8 Playfully Peculiar Towns In Colorado
Colorado is a treasure trove of bizarre oddities, strange happenings, and eccentric attractions. From its compelling mining history to UFO sightings and haunted landmarks, the state is a hotspot for mystery and the unexplained. Engage in a more holistic way of living in the spiritual center of Crestone. Relive childhood favourites at the Penny Arcade or join in on the action of the annual fruitcake toss in Manitou Springs. Go back to prehistoric times and uncover fossils in the unconventional town of Dinosaur and camp under the open skies. Dare to stay the night and get spooked at the haunted hotels in Silverton or Cripple Creek. The entire state is jam-packed with adventures and playfully peculiar towns to satisfy all levels of curiosity.
Crestone
Crestone is a secluded Colorado town bursting with spiritual vibes and bohemian flair. Home to an array of religious centers and sacred retreats, Crestone embraces off-the-grid living while focusing on healing the mind, body, and spirit. One of the more prominent landmarks is the Crestone Ziggurat. Climb the staircase and enjoy the endless vistas, or take a moment to meditate. Continue embarking on a divine journey at Sacred Spirit Lightwork. Engage in a tarot reading, Reiki session, or crystal healing for the ultimate adventure in Crestone.
Coined as the "Bermuda Triangle of the West", Crestone is renowned for constant UFO encounters. Book an hour-long UFO tour through The Sky Experience and be dazzled by otherworldly happenings in Colorado's night skies. Head a bit outside of the town near Hooper and check out the UFO Watchtower. Rumoured to have two large vortexes, the area is a major hotspot for extraterrestrial sightings.
Nederland
Caressed by the Rocky Mountain range, Nederland is a hidden Colorado mountain town with a storied past. Dive into Nederland's fascinating heritage at the Nederland Mining Museum. The collection offers a captivating glimpse into history, featuring artifacts of old mining tools, vintage photographs, ore carts, and the typical life of a miner. Afterward, drink liquid energy at The Train Cars Coffee and Kava, a cafe built inside three antique train cars. Sip on a cappuccino and try the beloved mini donuts at this rare Colorado find.
Colorado is no stranger when it comes to weird events and quirky towns. Held annually in March, mingle with the residents at the Frozen Dead Guy Days. The event took place in Nederland for many years and is now a tradition in Estes Park. As the name suggests, the festival commemorates the unusual tale of Grandpa Bredo. Even more offbeat is the packed events calendar with festivities such as coffin races, a polar plunge, and a grandpa look-alike contest.
Nostalgic, memorable, and thrilling perfectly describe the Carousel of Happiness, a beautifully restored 1910 spectacle. The animals are a fine example of hand-carved mastery, and they dance around to organ music. Hop on an eclectic mix of whimsical creatures from a moose to a panda, a frog, a gorilla, and a bunny.
Manitou Springs
Known for its healing mineral springs, Manitou Springs is a natural paradise with an intriguing mix of unusual attractions. Test your strength and agility at the Manitou Incline, a challenging trek featuring just over 2,700 stairs. Be prepared, as it is not for the faint of heart. Bring the whole family to the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. Spend time above the ground with an exhilarating ride on the Bat-A-Pult Zip Line or reach for the stars on the Cliff Hanger Climbing Wall. Take a journey down below and explore some of Colorado's underground caverns. For a more chilling adventure, a Haunted Lantern Tour is a tremendous choice for thrill-seekers.
Have a blast from the past at the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, thoughtfully designed to represent a classic arcade from back in the good old days. Open seven days a week, make memories by playing retro games such as pinball, skee ball, and horse racing. The interior remains true to a bygone era, and the whole experience feels like stepping into a time machine.
A Colorado tradition since 1996, the wintertime brings the annual Great Fruitcake Toss to Manitou Springs. As the name suggests, fruitcakes go flying through the air at this enchanting, yet odd celebration. Competitions include who can throw a fruitcake the farthest, balancing one on a spatula, and tossing them into baskets, making for a delicious game. Rest assured that none of the fruitcakes go to waste; all leftovers are taken to farm animals for consumption. As a dedicated partner, donations are also collected for the Manitou Springs Food Pantry.
Central City
Roughly an hour from Denver, Central City exudes old-world charm and boasts an unusual abundance of casinos. Turn back the clocks by immersing in a live performance at the Central City Opera. Established in 1932, it is one of the oldest professional opera companies in the United States. The current summer 2025 program includes The Barber of Seville, The Knock, and Once Upon a Mattress.
Famous for its mining heritage, Central City played a significant role during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. Take a peek inside a working gold mine by booking a tour at Hidee Gold Mine. Open year-round, see where all the magic happens underground. Guests can enhance their tour with a gold panning add-on and keep any uncovered treasures. Held every year in the summer, join the crowd for the Madam Lou Bunch Day. The event commemorates Madam Lou Bunch, a brothel owner during the Gold Rush era. Strange, yet exciting, cheer on the contestants at the bed races, partake in the Madams and Miners Ball, and watch the parade.
