8 Delightfully Odd Towns In Colorado
Colorado is known not only for its natural beauty but also as a pleasantly odd place to visit, as these eight towns show. From ghost towns to old mining towns, these eccentric Colorado destinations each have distinctive elements that set them apart from others in the region. Oddities include the hotel that inspired The Shining in Estes Park and a penny arcade packed with vintage games in Manitou Springs, highlighting each town’s quirks.
One of the best aspects of visiting this southwestern state is its blend of natural attractions and unusual experiences, especially in places like Leadville. Here, visitors can take a ghost tour to get up close to the town’s mining history and enjoy a drink at the Silver Dollar Saloon, which is filled with history and local character. Together, these places show how Colorado’s small towns combine scenery, history, and unexpected attractions, making them memorable stops for travelers seeking something a little different.
Cripple Creek
Historic Cripple Creek is known for its Gold Rush history, earning it the nickname “World’s Greatest Gold Camp.” The town is filled with historic mines and railroad sites, along with a number of distinctive oddities. Among the most notable are wild donkeys roaming the streets, descended from animals that once assisted the miners. Downtown appears largely untouched since the 19th century, especially around the Hotel St. Nicholas, and walking along the main road feels like stepping into an Old West movie set.
Beyond these visual quirks, the town also has several museums, including the Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum, which offers insight into Colorado’s Old West history. The Old Homestead House Museum is a preserved turn-of-the-century brothel that highlights a more colorful side of Cripple Creek’s mining days and reflects the town’s unusual past.
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is known for its stunning scenery and bird’s-eye views from the Manitou Incline. Its downtown district is just as distinctive, with an old-timey atmosphere and eccentric shops, including the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade. The retro game room sits in the middle of town and features vintage games, nostalgic decor, and a throwback feel that appeals to visitors of all ages.
Live events also reflect the community’s quirky character and are among the most popular times to visit. The Great Fruitcake Toss takes place at the end of January and centers on out-throwing fellow contestants. Carnivale Weekends in February bring Mardi Gras influences to the mountains with a Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo cookoff and a parade. Nearby mineral springs, such as Shoshone Spring, which has the highest levels of many minerals, offer another unusual experience tied to Manitou Springs’ long history.
Estes Park
Movie enthusiasts will instantly recognize the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park that inspired Stephen King's film The Shining. The 1909 hotel no longer carries the same ominous reputation but is now known as a refined retreat with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. Beyond the hotel, the town has several distinctive features, including a local herd of elk that roam freely through town and a mountain roller coaster.
At the edge of downtown, the Walker Family Ranch offers an alpine ride on its Mustang Mountain Coaster. A mechanical system pulls the coaster uphill before riders control the descent, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. After the ride, Elkhorn Avenue, the main street, provides access to tourist shops and casual dining spots, including Penelope’s Old Time Burgers, which reflects the town’s relaxed atmosphere.
Morrison
Morrison is a small town just west of Denver, near the Hogback Rock formation, with a lively local scene and several unusual attractions, including dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Ridge. The outdoor museum allows visitors to walk through the Jurassic and Cretaceous Ages at one of the world’s top dinosaur track sites. Both private and public tours are available, including geologist-led options that provide deeper context about the tracks and surrounding geology.
Tiny Town is another notable stop, featuring a miniature village with more than 100 buildings and trains. It is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a major attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. The park spans more than 700 acres and includes wildlife, dinosaur-themed exhibits, and striking geological formations. It also hosts live concerts and seasonal events throughout the year.
Ouray
Ouray, in the San Juan Mountains, began as a mining camp in 1876 and is today known for outdoor experiences, especially the Via Ferrata. It is an epic climbing route with steel cables, rungs, and ladders for the adventurous. There is also the local Baby Bathtubs trail, suitable for all experience levels, which winds along water-carved rock formations in a creekbed, allowing hikers to splash on a hot day.
Main Street is just as entertaining, with unique finds like the Ouray Alchemist Pharmacy Museum, which shows what an Old West pharmacy was like. For lunch, head to Maggie's Kitchen to dine like a local. The dog-friendly restaurant is a microcosm of community spirit, offering comfort food in a welcoming environment that captures the spirit of Ouray.
Leadville
The historic mining village of Leadville is famous for its Victorian architecture and being the highest incorporated city in the United States, over 10,000 feet. Several things come to mind when discussing what to do in Leadville, and a ghost tour is always at the top of the list. After settling in, embark on a Leadville by Lamplight Tour for a guided tour around famous headstones and historic buildings.
The House With the Eye is also a unique way to explore the old mining town. The Victorian home was built in 1879 and contains many period artifacts, including a hangman's noose and a horse-drawn hearse. No matter how you spend your day, spend the evening at the legendary Silver Dollar Saloon. Established in 1879, the saloon has seen the likes of Doc Holliday and Oscar Wilde, and over 140 years of history adorn its wooden walls, making it feel like an alcohol-friendly museum.
Victor
Victor is rumored to have received its name after names were drawn from a hat, giving the town an eccentric reputation from the start. Today, it features several unusual attractions that reflect its character. The most recognizable is the Victor Troll, a large wooden sculpture on Little Grouse Mountain. The 21-foot statue is made from recycled wood and is intended to symbolize environmental stewardship. The trail leading to the sculpture is marked with colorful birdhouses.
Oddities Alley, Colorado’s only locally based exposition of oddities and curiosities, takes place in Victor each June. The event features performances such as Urban Cirque, a modern circus style that blends traditional techniques with urban influences. Lodging options include the Black Monarch Hotel, a former brothel and casino in the center of town that is rumored to be haunted and offers a connection to Victor’s past.
Paonia
Paonia is known for its laid-back culture and farm-to-table scene, which draws many visitors to its walkable, historic downtown. Take a stroll along Grand Avenue to visit local boutiques such as The Cirque Boutique and Gallery, which specialize in handmade goods and rotating art exhibits. Elsewhere Studios sits within the Temple of the Muse and hosts an eclectic group of artists and writers, offering a glimpse into the community's cultural side.
Downtown resembles a bygone era, with commercial buildings such as Paonia First Christian Church and First National Bank. The church resembles a castle with its three-story crenellated tower, while the bank is a Romanesque Revival marvel built in 1903. The region is also known for its vineyards, such as Painted Vineyard, which offers a good reason to leave the historic district.
Why Colorado’s Quirkiest Towns Leave a Lasting Impression
From tossing fruitcakes in Manitou Springs to visiting old mining sites across the state, these eight towns highlight Colorado’s more unusual side. Many feature preserved Old West buildings, especially in their downtown areas, along with geological features such as Dinosaur Ridge that set them apart from other destinations.
Estes Park continues to draw movie fans to the Stanley Hotel, which also operates as a luxury accommodation. Across the state, the combination of mining history, mineral springs, and distinctive lodging creates a varied travel experience. Planning a visit around live events, including concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, offers another way to experience Colorado’s smaller towns, which stand out for their character and unconventional attractions.
