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If you’re planning a road trip through Colorado, you won’t want to miss the state’s quirky and iconic roadside attractions. From giant sculptures to odd museums, the roadside attractions in Colorado offers a unique glimpse into the state’s culture and history.
One of the most popular roadside attractions in Colorado is the May Natural History Museum of the Tropics in Colorado Springs. This museum features a huge collection of rare beetles, deadly spiders, and wily phasmids from the bug-infested places of the world. If you’re interested in creepy crawlies, this museum is a must-visit on your Colorado road trip.
Another must-see roadside attraction in Colorado is the Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant in Denver. This restaurant is home to over 500 stuffed animals, including a polar bear, a buffalo, and a giraffe. The restaurant has been serving up hearty meals since 1893 and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Whether you’re looking for a unique dining experience or just want to see some impressive taxidermy, the Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant is worth a visit.
Iconic Roadside Attractions in Colorado
If you’re planning a road trip in Colorado, you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss these iconic roadside attractions. Here are some of the must-see stops on your journey through the Centennial State.
Bishop Castle
12705 CO-165, Rye, CO 81069
Located in Rye, Colorado, Bishop Castle is a unique and impressive roadside attraction that is definitely worth a visit. This castle was built entirely by hand by one man, Jim Bishop, over the course of several decades. The castle features a variety of towers, bridges, and other structures, all made from stone and iron.
Garden of the Gods
1805 N 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural area located in Colorado Springs. This park features towering red rock formations that are truly awe-inspiring. You can hike, bike, or even rock climb in the park, or simply take a scenic drive to enjoy the views.
Cano’s Castle
State St & 285 E 10th Ave, Antonito, CO 81120
Cano’s Castle, located in Antonito, Colorado, is a unique and quirky roadside attraction that is definitely worth a visit. This castle was built entirely out of recycled materials, including car parts, hubcaps, and scrap metal. The castle features several towers and turrets, as well as a variety of sculptures and other artwork.
Dinosaur Ridge
16831 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
If you’re interested in dinosaurs, you won’t want to miss Dinosaur Ridge. This roadside attraction, located near Morrison, Colorado, features a variety of dinosaur fossils and footprints that are millions of years old. You can take a guided tour of the area to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
Kit Carson County Carousel
815 N 15 St, Burlington, CO 80807
The Kit Carson County Carousel, located in Burlington, Colorado, is a beautifully restored antique carousel that is over 100 years old. This carousel features hand-carved wooden animals, including horses, tigers, and lions, as well as a Wurlitzer band organ. Riding the carousel is a fun and nostalgic experience that is sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Historical Roadside Attractions in Colorado
If you’re interested in Colorado’s history, there are several roadside attractions that you won’t want to miss.
Molly Brown House Museum
1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203
The Molly Brown House Museum, located in Denver, is a beautifully restored Victorian home that belonged to Margaret “Molly” Brown, a famous survivor of the Titanic. The museum offers guided tours that take you through the home and provide insight into the life of this fascinating woman.
You’ll learn about her philanthropy, activism, and her role in the suffrage movement. The museum also hosts special events and exhibits throughout the year.
Pikes Peak Summit House
5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, CO 80809
Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s most iconic landmarks, and the Pikes Peak Summit House is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of the area. The original summit house was built in 1873, but it has since been rebuilt several times.
The current summit house was completed in 2021 and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The summit house also includes a gift shop and a restaurant.
Colorado Railroad Museum
17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403
The Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Golden, is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history of railroads in the United States. The museum features over 100 historic locomotives, passenger cars, and cabooses. You can take a guided tour of the museum or explore on your own. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, including train rides and holiday celebrations.
These three historical roadside attractions offer a glimpse into Colorado’s rich history and are well worth a visit.
Natural Roadside Attractions in Colorado
If you’re a nature lover, Colorado is the perfect place for you. The state boasts a wide range of natural roadside attractions that are sure to take your breath away. Here are some of the top natural roadside attractions in Colorado that you won’t want to miss.
Maroon Bells
Maroon Bells is a pair of peaks in the Elk Mountains of Colorado. Located near Aspen, these peaks are known for their picturesque beauty and are a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. The peaks are surrounded by pristine forests and crystal-clear lakes, making it a great spot for camping and hiking. In the fall, the aspen trees turn a brilliant gold, making it a perfect time to visit.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-see natural roadside attraction in Colorado. The park is home to over 60 peaks that are over 12,000 feet high, as well as a wide range of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing in the park’s pristine wilderness. The Trail Ridge Road is a popular scenic drive that takes visitors through some of the park’s most breathtaking landscapes.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park
The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique natural roadside attraction in Colorado. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising over 700 feet above the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can hike or sled down the dunes, or explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and alpine tundra. The park is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, and bighorn sheep.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a unique roadside attraction to visit, Colorado has plenty to offer. From the stunning peaks of Maroon Bells to the towering sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park, these natural wonders are sure to leave you in awe.
Quirky Roadside Attractions in Colorado
Colorado is home to a variety of roadside attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. From a zoo made entirely out of scrap metal to a watchtower that claims to spot UFOs, there’s something for everyone. Here are three quirky roadside attractions in Colorado that you won’t want to miss.
