Though artifacts behind glass can offer valuable insights, history truly comes alive when experienced firsthand — and few places provide those opportunities like Colorado. Hidden amid skyscrapers and ski resorts, the state’s relics share a glimpse into its gritty and adventurous past.
Experience an underground gold mine, ride along a vintage steam train, tour a reconstructed adobe trading post or discover a ghost town high in the Rocky Mountains. Here are even more ways to explore Colorado’s Wild West roots.
Buckhorn Exchange
Saunter down to the Buckhorn Exchange for a true taste of local history. Established in 1893, this storied steakhouse is one of the most iconic Denver restaurants. Favorites on the wild game menu include elk medallions, buffalo tenderloin steak and deep-fried bull testicles served with horseradish dippin’ sauce. Wash it all down with a whiskey or another beverage from the bar, which holds the state’s first liquor license post-Prohibition. Taxidermied animals and photos of pioneers overlook the dining room where presidents, celebrities and other legends have dined. buckhorn.com
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
While driving along the scenic Lariat Loop, make a detour to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. This fascinating site pays tribute to William Frederick Cody, who was more famously known as Buffalo Bill. From fur trapping to gold mining and military service, he lived several lives before debuting his Wild West show. Though it romanticized the era, the act educated and entertained audiences nationwide. Colorado was a frequent tour stop and ultimately, the showman chose Lookout Mountain in Golden as his final resting place. Learn more about his legacy at this attraction, which costs $5 per adult and $1 per youth ages six to seventeen. buffalobill.org
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
Set along the Arkansas River in southeast Colorado, this National Historic Site was once the crossroads of Westward Expansion. Travelers, trappers and members of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes gathered at the former adobe trading post, often to barter over bison robes. Though the original structure from 1833 no longer stands, visitors can explore a reconstructed version of Bent’s Old Fort. View rooms decorated with period furnishings and gain historic insights on a guided ranger tour, which is included in the $10 admission cost. nps.gov
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Discover the age of steam and steel aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Located in the southwest corner of the state, this National Historic Landmark once transported around $300 million worth of mining ore. Today, it welcomes passengers on scenic excursions year-round. Travel between the two mountain towns when the weather is warm, admiring views of the Animas River from trestle bridges and tracks along towering cliffs. Autumn foliage draws photographers and the holiday season’s Polar Express-themed ride is a joy to young visitors. While tour rates vary, the D&SNG also offers a free museum featuring steam locomotives, vintage coaches, model trains and more artifacts. durangotrain.com
Museum of Northwest Colorado
Few would guess that this museum in the small town of Craig is home to one of the country’s largest collections of Old West firearms. Its original owner, Bill Mackin, spent 50 years sourcing revolvers, rifles and other weapons used by gun-slingin’ cowboys and outlaws of the 1800s. Other unique artifacts include Colorado State Penitentiary prison spurs, a Moffat County sheriff’s badge and a locally-made leather saddle once owned by Buffalo Bill himself. Even better, admission to the Museum of Northwest Colorado is entirely free. museumnwco.org
Country Boy Mine
Get a glimpse into Breckenridge’s gold rush boom on a tour of Country Boy Mine. Founded in 1887, this year-round attraction allows visitors to venture more than a thousand feet into the mountain. Strap on a hard hat and follow your guide underground to learn about historic mining methods and the numerous challenges workers endured in an effort to strike rich. Back on the surface, attendees can pan for gold in Eureka Creek and keep whatever they may find. All ages are welcome on this educational adventure, which costs $48.95 per adult and $38.95 per child; those under four years old are free. countryboymine.com
READ MORE: The Best Places to Eat, Stay and Play in Breckenridge This Winter
Ashcroft Ghost Town
Back in the late 1800s, silver veins were discovered in the Roaring Fork Valley and five mining camps were quickly settled. But the shallow deposits soon ran dry, causing all but Aspen to bust. The others, including Ashcroft, became ghost towns near the turn of the century. Today, this National Historic Site welcomes far beyond the number of people that ever lived within its log-built cabins. At the town’s peak, around 2,000 residents shuffled between its post office, mercantile and multiple saloons. Peer into these structures when visiting and gain insight from interpretive signs. Docents are also available during the summer, though the site remains open year-round. Admission is $5 per adult and free for those eighteen and under. aspenhistory.org
National Western Stock Show
For more than a century, the capital has hosted one of the region’s hallmark events: the National Western Stock Show. This celebration of Western heritage opens with a free parade, where cowboys and longhorn cattle stomp through the streets of downtown Denver. Exciting events follow, including rodeo performances, livestock shows, mutton bustin’ and equestrian competitions. Attendees can also take part in square dancing demonstrations, nosh on all-American fare and browse the vendor booths stocked with ranch wear and more. Mark your calendars for January 10-25, 2026. nationalwestern.com
