History

The Argo Gold Mine & Mill Take a guided tour deep inside the heart of this historic excavation site, grab a pan and try sifting for gold, visit the museum to see informative displays about the mine's construction. 2350 Riverside Dr., Idaho Springs, CO; +1 303 567 2421. Admission.

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site Visit this meticulously reconstructed 1840s adobe fort, watch costumed interpreters demonstrate frontier life through re-enactments and agricultural presentations, take a guided tour through the fort's accommodations to learn how pioneers survived on the plains. 35110 Hwy. 194 E., La Junta, CO; +1 719 383 5010. Admission.

Black American West Museum Uncover the important role African Americans played in founding the West. Frequently changing exhibits highlight the artwork, social efforts, and education of Colorado's black pioneers. 3091 California St., Denver, CO; +1 303 482 2242. Admission.

Buffalo Bill Grave & Museum Enjoy the scenic drive up Lookout Mountain on your way to Buffalo Bill's final resting place, visit the museum to learn about his life and times. Lookout Mountain Rd., Golden, CO; +1 303 526 0747. Admission.

Canyon of the Ancients National Monument Explore thousands of archaeological sites dating back almost 2,000 years; see artifacts belonging to Anasazi, Navajo and Ute cultures; rent a horse for a sunset ride into the canyon. 27501 Hwy. 184, Dolores, CO; +1 303 882 5600.

Colorado History Museum Discover Colorado's frontier past, walk the Tribal Paths display highlighting the contributions of Native Americans to Colorado's heritage. 1300 Broadway, Denver, CO; +1 303 866 3682. Admission.

Colorado Rail Museum Discover vintage rail cars dating from the 1880s; enter the telegraph office with working equipment; explore an 1880 coal powered locomotive. 17155 W 44th Ave., Golden, CO; 800 365 6263. Admission.

Cross Orchards Historic Site Watch costumed interpreters reinvent early 1900s pioneer life as they plow fields, milk cows, and prune orchards with authentic historical techniques; take home a basket of fresh apples or peaches. 3073 F Rd., Grand Junction, CO; +1 970 434 9814. Admission.

Forney Museum of Transportation Stroll among planes, trains, and even car-planes that make up this odd collection of transportation memorabilia; admire famous vehicles like The Hispano Suiza; see the meticulously maintained Kissel that used to belong to Amelia Earhart. 4303 Brighton Blvd., Denver, CO; +1 303 297 1113. Admission.

Lake City Cruise into this historic frontier town along the Silver Thread National Scenic Byway and see the headwaters of the Rio Grande outside your window, grab a pamphlet from the visitors center to explore some 75 antique buildings in one of Colorado's largest national historic districts. Lake City, CO; 800 569 1874.

Leadville Discover one of Colorado's most historic mining towns nestled into the side of Mount Cooper; explore the Tabor Home, once home to the region's mining baron; learn from the educational exhibits at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum; hop on the lift up to the peak of Mount Cooper for some excellent backcountry skiing. 809 Harrison Ave., Leadville, CO; +1 719 486 3900. Admission.

Mesa Verde National Park Unlock thousands of years of history when you explore the homes of the ancestral Pueblo people, stop by the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum to see educational exhibits explaining the many Pueblo sites, hike the Knife Edge trail up to the scenic Montezuma Valley Overlook. Mesa Verde, CO; +1 970 529 4465. Admission.

Museum of the West Discover the rugged history of this mountain terrain, listen to the 1921 fire truck's antique horn, walk inside a life-size uranium mine, admire the vast collection of southwest native pottery at the authentic adobe villa. 462 Ute Ave., Grand Junction, CO; +1 970 242 0971. Admission.

Pueblo Tour the Union Avenue Historic District's nineteenth-century houses, visit the El Pueblo History museum to learn about the city's role in Colorado's development, wander through the city park's zoo. 302 N Santa Fe Ave., Pueblo, CO; 800 233 3446. Admission.

Telluride Historical Museum Trace this remote valley's history from the 19th-century exploits of Butch Cassidy to the modern day ski mecca, learn about mining and the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. 201 W Gregory, Telluride, CO; +1 970 728 3344. Admission.

Trinidad Play on historic fire engines at the Old Firehouse No. 1 Children's Museum, grab a picnic beside the Purgatoire River in the Trinidad Lake State Park. Don't miss this historic stop along the Santa Fe Trail. 309 Nevada Ave., Trinidad, CO; 866 480 4750.

University of Colorado Museum Discover the rich history of Colorado's Navajo and Hopi tribes, see tools and pottery excavated from archaeological sites, marvel at the massive dinosaur fossils that were found at nearby digs. Young children will especially enjoy the hands-on Discovery Corner. UCB 218, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; +1 303 492 6892.

U.S. Air Force Academy Walk the paved nature trail to the Cadet Chapel, check out aircraft memorials in the Honor Court, explore the 31,600-square-foot visitors center, filled with exhibits on Academy life . I-25 Exit 156 B North Gate, USAFA, CO; +1 719 333 2025.

U.S. Mint See thousands of coins flow from giant presses, take a guided tour to explore this historic mint. Advanced reservation required. 320 W Colfax Ave., Denver, CO; +1 303 405 4761.

The Western Museum of Mining & Industry Pan for gold, check out historic steam engines, view scale models of Colorado mines to understand the massive scope of underground operations. 225 North Gate Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO; +1 719 488 0880. Admission.