Silverton
With an astounding elevation of around 9,318 feet, touch the clouds in sky-high Silverton, a haunted mining town in the San Juan Mountains. Dare to stay an eerie night in the chilling and historic Grand Imperial Hotel. Opening its doors in 1882, the interior still retains its vintage charm, and rumors of the paranormal are said to roam the halls. Legends tell of ghostly activity in Room 314, nails mysteriously flying during construction, strange impressions appearing in freshly made beds, and guests feeling phantom touches. Equally quirky and uncanny, check out the graves at Hillside Cemetery. The headstones depict strange ways that citizens have met their demise.
Despite its difficulty, the Ice Lakes Trail rewards hikers with the most breathtaking, postcard-worthy scenery in all of Colorado. Trek along sparkling, turquoise lakes, with rugged mountain terrain lining the background. Pass by striking rock formations, waterfalls, and visit from mid-July until the beginning of August for the wildflowers.
Dinosaur
Dinosaur, Colorado, is an adorable town that truly lives up to its name. The street names in Dinosaur are one-of-a-kind, featuring prehistoric-inspired titles like Camptosaurus Crescent, Brontosaurus Boulevard, Tyrannosaurus Triangle, and Stegosaurus Freeway. The Dinosaur National Monument is a must-see, with over a thousand fossils on display on the cliffs at the Quarry Exhibit Hall. Discover ancient petroglyphs and pictographs in the area, believed to have been drawn around 300 and 1300 CE. Stay awhile and camp out under the stars. Choose from six campgrounds and embrace the great outdoors with endless campfire s'mores, and then cozy up in the tent.
Stop by for a treat and pick up a souvenir at the BedRock Depot. Refresh with a strawberry, butterscotch, chocolate, or banana shake, made with fresh ice cream. Pair it with a coffee and a sandwich for a quick, delicious meal. Afterward, head to the gift shop for a wide selection of dinosaur-themed merchandise. From books to shirts, stuffed animals, and fossils, purchase a trinket to remember Dinosaur, Colorado.
Take a break at the Colorado Welcome Center. Stock up on free brochures, maps, and other information while grabbing coffee. Relax and unwind with the educational video about the state's wildlife after a long drive.
Ouray
Welcome to the Switzerland of America. Ouray is a Colorado paradise surrounded by rugged mountains, endless vistas, and healing hot springs. Stay until the colder months and watch the area transform into a snowy winter wonderland. Take in the expansive scenery by driving down the iconic Million Dollar Highway. Travel from Silverton to Ouray and bask in the never-ending million-dollar views. Adrenaline junkies will love the winding roads around the mountains and the lack of guardrails.
Stunning on the outside and allegedly haunted on the inside, the Beaumont Hotel & Spa is a 1886 masterpiece. Steeped in elegance and antique charm, the guestrooms are exquisite. Wake up to views of the Cascade Falls, Twin Peaks, or Mount Abrams. Stay a few nights and perhaps see the apparition of a female who is reported to wander the halls. Spectators believe she makes an appearance on the anniversary of her death, as well as at 2:15 am during each quarter moon.
Step back into the Wild West and explore the massive collection of pharmacy artifacts at the Ouray Alchemist Museum. The walls are decorated with vintage bottles containing original artwork and prescription drugs. Tours fill up fast, so be sure to book in advance.
Cripple Creek
What once was a thriving town during the Gold Rush, Cripple Creek is now a quiet and scenic getaway with small-town charm and unique features. A local favorite since 1931, cheer on these adorable animals at the annual Donkey Derby Days. Watch them give it their all at the donkey derby race, let the kids loose at the Kids Zone, and enjoy a lively parade with old-timey floats, historical performances, classic cars, and horses. Intriguing and eccentric, learn about Colorado's past inmates while walking through the former Teller County Jail at the Outlaws & Law Men Jail Museum. Offering fun photo opportunities and an in-depth look at Colorado's darker side, the museum provides an entertaining glimpse into the state's history.
Support Cripple Creek's arts and culture scene with a phenomenal production at The Butte Theater. The building is a rare find and is one of the few in the United States that preserves the style of Classical American Melodrama. From musicals to plays, the variety is a pleasant mix and showcases community and professional performing arts. Currently, the summer 2025 spotlight is on Beehive: The '60s Musical.
Take a Journey on the Wild Side of Colorado
Colorado is eerie America at its finest, with UFO encounters, haunted towns, strange celebrations, and countless supernatural sightings. Take a heart-racing cruise down the Million Dollar Highway, complete with winding mountain roads and no guardrails. Sip on a warm beverage in a historic train car in Nederland or delve into extraterrestrial life in Crestone. Stroll through an old jail and learn about Colorado's inmates in Cripple Creek or venture into a working gold mine in Central City. Catch a ghost sighting or two at the Beaumont Hotel & Spa in Ouray or the Grand Imperial Hotel in Silverton. From kids to thrill-seekers, Colorado is an all-ages playground of nonstop excitement.
