8 Towns in Colorado With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
Most travelers consider Denver at the top of their list of Colorado destinations. However, the state has numerous destinations waiting to be explored. Away from the concrete jungles and crowded streets of big cities lie underrated communities harboring the true heart and soul of the Centennial State. Small towns throughout Colorado take pride in their historic downtown districts, fostering a sense of local culture and community through well-preserved architecture, lively establishments, and thriving creative scenes.
For those seeking to disconnect from everyday life and immerse in mountain charm, a trip to these hidden gems in 2024 ensures uniquely rewarding experiences. Whether visiting for the first time or returning for more, these quaint towns in Colorado stand out for their bustling downtown regions with particularly picturesque main drags primed for wanderings.
Trinidad
Set in the scenic landscapes of Southern Colorado, near the New Mexico border, Trinidad boasts an eclectic downtown district with well-preserved Victorian buildings. Housing museums, galleries, entertainment venues, and antique shops, the area has enough attractions to fill your day's itinerary. Main Street Live has elevated Trinidad to a regional arts hub with its lineup of exciting live performances since its establishment. Meanwhile, visual art enthusiasts prefer to check out the fabulous artwork displayed at the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art, featuring rare Native American artifacts.
Further along, the Trinidad History Museum presents a unique look into the town's colorful past by exhibiting artifacts, old photographs, relics, and other memorabilia. Besides exploring the history, antique lovers will fancy leaving Trinidad with a cute souvenir by visiting Coin Dancer Antiques.
Ouray
Despite its small population—less than 1,000 permanent residents—this tiny village earns many admirers for its stunning natural surroundings. While many people come to discover the town’s natural wonders, downtown Ouray also impresses with unique experiences for all tastes. The Ouray County Museum remains a hit with tourists, offering a window into the town's early years through numerous artifacts, some dating back to the 1800s. Newcomers should also consider stopping by the Ouray Alchemist Museum & Penthouse to browse a quirky display of historical exhibits, including antique tonic bottles.
Main Street Ouray hosts a rich mix of local businesses, exposing a bustling brewery scene in the town. Tourists who enjoy the taste of freshly crafted beer can stop by Ouray Brewery for a pint and interact with townsfolk.
Craig
This Moffat County community is known for its busy downtown area with diverse attractions to entertain the new and the world. A rich museum scene points to Craig's vital role in the history of the states. Tourists can embark on a unique historical journey at the Museum of Northwest Colorado. Inside lies a broad artifact collection, including guns and fossils, telling the history of the American West. There is more history to uncover at the Colorado Northwest Field Museum, which takes guests back to prehistoric times with a unique display of dinosaur fossils.
If you are not immersed in Craig's rich history, you can catch a nice movie at West Twin Cinema. This family-friendly theater screens classic and new movies visitors can enjoy while eating fresh popcorn. Alternatively, enjoy a game of golf with friends or family at Thunder Rolls Bowling Center.
Durango
Durango draws winter lovers with its ski resorts, which offer some of the best slopes in the region. However, if you are not there for fun on snow, you won't regret discovering the town’s lively square in the heart of town with boutiques, live music, and passenger trains passing through. First-timers should make the Durango Welcome Center their first stop in town. Inside lies all the information needed to start a fulfilling itinerary, including maps, brochures, and photographs. Among the town's top attractions is the Animas Museum, a majestic 20th-century building with curious exhibits about Durango's past.
Downtown Durango welcomes tourists for a taste of local culture by enjoying enthralling live shows at Durango Arts Center. The atmosphere is always family-friendly, with an opportunity to interact with residents.
Telluride
Known for its rich mining heritage and mountainous surroundings, Telluride is one of the best towns in Colorado to visit any time of the year. This is due to the many fun experiences the town offers, most accessible across its Victorian historic district. Tourists flock to its rustic streets to uncover the town's captivating past at the Telluride Historical Museum. A tour of the facility exposes 10 differently themed rooms with artifacts, archives, memorabilia, and relics highlighting Telluride's history and culture. Another must-visit landmark in the area is the Sheridan Opera House, which dates back to the early 20th century.
Over the years, it has become a theater hub, hosting captivating stage performances and screening new movies. When you work up an appetite from walking the downtown streets, be sure to grab a quick bite at Brown Dog Pizza.
Paonia
Small-town charm meets Western hospitality in this quiet community of Delta. Paonia residents appreciate the simple way of life and take pride in good-natured social interactions. This becomes evident to anyone visiting the town for the first, especially during Orchard Valley Farms & Market. Here, local growers and artisans display their produce and crafts for a remarkable trade day. Wine is a significant part of local dining culture, and those with a soft spot for tasty wines can try the region's best offerings at Qutory Winery.
Meanwhile, Paradise Theater draws movie lovers and art enthusiasts to catch fun movie screenings and entertaining live performances. The venue stages events throughout the years and serves as the local arts and culture hub.
Georgetown
Steeped in mining heritage, this former silver mining camp promises travelers a surreal journey back in time. Georgetown’s quaint downtown oozes Victorian charm with over 200 restored structures from the 19th century. Strolling down the main drag, you'll quickly notice the rustic Hotel de Paris Museum. This historic inn is an important landmark from the mining heydays, and it still harbors furnishings and artifacts from that period. Also, Hamill House Museum decorates the downtown skyline with its Gothic Revival facade. Guests touring the property get a vivid perspective of life in Georgetown during the Victorian era.
One of the best tourist experiences downtown is the Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour. This amazing underground excursion takes guests inside a historical mine from the Colorado Gold Rush era, giving them a glimpse of the mining methods used then and how they have evolved over the years.
Central City
This former mining settlement in Gilpin County came to prominence in the mid-1800s during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. Once referred to as the "Richest Square Mile on Earth," the town’s success as a mining camp continues to show in its well-preserved downtown historic district. Exploring the neighborhood reveals a treasure trove of sites, including the Gilpin History Museum. Here, you can learn about all landmark events in Central City chronologically throughout its history. Central City balances the old and the new, thanks to a bustling casino landscape. Gamblers are spoilt for choice when feeling lucky and can head to Central Casino & Hotel for diverse slot and table games.
For a long time, Central City has served as the arts and culture hub in the region, allowing visitors to experience its different art centers. Gilpin County Arts Association is a great option for visual art lovers, inviting them to examine pieces by regional artists.
Final Thought
From striking mining-era ghost towns to artsy mountain enclaves, these downtown districts showcase impeccably preserved slices of true Colorado heritage. Strolling historic wooden sidewalks, taking in one-of-a-kind boutiques, and stepping into the past through architectural wonders bring visitors closer to each community's soul. Spending time immersed in any of these charming main drags guarantees new insights beyond what guidebooks reveal about the Centennial State. Those interested in small-town culture will find plenty to appreciate on a visit to exciting towns in Colorado.
