If you have a few hours in Durango and are seeking fun-filled activities, here are some ideas in and around the Business Improvement District. No matter what your likes are, you'll find things to do in Durango that you'll love!
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Explore
Animas River Trail - The River Trail stretches 7 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. Click HERE for a map.
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. 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, Walk/bike $4. Other nearby lakes include Haviland Lake, Navajo Lake, Molas Lake, and Vallecito Reservoir. The Animas River runs right through the hear of Durango and offers a great place to cool off in the summer. Dip your toe in at one of swim beaches when the water is low (July or August) or take a ride down the rapids with one of our local rafting companies. Visit our Durango Welcome Center for more information at 802 Main Avenue.
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- Sunday 9-4pm, Closed on Monday. 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!
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. Please note the Museum is currently closed and hopes to open again soon.
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.
Fun
Get Fused Glass Studio - Create some art at Get Fused. 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.
Raft or Tube down the Animas River - Enjoy some adventures down the Animas River with one of our local guide companies. River Rafting, and tubing is a great way to cool down in the summer months. Check out these guide companies for reservations or for equipment rental. Mountain Waters Rafting 303 W. College Drive (by Albertsons), Durango Rivertrippers and Adventure Tours, 724 Main Avenue, Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours 50 Animas View Drive.
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.
Tour
Tour the local craft breweries - Durango features five, award-winning craft breweries each with their own unique flare. See our Beer, Wine and Spirits Tour for a full list.
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 is 56 miles from Durango. 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 - Pick up a map at the Durango Welcome Center.
Take a Helicopter ride - There's no better way to get the lay of the land that seeing it from the air. Alpine Heli Tours offers daily Durango Helicopter Tours.
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.
Wine Tasting at Four Leaves Winery - This quaint boutique winery adjacent to the historic Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot imports the highest quality grapes to handcraft, blend and ferment all its own wines on premise. Stop in for a wine tasting, a full glass of wine (or two), or pick up a bottle to take home. Located at 528 Main Avenue.
Entertainment
Enjoy Live Music - Music entertainment is abounds in and around Downtown. 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 beginning June 16 through July 28. Picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs are encouraged with Fired Up Pizzeria offering a selection of food and beverages throughout the evening.
Movies in the Park - Offering free family friendly movies twice a month during the summer. Each movie night features a unique pre-show and food vendor options. Attendees can arrive around 7:00pm. Prior to the movie, there will be food vendors, local youth talent, exhibitions, and hands-on activities. At approximately 8:30pm the t-shirt canon is in action along with other prize giveaways. The movie will start 15 minutes after sunset. Bring your lawn chair or blanket for the event. Don't forget to grab dinner at one of are many wonderful restaurants prior to the movie in Downtown Durango or the North Main District! Movies will take place on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month June, July and August. Click here for the movie schedule. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and picnic dinner. Or pick up dinner at one of our wonderful restaurants!