UFO Watchtower
CO-17, Center, CO 81125
For those interested in extraterrestrial life, a visit to the UFO Watchtower in Hooper is a must. Located on State Highway 17, the watchtower is a 10-foot-tall viewing platform that claims to be a hotspot for UFO sightings. The area is known as the Cosmic Highway and is said to be a popular spot for UFO enthusiasts. Even if you don’t spot any UFOs, the views from the watchtower are breathtaking.
Tiny Town
6249 S Turkey Creek Rd, Morrison, CO 80465
About a half-hour from Denver outside of Morrison, Tiny Town is a real “tiny” town that is made up of over 100 buildings built at a â…™ scale. Although no one actually lives there, as the name implies, visitors can explore the miniature buildings and even take a ride on a miniature train. Tiny Town is a great attraction for families with young children who will love exploring the tiny buildings and feeling like giants.
These two quirky roadside attractions in Colorado are just a few of the many unique and interesting things to see and do in the state. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to add these attractions to your must-see list.
Roadside Attraction Routes in Colorado
If you’re looking for an exciting road trip in Colorado, why not explore some of the state’s quirky and unique roadside attractions? Colorado has several scenic routes that offer breathtaking views and interesting attractions along the way.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a 55-mile drive through some of Colorado’s most beautiful landscapes. The route starts in Estes Park and winds through the Rocky Mountains, passing through the towns of Nederland and Black Hawk before ending in Central City.
Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the Continental Divide, as well as several roadside attractions, which includes some of the following.
- The Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, a restored 1910 carousel with 50 hand-carved animals.
- The Black Hawk and Central City Casinos, historic mining towns turned into gambling destinations.
- The Gilpin County Historical Society Museum in Central City, showcasing the history of the area’s mining industry.
San Juan Skyway
The San Juan Skyway is a 233-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. The route starts and ends in Durango, passing through the towns of Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride along the way. The San Juan Skyway is known for its stunning scenery, including several mountain passes and historic mining towns.
- The Million Dollar Highway, a stretch of road between Silverton and Ouray known for its hairpin turns and steep cliffs.
- The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a historic steam train that takes passengers through the mountains.
- The Ouray Hot Springs Pool, a natural hot springs pool in the town of Ouray.
Top of the Rockies
The Top of the Rockies is a 75-mile drive through the heart of the Colorado Rockies. The route starts in Copper Mountain and ends in Leadville, passing through the towns of Frisco and Breckenridge along the way. The Top of the Rockies is known for its stunning mountain views and historic mining towns. Some of the roadside attractions along the Top of the Rockies include the following.
- The Breckenridge Ski Resort, a popular winter destination with skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
- The Leadville National Fish Hatchery, a fish hatchery that raises rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
- The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, a 12-mile stretch of road that passes through the highest point on the Continental Divide.
No matter which roadside attraction route you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable road trip through some of Colorado’s most beautiful landscapes and unique attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique roadside attractions in Colorado?
Colorado is home to many unique roadside attractions that are worth a visit. Some of the most popular ones include the giant blue bear sculpture outside the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, the world’s largest fork in Creede, and the UFO Watchtower in Hooper.
Other quirky roadside attractions include the giant cowboy boots in Colorado Springs, the giant beetle in Alamosa, and the tiny town of Tiny Town and Railroad in Morrison.
What are the top things to see along I-25 in Colorado?
If you’re driving along I-25 in Colorado, there are several must-see attractions. One of the most popular is the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, which features stunning red rock formations.
Another popular stop is the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, where you can tour the campus and see the Cadet Chapel.
Other attractions along I-25 include the Colorado State Capitol in Denver, the Pueblo Zoo, and the historic district of Old Town Fort Collins.
Are there any must-see roadside attractions in Denver?
Denver has several must-see roadside attractions, including the aforementioned giant blue bear sculpture outside the Colorado Convention Center.
Other popular attractions include the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which is a natural amphitheater surrounded by stunning red rock formations, and the Denver Art Museum, which features a wide range of art from around the world.
You can also visit the Molly Brown House Museum, which was the home of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, who survived the sinking of the Titanic.
What are some dark tourism sites to visit in Colorado?
Colorado has several dark tourism sites that are worth a visit. One of the most popular is the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, which inspired Stephen King’s novel “The Shining”. You can take a ghost tour of the hotel and learn about its haunted history.
Another popular dark tourism site is the Colorado State Penitentiary Museum in Canon City, which features exhibits on the history of the prison system in Colorado. You can also visit the site of the Sand Creek Massacre in Eads, which was a tragic event in Colorado’s history.
What are the top attractions to see in Colorado?
Colorado has many top attractions that are worth a visit. Some of the most popular include Rocky Mountain National Park, which features stunning mountain views and a wide range of outdoor activities.
You can also visit Mesa Verde National Park, which is home to ancient cliff dwellings, or the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which features the tallest sand dunes in North America.
Other popular attractions include the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City, the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, and the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Is there an app or map for finding roadside attractions in Colorado?
Yes, there are several apps and maps that can help you find roadside attractions in Colorado. One popular app is Roadside America, which features a database of quirky and offbeat attractions across the United States.
You can also use Google Maps to search for roadside attractions in Colorado, or check out the Colorado Tourism Office’s website for a list of recommended attractions.
Additionally, the Colorado Department of Transportation has a map of scenic byways in Colorado that can help you plan your road trip.
