new D&SNG Railroad Yard Tours. 1-hour tour of in-depth history & Tour.

Powerhouse Science Center - The Powerhouse Science Center offers an educational and playful place for children of all ages. Offered are a wide range of programs, exhibits and activities designed to provide an entertaining and inspiring look at science and technology. Hours of Operation: Tuesday, Thursday,Saturday & Sunday 9-4pm, Closed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Visit their website or call (970) 259-9234.Located at 1333 Camino Del Rio.

Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum - Located in the North Main District at 151 E. 16th Street. The facility produces more than 1.3 million fish per year, and visitors can feed the fish via coin-operated dispensers. Allow 30 minutes. Bring some quarters so you can feed the fish! The Hatchery is open 8am-4pm daily. The Museum is open Monday- Friday from 10-4pm and Sunday from11am-3pm. 

Animas History Museum - Located in the North Main District, they offer a variety of exhibits and program for all ages. The museum is housed in the former Animas City school building, and features an authentic restored classroom from the early 1800s. Located at 3065 West 2nd Avenue.  Open Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 10-4pm and Wednesday & Friday 1pm- 4pm.

Durango Arts Center - DOC offers exhibits, theatre, events and more. Be sure to visit the art gallery for some unique local art. Located at 802 East 2nd Avenue.

Farmers Market- Open on Saturday mornings in the TBK Bank parking lot. Market runs from 8 am to noon starting on May 11. The market features local farmers, artisans, live music, services and more. Pets are not allowed at the market DurangoFarmersMarket.com

 

Fun

Sun Sapphires - Create some art at Sun Sapphire. Make beautiful glass pieces at 640 Main Avenue Suite 201. Open to all ages 4 and up, where you can make your own unique fused glass piece.

Chapman Hill Rink & Ski Hill - Ice skate at the rink October to April, and rollerblade during the summer months. During the summer Disco Night is Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-9pm.Cost is $10/person, per session with or without skate rental. Children 3 and under are free. In the winter, Durango is lucky to have our in-town ski hill that offers two rope tows.Chapman Ski Hill opens in mid-December, weather permitting. Located at 500 Florida Rd.

Durango Community Recreation Center - Located in the North Main District, the 71,557 sq. ft. facility offers a variety of activities for the entire family, including an expansive aquatics area with a 160 ft. water slide and play structures. The kids will enjoy scrambling on the 30-ft. high rock climbing wall. And don't forget the racket ball courts and gymnasium. The Rec Center also provides a youth games space with fun activities such as air hockey, pool table and ping pong. Located at 2700 Main Avenue.

Picasso & Vino- Paint, Sip and be happy. Join a painting party and tap into your inner artist. The instructors will show you step by step how to create your own masterpiece based on our featured painting, while you enjoy a glass of wine or brew to get you in the artistic frame of mind.

 

Tour

Tour the local craft breweries, Wineries and more  Durango features five, award-winning craft breweries each with their own unique flare. Along with our breweries, Durango is also home to three wineries, a local distillery and a local premium artisanal cidery. 

Tour Mesa Verde National Park Sign up to take a ranger led tour at Mesa Verde. Learn the history and view the sites of Ancestral Pueblo people who made Mesa Verde their home for over 700 years. Entrance fee: $30 (private vehicle) Park entrance at the base of the park is 35 miles from Durango. Allow for 1 hour from durango reach the top of the mesa to see the dwellings.  Call (970) 529-4465 for more information. Tour tickets can be purchased only at recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.

Historic Guided Tour or Ghost Tour Horsefly History Tours offer walking tours and ghost tours. This is a great way to learn about the history of Durango. Call to book at tour at (970) 570-0437.

History of Durango Self-Guided Walking Tour  Durango's architectural heritage is visible along Main Ave. Visit here for a walking tour of Downtown Durango's living history or pick up a map at the Durango Welcome Center.

 

 

Shop/Dine

Stroll down Historic Main Avenue - You will find many unique shops, boutiques, art galleries and entertainment. You can find just about everything you need. Check out our online directory for a full list, or stop by the Durango Welcome Center and ask for a Business Directory and Map.

Explore the many galleries we have to offer - Durango is filled with many galleries from contemporary to Native American Art and everything in-between. Be sure to stop by the Durango Arts Center, which offers exhibits, theatre, events and more. Located at 802 East 2nd Avenue.

Durango has fantastic dining options - From fine dining to a casual night out, to kid friendly establishments, you will be delighted with everything Durango has to offer. The hardest part will be knowing which one to visit first. See a full list of all the dining options here. If you are in town during the summer months, find a downtown Ambassador who will be happy to help you some referrals on best places to eat.

 

 

Entertainment

Enjoy Live Music - Music entertainment is abounds in and around Downtown. Check our calendar for weekly entertainment HERE.  Also, live theater is regularly staged at The Durango Arts Center. Review the calendar HERE for current events.

Free concerts in the Park - Located in Downtown Durango's Buckley Park on Thursdays at 5:30pm June 20 through August 1. Picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs are encouraged. For further information & music line-up, visit DurangoConcerts.com

Community Concert Series - At the Powerhouse on Wednesday evenings June through mid August. The Powerhouse is thrilled to carry on a summer tradition of local music, community gathering, and non-profit support through a weekly Community Concert Series. Every Wednesday, from early June through mid-August, we will be hosting a concert outside on the Carver Family Plaza with half of ticket proceeds donated to a different local non-profit beneficiary. Presented by Visit Durango. 2024 Concert Dates: June 5, 12, 19, & 26, July 3,10, 24, 31 and August 7 & 14.

True Western Roundup- Wednesday Evenings starting in June at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center. The True Western Roundup is excited to showcase the working ranch activities of the American Cowboy and Cowgirl. We are proud to promote and preserve our western heritage in a positive family atmosphere and we welcome you to bring your family and friends for an exciting evening of wild western entertainment!

 

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