Colorado Experience

With magnificent landscapes located across Colorado, artists and pioneers could not help but replicate the sights before them. From the documentary art of early expeditions to the celebratory art of the iconic bronco busting cowboy, discover the backstory of 250 years of American Art.

In 1897 Denver, people "didn't believe in women doctors." So licensed physician Susie Anderson took her love of medicine to Fraser, where she cured lumberjacks, tended to miners' injuries and even cared for animals.

The mineral carnotite was a "Pandora's rock" of scientific, medical, industrial and military power for twentieth-century America. While mining and refining of uranium ore in Western Colorado has mostly ceased, trace elements still radiate from Uravan and Grand Junction.

Colorado "has more than 1,000 ghost towns, over 600 of which have some sort of remains." Visit St. Elmo, Animas Forks, and Ashcroft, three of the best-preserved ghost towns in the state, and meet the spirits of Colorado's mining past.

Lamb Spring in Douglas County is home to the largest collection of Colombian mammoth bones in the state, offering archaeological insight into these prehistoric dwellers. The discoveries of Lindenmeier near Ft. Collins and Mountaineer in Gunnison reveal much about the people who lived here over 10,000 years ago.

Take a ride on the Galloping Goose -- seven operational railcars that ran through the rugged San Juan mountains from 1931 to 1952. Carrying cargo, mail, and passengers, they connected Dolores, Telluride, and Ridgeway with many locations along the Rio Grand Southern Railroad. Discover their mechanical and weather-related adventures, and why they attract visitors from around the world.

Some of Colorado's oldest amusement parks are its most thrilling: Elitch Gardens, Lakeside Amusement Park, and the Kit Carson County Carousel. Discover their history and how they have become treasured by their communities.

Explore Colorado's history of aviation and meet the inspiring individuals who have shaped an industry.

Trujillo Homestead and Medano-Zapata Ranch: These two National Historic Landmarks near Great Sand Dunes National Park first settled by Paleo Indians provide sanctuary for many wetland birds, rare plants and insects, cattle and bison.

From the Denver Athletic Club's Pikes Peak summit in 1891 to Buffalo Soldiers' ride to Yellowstone in 1897, mountain biking has long had a place in Colorado. With its modern debut in 1978, Crested Butte has led the state in creating single track and inspiring other towns to cater to this now Olympic sport.

Since the 1910s the Denver Mountain Parks system has grown to forty-six public parks. Meet those who had the foresight to preserve these epic spaces, and understand why it is vital to preserve them for Coloradans and tourists alike.

By stagecoach, then railroad, autobus and car, tourists have increasingly flocked to Colorado's mountains. Venture to Grand Lake and Steamboat to discover the history behind some of their favorite places to stay while making a mountain escape.

Charles Boettcher returned from Europe with sugar beet seeds and found the plains were perfect for growing them. They would become one of Colorado's most important crops, and would also attract workers from many backgrounds: Mexican nationals, European immigrants -- even German prisoners of war during WWII.

Nineteen people cast aside their wheelchairs in 1978 and blocked city buses deemed inaccessible to the physically disabled. They inspired years of advocacy in Colorado and across the nation, helping the Disability Rights Movement gain momentum that would culminate in the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.