These Small Towns in Colorado Have the Best Historic Districts

Colorado is a state that is well known for its natural beauty. With many notable state parks and national parks located within it, there is no doubt that this state is a nature lover's paradise. But Colorado is also a haven for history lovers alike. With its major relevance to the history of the United States, whether it is mining towns, native cultural sites, or other major landmarks, this state stands amongst the best for those who want to learn more about this country's storied past.

Journey through what was once the far western frontier and explore the historic districts of these Colorado towns.

Aspen

Aspen, you may know it for its skiing scene or being central to the plot of the 1994 comedy classic "Dumb and Dumber." This town started as a major hub in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. With a population today of around 7,000, Aspen got its start the same way many other towns in Colorado began: As a mining camp for prospectors looking for gold, silver, and other valuables.

Aspen's downtown core is a significant historic district to the area, with its numerous nineteenth-century buildings still intact and in use to this day. You will notice that many of them are made with a distinct red brick exterior. Notable of which are the Wheeler Opera House, where you can still buy tickets to catch a show on any given week, and the Hotel Jerome, if you're looking for a place to rest your head in luxury.

Ouray

Sometimes referred to as "the Switzerland of America," Ouray does have a striking resemblance to the iconic and beautiful central European country. Also, like Switzerland, Ouray has a rich and interesting past that is definitely worth exploring for yourself.

At a high elevation of 7,792 feet above sea level, Ouray is surrounded by the San Juan Mountains of Southern Colorado. The area was first settled by Americans and Europeans due to its abundance of silver and gold or in its many mines. Its Main Street is the place for those with a keen eye for historical landmarks. Both historians and architecture enthusiasts alike will appreciate the epic beauty of the Victorian-era Beaumont Hotel. Stay a night, too, if you can afford it! There are several other notable nineteenth-century buildings, including the Ouray County Courthouse. Movie fans will recognize it from the Western film True Grit (1968).

Montrose

Montrose is another town in the southwestern portion of Colorado, near the San Juan Mountains. It is full of interesting historical sites and museums, including the Museum of the Mountain West for a pioneer village-style experience and the Ute Indian Museum for some more info about the area's native inhabitants, the Ute tribe.

The native presence of any given area in the United States is all too often overlooked, so be sure to take the time to explore the pre-European/American history of this area while visiting. On top of the Ute Indian Museum, the nearby Shavano Valley Rock Art Site is an even older landmark that can be viewed by the public. With petroglyphs dating back to 1,000 BC, you will be amazed by this huge step back in history right before your eyes.

Salida

Salida is a small town right in the center of Colorado with a population of around 5,666. Its name, meaning "exit" in Spanish, is just one of many towns in this state with a Spanish origin. This is no surprise, given that this vast swathe of land was the property of the Spanish empire before the Americans gained a hold of it. Salida is aptly at the exit of the Arkanasa River from the nearby valley and into Bighorn Sheep Canyon, a gorgeous place to view the area's natural beauty.

Salida's downtown district is home to many century-old buildings, many built in the Victorian style. Some of these buildings, which are still in use today for the town's various businesses, are easy to view all year round. A good example of this is the Twitchel Building, containing a number of shops and a restaurant.

Leadville

Leadville, as its name might imply, has a rich history of mineral and ore extraction and mining. In this case, Leadville was an extremely important hub for silver mining in the state of Colorado. With a population of 2,633 residents, this quaint town is a must-visit for anyone interested in the storied past of silver mining in this area.

The National Mining Museum and Hall of Fame is an essential stop when exploring what Leadville has to offer. Not only does it recount the mining history of the immediate area, but it also casts light on mining in the United States as a whole. There are numerous historic sites to visit, including the Grand Tabor Hotel, City Hall, Dexter Cabin, and more, all over a century old. In fact, the historic district of Leadville is so significant that it has been labeled a National Historic Landmark District.

Silverton

Another important silver mining town in Colorado is, of course, Silverton. Once a mining boomtown, now a popular ski town, Silverton has a lot to offer in the way of history for those who are looking. Being one of the highest towns in the entire United States, sitting at a massive 9,318 feet of elevation, Silverton is also a dreamy location for those looking to soak in some beautiful nature. Nearby natural landmarks like the Ice Lakes or American Basin are must-sees.

In its historic downtown district, you can find a plethora of old buildings to explore. The wonderfully designed Grand Imperial Hotel is one of these buildings. You can even stay for a night if you make a reservation in time. Another popular spot is the Silverton Train Depot, which houses the Silverton Narrow Gage Museum, a fun spot for train enthusiasts and history fans.

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs offers another piece of Colorado's history that has nothing to do with mining or railways. It was originally founded in 1872 to be a sort of health resort in the scenic mountains outside of the bustling city of Denver, a place where people could truly relax in the presence of nature. Nearby, Pikes Peak is popular for being an accessible mountain above 14,000 feet in elevation.

Within Manitou Springs is a collection of buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most notable of which is the original home of one of the town's founders, Dr. William Abraham Bell, called Briarhurst Manor. Here, visitors can now enjoy a fine dining restaurant in this historic and gorgeously made sandstone structure.

The historic district of Manitous Springs is yet another one on this list that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Not only that, but it is one of the largest districts of this classification in the whole of the country.

Whether it is Colorado's rich mining history, the abundance of historical railways, or the history of the frontier you seek to learn more about, these historical districts are must-sees next time you are journeying throughout the Centennial State. As small as some of these towns may be, they pack a punch when it comes to enlightening visitors about the past.

Although the eleven listed towns here are among the best Colorado has to offer, don't be shy about doing more research for yourself in regard to the many historic districts within the state.