Top Colorado Cultural Tours: Reviews & Recommendations
Colorado, you know, it’s almost always talked about for its crazy outdoor activities – skiing, hiking, you name it. But there’s more to it. That state boasts a really interesting cultural scene with a very rich history. We’re going to have a quick look at some awesome cultural tours that show you a completely different side of Colorado, and that you might actually find appealing. I am telling you, these tours do an awesome job of opening your eyes to the stories and traditions of the place.
1. Denver’s Lower Downtown (LoDo) Walking Tour
First, is that, if you find yourself in Denver, I’d say one of the great tours is the Lower Downtown, or LoDo, walking tour. It takes you right through the heart of the city’s oldest neighborhood. I am telling you, it’s super interesting. As a matter of fact, LoDo is chock-full of Victorian buildings that have some very cool stories to tell. Guides, typically, are really knowledgeable, pointing out hidden architectural details, which is very cool, and sharing all kinds of tales about Denver’s early days. It’s amazing, really.
Now, for instance, imagine getting to know that Denver was once a wild west outpost before becoming a buzzing city. I am telling you, it all unfolds right before your eyes as you stroll. This tour typically highlights places like Union Station, that building has a lot to tell. As a matter of fact, the station represents the transformation of the city, as well as some of the first hotels and saloons that sprang up during the gold rush. Oh my god it’s really something!
As you’re walking around, very be sure to listen for stories about some famous, and some not-so-famous, characters that made Denver what it is today. That could be miners, business tycoons, and madams. Actually, I enjoyed hearing about how they shaped the city. Plus, the tour guides usually throw in recommendations for the greatest local pubs and restaurants to have a bit of a snack or drink, right after the tour. More or less, LoDo is great for a mix of history, architecture and a tiny taste of city life. It’s fun, actually. Read our full review: Denver’s Lower Downtown (LoDo) Walking Tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Viator)
2. Mesa Verde National Park Tour
For a bit of insight into Native American culture, actually you have got to go to Mesa Verde National Park in the southwestern part of Colorado. Actually, I find the cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans to be nothing short of mind blowing, frankly. Actually, some tours take you right to the most impressive sites. I am telling you that can include Cliff Palace, and Spruce Tree House. Honestly, just amazing to visit. I mean, actually, you get to explore these super old dwellings and understand a bit about how people were living around 700 years ago.
What is so very great is, actually, the guides give you details about the lives, the beliefs and the incredible skills it took to build these towns right into the cliffs. Actually, I think they explain the farming ways, how they collected water and about the things they celebrated, all of which shaped their daily life. That makes the whole trip really memorable. Tours generally vary in terms of intensity. That is so depending on whether you have a preference of climbing ladders, or staying on smoother paths. Also there are options for all, arguably.
And seriously, by the way, when you are standing in those old communities, by the way, you get this strong feeling of history, you know. The tours typically emphasize protecting these delicate locations so visitors get to know that they should be looked after. More or less, this is perfect if anyone wants to learn about the native heritage of the USA. The tour is really powerful, seriously. Read our full review: Mesa Verde National Park Tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Viator)
3. Georgetown Loop Railroad
Want a very unusual trip that combines history and great views? It tends to be a great pick to try the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Is that it operates between Georgetown and Silver Plume, and is like, so it follows the path of a historic narrow gauge railway line from the 1880s. As a matter of fact, that time period saw the silver boom. As a matter of fact, passengers can jump aboard an old-fashioned locomotive, arguably. Actually, that climbs steep mountain passes while it’s giving amazing views.
I mean, that, really, the train runs via some wonderful scenery with forest-covered mountains, plus valleys stretching in every direction. When the train gets to the amazing bridge – called the Devil’s Gate High Bridge, very – I am telling you you will gasp a little at the spectacular vista it brings. Typically, on the tour you might be allowed to stop and do things such as to take a look into the Lebanon Silver Mine which shows off mining practices, so the chance really immerses one with details related to the local industrial history.
I mean, seriously, to be frank this trip makes it super enjoyable for the family, offering the possibility of travelling via rail like people had done during Colorado’s boom era, that being something truly awesome to cherish. Seriously, if anyone you know is into railroads, arguably, scenic beauty, that tour gives one great and unique experience, as a matter of fact. Read our full review: Georgetown Loop Railroad Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Viator)
4. The Black American West Museum & Heritage Center
Arguably, here we have an angle which is crucial when one seeks history around Colorado – visiting Denver’s Black American West Museum & Heritage Center is an enriching visit. And there is more to it than only cowboys; The narrative tends to cover the efforts put by African Americans around various locations for example miners and teachers too that assisted while shaping up these early years around these states. Seriously its all fascinating.
I mean, that, actually, some trips through it underline individual’s tales relating toward triumphing hardship – this truly throws the picture on that history of that west that usually is rather whitewashed somewhat, As a matter of fact. You learn of pioneer families whose strength brought forth amazing farms upon that arid landscape. It all turns out like some big quilt of varied tales, usually. Arguably people usually miss checking this cultural site during visit – its all located around that house dating toward Just slightly before 1900 upon what then comprised what constituted a hub locally meant for medicine! Actually to boot to that exhibitions also educational initiatives bring its mission home – thus becoming like some vital addition meant for anyone willing learn even more about different threads making place called Colorado that amazing fabric made of. Read our full review: The Black American West Museum & Heritage Center Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Viator)
5. Historic Hot Springs Loop
How does one go toward blending history combined via leisure? Actually the Historic Hot Springs Loop does perfectly what has become desired then and Now for people. Right this happens like trip which snakes along places spread around Colorado boasting historical relevance when considered for themselves plus soothing qualities in their thermal baths, as a matter of fact. Some places around locations such towns plus resorts comprising within themselves what shaped Victorian-age lifestyle those miners combined now visitors may like find something pleasant for themselves plus enjoy these spas that contain already pampered folk close on century. Just so excellent!
And one thing to add – as visitors venture round then are offered options towards visiting places spanning from places by way name of Strawberry Park around Steamboat all towards spots situated close along places similar Ouray (Switzerland of the US!) – some spot full gorgeous waterfalls not overlooking cultural riches scattered through buildings – thus rendering this type activity more deeper. What that guides highlight covers elements round those early theories involving those reputed miraculous treatments then social traditions forming backdrop when making stops around that spot – creating experience immersive throughout elements – so informative rather amusing truly making unforgettable addition regarding anyone trying grasp exactly place calls state called Colorado! Read our full review: Historic Hot Springs Loop Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Viator)