Culture
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art Explore the museum's frequently rotating exhibits displaying both regional highlights and international works. Visit during one of their special events, like art auctions or family-friendly activities. 1750 13th St., Boulder, CO; +1 303 443 2122. Admission.
Children's Museum in Denver Build a railroad at the Click Clack Train Track exhibit, climb aboard a real fire truck, write a haiku on the Alphabet Soup wall. 2121 Children's Museum Dr., Denver, CO; +1 303 433 7444. Admission.
Cortez Cultural Center Visit the art gallery to see a wide variety of rotating exhibits; admire the pueblo-style architecture of the building; tour the museum's informative displays that explore native history through videos, pictures, and artifacts. 25 N Market St., Cortez, CO; +1 970 565 1151.
Denver Art Museum Visit this newly expanded home of high art on the plains; see works by Monet, Warhol, and Degas alongside stunningly framed mountain views; stop by the Adventures in Art center for hands-on art classes for children and adults. 100 W 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, CO; +1 720 865 5000. Admission.
Denver Firefighters Museum Slide down the fire pole, try on kid-size equipment, get on board an engine to fight mock fires. Experience educational video games and interactive displays that teach young kids the value of fire protection. 1326 Tremont Pl., Denver, CO; +1 303 892 1436. Admission.
Durango Explore this lively railroad town that has long been a western cultural crossroads; take a guided tour of historic Downtown Durango, home to many shops and houses that have stood since the late 1800s; take a relaxing trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through the scenic San Juan National Forest. 111 S. Camino del Rio, Durango, CO; 800 525 8855.
Fort Collins Museum Admire rock paintings and artifacts from Paleolithic times, view artifacts from the Frank Miller Mud Wagon and household and agricultural equipment. 200 Mathews St., Fort Collins, CO; +1 970 221 6738.
Leanin' Tree Museum and Sculpture Garden of Western Art Walk through a sculpture garden filled with life-size bronze animals and abstract cowboys, visit the exhibits to see landscapes and clothing that highlight the West's contemporary history. 6055 Longbow Dr., Boulder, CO; 800 777 8716.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings Visit these Anasazi homes and get a feel for life in these ancient apartments; stop by the museum to examine clothing and artifacts recovered from archaeological digs; watch traditional dance demonstrations during the summer months. Hwy. 24 W, Manitou Springs, CO; 800 354 9971. Admission.
Museo de las Américas Learn about the Spanish influence on Western culture at the first American museum dedicated to Hispanic heritage, see frequently changing exhibits that highlight contemporary Hispanic artists. Weekly events bring music, culture, and shopping to the site. 861 Santa Fe Dr., Denver, CO; +1 303 571 4401. Admission.
Ouray Walk a suspension bridge to the Box Cañon waterfall, tour the downtown National Historic District to see a collection of turn-of-the-century Victorian homes, stop by the Ouray Hot Springs for a refreshing dip in the 100°F (37.8°C) water. 1230 Main St., Ouray, CO; 800 228 1876.
