Planning a family vacation to Southwest Colorado this summer? Looking for a few educational activities to keep the kids’ wheels turning? Just because school’s out doesn’t mean learning has to stop. Colorado’s rich history is brimming with educational opportunities. Have a fantastic family vacation and learn about the region like never before with our Family Education Itinerary!

Day One:

Visit renowned Mesa Verde National Park. Tucked away in Southwest Colorado, Mesa Verde is just waiting for you to discover the rich heritage of the Ancestral Puebloans who made this region their home. Families experience the intriguing cliff dwellings and the remnants of community life long ago. Kids, earn your Junior Ranger Badge and interact with our national park’s fantastic and super smart rangers!

Day Two:

Escape to Silverton’s Ghost Town on a Mountain Jeep Trail Tour. Discover the beautiful, awe-inspiring Million Dollar Skyway from Durango to Silverton and see Grizzly Peak, Engineer Mountain, Turret, Spud Hill, the Twilights and Snowdon Peak along the way. Once you arrive at the old Victorian mining town of Silverton nestled in an ancient volcanic caldera, we venture off road, climbing to the famous ghost town of Animas Forks, at 11,200 feet. Peppered with remnants of old mining claims and tailing piles, the drive takes us higher into the mountains, with views of wildflowers in a rainbow of colors, spectacular waterfalls cascading down mountainsides and amazing wildlife – hawks, marmots, deer and elk herds!

Ride the Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad back down to Durango inside the outstanding Animas Canyon and along the famous Animas River. The line was constructed to haul silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear on a breathtaking journey through the remote wilderness of the two million acre San Juan National Forest.

Day Three:

Experience the Durango Discovery Museum. A dynamic place for family adventure, located on the banks of the Animas River in a historic coal-fired, steam-generated AC power plant, the Durango Discovery Museum is committed to provide a hands-on look at “energy — past, present, and future.”

Eat:

Breakfast: Durango Doughworks. With both sit-down and grab-and-go options, Durango Doughworks has delicious selections for everyone in the family.

Lunch: Old Tymer’s Cafe. Known by locals as OTC, Olde Tymers Cafe is Durango’s gathering spot. Enjoy a sandwich, burger or salad in their backyard courtyard to fuel up for the afternoon.

Dinner: Bar D Chuckwagon. A supper show offering family entertainment with a old west music and comedy stage show that includes a home cooked meal.  It’s the perfect way for your family to end the day together.

Stay:

O-Bar-O. Enjoy quiet evenings with your family at these secluded, yet well-equipped cabins just a step away from the hustle and bustle of downtown – with lakes for trout fishing and horse trail rides nearby.

Durango Downtown Inn. Situated in historic downtown Durango and conveniently located just one block off of well known Main Street along the beautiful Animas River.