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 lie on the beach and soak up the sun or get out on the water on a paddleboard, spending the day at the lake is a great way to soak in all the beauty of Durango.  Lake Nighthorse, Haviland Lake, and Molas Lake are just some of the lakes within 45 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 the website for dates and times. Day pass vehicle entrance $10, and walk/bike $4. Season passes and punch passes are also available.  

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 throughout town where you can access the river and enjoy all it offers. River Rafting is a popular fun activity for the whole family.  Durango offers several local rafting companies to 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 explore in an inflatable kayak or a paddleboard*. Check out Roll ebike & Paddle Board for Paddle board rentals or Ski Barn for daily rentals of  inflatable kayaks, tubes, and paddle boards at 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 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! It is located in the 500 block of Main Ave. Also, ask about the new D&SNG Railroad Yard Tours, a one-hour tour of in-depth history and tour.

Powerhouse Science Center—The Powerhouse Science Center offers an educational and playful place for children of all ages. It offers 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, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 9- 3:30 p.m.; Closed on Wednesday. Visit its website or call (970) 259-9234. It is 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 annually, 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 8 am-4 pm daily. The Museum is temporarily closed. 

Animas History Museum—Located in the North Main District, this museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs for all ages. It is housed in the former Animas City school building and features an authentic restored classroom from the early 1800s. The museum is located at 3065 West 2nd Avenue. It is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Strater Hotel History Tours—Learn about the history of the Strater Hotel with a guided tour by Roy Meiworm. This complimentary tour is available Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12 to 3 p.m. each week starting on June 11. Tips are appreciated. Tours are approximately 20 minutes long. 

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

Farmers Market- Open on Saturday mornings in the TBK Bank parking lot. The market runs from 8 am to noon, starting in May. 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 Sapphires. Make beautiful glass pieces at 640 Main Avenue, Suite 201. Open to all ages four and up, where you can make your own unique fused glass piece.

Chapman Hill Rink & Ski Hill - Ice skate at the rink from October to April, and rollerblade during the summer months. The summer Disco Night is Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-9 pm. 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, a 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 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 its own unique flare. In addition to our breweries, Durango is also home to multiple 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 the Ancestral Pueblo people who made Mesa Verde their home for over 700 years. Entrance fee: $30 (private vehicle). The Park entrance at the base of the park is 35 miles from Durango. Allow for 1 hour from Durango to 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 Ghost Walk Durango and Horsefly History Tours both offer walking tours and ghost tours. These are great ways to learn about the history of Durango. 

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. It is 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 our Foodie Tour for a more in-depth look at some great options for every palate here. If you are in town during the summer months, find a downtown Ambassador who will be happy to give you some referrals on the 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.  

Free concerts in the Park - Located in Downtown Durango's Buckley Park on Thursdays at 5:30pm June 26 through August 7, 2025. 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 4 through August 6, 2025. 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 the ticket proceeds donated to a different local non-profit beneficiary. Concert Dates: June 4, 11, 18, & 25, July 2,9, 16, 23, 30 and August 6.

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!