May | June 2006 Volume 80 Issue 3 |
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Colorado Explorer
Back in time By Linda DuVal This summer, take a trip back into Colorado's colorful past when you visit one of the state's many outdoor museums. If you ever wondered how the early settlers and miners lived, this is your chance. South Park City, established in 1959 in Fairplay, includes nearly three dozen historic buildings and more than 60,000 artifacts gathered from around the valley, the focus of a gold rush in 1859. A little red schoolhouse, bank, assay office, livery stable, doctor's office, general store and apothecary shop show life as it was. A peek into a miner's or trapper's cabin will make you glad to live in the 21st century. 719-836-2387. Centennial Village, Greeley, began in 1976 as a Colorado centennial project. More genteel than the mining camp represented at South Park City, it has a church, two-story homes and other hallmarks of civilized life in the 1860s. About 45 structures dot the eight-acre site and visitors feel like they're strolling the streets of a real town. That feeling is augmented by the park's living history program. There are guided walking tours, and events such as heritage teas or story time on the lawn. 970-350-9220. Old Town, Burlington, doesn't always have tour guides available, but at the press of a button, 36 audio stations tell visitors what they're seeing. The museum started with the Old Town Barn and grew to include a church, school, bank, barber shop, law office, newspaper office, general store, sod house and manor. Heritage Hall is packed with antique farm equipment and the Doll House will delight little girls. Stop in the saloon for a sarsaparilla and a can-can show. 719-346-7382 or 800-288-1334. Littleton Historical Museum, set on a lovely 14-acre site in this south Denver suburb, incorporates two living history projects—an 1860s homestead and an 1890s farm, both showing how settlers in the South Platte Valley lived and worked. Besides volunteers in period dress making jam or shoeing horses, there's a terrific on-site museum housing 40,000 artifacts and 6,000 photographs from the 19th century. 303-795-3950. Pioneer Town, Cedaredge, set on five acres, includes restored buildings and several mini museums—the States Mining Museum, Sutherland Indian Museum and the Doris Doll & Toy House. You can't miss it—look for the silos! 970-856-7554. Four Mile Historic Park, Denver, features the city's oldest structure, a house built in 1859. The 12 acres also encompass meadows, open space and other historic buildings. 303-399-1859. Buckskin Joe Frontier Town, Cañon City , recreates the days of the Old West. Besides well-decked-out old buildings, there are “gunfights” throughout the day. It's more commercial than the others, but pretty entertaining. 719-275-5149. Eat•Shop•Stay Well-known and worth it When it comes to hotels, Hyatt ranks right up there with the best. In Denver, the new Hyatt at the Colorado Convention Center also ranks right up there when it comes to views. Head up to the 37th floor for a pretty good idea of what lies just west of town. 800-223-1234. You've sent their cards, admired their Western flair. But have you visited the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art in Boulder? It's an art gallery that pays homage to the Western landscape and lifestyle in paintings and sculptures. Of course, you also can buy some cards while you're there! 303-530-1442. Lesser known gems Spring is a great time for good deals in Colorado 's mountain towns. The Hotel Frisco, voted best lodging in Summit County in 2005, offers great seasonal deals. Check out their “three-for-two” special till June 15—book any two nights and get a third one free. It's a great place to relax between the ski and summer tourist seasons. Dogs are welcome. Local restaurant two-for-one specials add up to a real bargain getaway. 800-262-1002. If you liked the Western tunes played by the Flying W Wranglers in Colorado Springs, then check out the new chuckwagon dinner show at Glenwood Caverns in Glenwood Springs. Members of the original group now perform here as the Colorado Wranglers, to accompany your Western barbecue dinner of brisket, chicken or steak served up with cowboy beans and all the fixin's. 800-530-1635. Something different Collectors and antiques fanatics haven't seen it all till they've visited Cadillac Jack's in Calhan. This out-of-the-way shop is only open in summer and features an array of unusual items. Original Betty Boop or Coca-Cola memorabilia, anyone? Depression glass? Carousel horses? It'll satisfy your craving for quirky collectibles. 719-347-2000. If you happen to be driving through northern Colorado and you get a yen for a great burger and a slice of homemade pie, stop by the friendly Moose Creek Cookhouse & Saloon in Walden. Don't be surprised to find some of the best barbecue you ever wrapped your lips around. 970-723-8272. The Colorado Wranglers perform at Glenwood Caverns' chuckwagon dinners. See & Do Well-known and worth it In Colorado, we tend to aim high on our travels. But have you explored the state's rich history underground? A tour of the Bachelor-Syracuse Mine near Ouray should do the trick. See the grim reality of what mining was like, and get an expert (a former miner) to tell you all about it. 888-227-4585. Kayaking is one of the fastest-growing summer activities in Colorado. Many paddlers head for the popular Arkansas River, but that can get crowded on a summer weekend. Somewhat experienced kayakers may want to try the San Miguel or the Dolores rivers in southwestern Colorado. If you need a kayak, a lesson or trip ideas, try Dvorak Expeditions, 800-824-3795. Lesser Known gems Summer is the best time to visit Glen Eyrie, the elegant estate built by Colorado Springs' founder Gen. William J. Palmer. Besides a stunning stone castle, there's a well-tended landscape that includes a fragrant rose garden and wildflower beds. While you're there, make reservations for high tea and a tour. If you're up for a hike, there's a gorgeous and somewhat challenging one that criss-crosses a stream behind the castle. 719-634-0808. For more than 70 years, the Koshare Indian Dancers of La Junta have been entertaining and fascinating visitors to this rural Colorado community. Although they're Boy Scouts, not necessarily Native Americans, the dancers recreate authentic Pueblo and Plains tribal dances. Also authentic are the exhibits you can view after the impressive performance is over. 719-384-4411. Something different Head to Holyoke for the annual Cinco de Mayo Funfest on May 13. This high-plains celebration includes a salsa-tasting contest and a jalapeno shoot-out (a pepper-eating contest). Authentic Mexican cuisine and traditional dancers round out the festivities. 970-854-3517. If you like dark humor, learn the background story of Mike the Headless Chicken Days in Fruita, May 19-20. There'll be a chicken dance contest, a 5K “Run Like a Chicken” fun run, games, vendors and—you guessed it!—fried chicken. 970-858-0360. Linda DuVal is a freelance writer and former travel editor for The Gazette in Colorado Springs. |
