10 Small Towns in Colorado with the Best Downtowns
Colorado’s beauty rises from snow-capped peaks and deep mining valleys shaped by the state’s 19th-century gold and silver rush. Beneath steep San Juan Mountain walls, Ouray pairs colorful Victorian storefronts with easy access to the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, giving its historic downtown both grandeur and relaxation. Nearby Manitou Springs sits at the foot of Pikes Peak, where travelers sample eight naturally carbonated mineral springs and explore the quirky shops around the historic Penny Arcade. And Georgetown, set in the high Clear Creek valley along the Front Range, preserves its silver-boom past along Sixth Street with ornate Victorian storefronts that stand just minutes from the historic Hotel de Paris Museum.
Ouray
Widely known as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray combines mining history with gorgeous mountain views and Victorian-era architecture. Due to the town’s box canyon location high in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray’s downtown comes with incredible views at every turn.
A walk down Main Street offers not only local shopping and dining but also a closer look at the beautiful historic buildings. Aside from the colorful shops, be sure to check out the Beaumont Hotel & Spa, a Victorian-style gem, and the blue-and-white Wright Opera House, which dates back to 1888.
The Ouray Hot Springs are also a must-visit. There are four hot springs properties nearby, including the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, right off of Main Street.
Manitou Springs
Conveniently situated near two of Colorado’s most popular attractions, Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs is a popular wellness destination with a quirky downtown. It’s a great mix of Victorian architecture and artistic flair set in gorgeous mountain surroundings.
You’ll find many local boutiques and art galleries behind eclectic storefronts, selling everything from glass-blown creations at Glass Blowers of Manitou to Indigenous crafts. The Manitou Springs Penny Arcade is always a fun, family-friendly stop, and the local eateries offer the chance to try popular Colorado fare, like elk steaks and bison burgers.
But the most popular downtown activity by far is visiting the famous mineral springs! There are eight springs scattered around town, each with a unique taste and mineral profile. Grab a map from the visitor center (along with a souvenir cup) and try them all.
Georgetown
A step into downtown Georgetown feels like a step back in time, thanks to its incredibly well-preserved historic district, complete with Victorian architecture and silver-mining history. Settled in 1859, Georgetown quickly became known as the “Silver Queen of Colorado,” and that mining history and prosperity are still seen in the museums and ornate buildings.
The colorful Hotel de Paris, a museum full of historic artifacts housed in a former French inn, is a great start to your tour. Science enthusiasts will also love the Georgetown Energy Museum, where you’ll visit a fully operational hydroelectric generating plant and learn what it took to get Georgetown on the grid.
Be sure to stroll down Sixth Street, the heart of downtown, to see the old-timey shops with their decorative facades and check out the local wares.
Salida
Stagecoach and railroad history, a thriving arts scene, and its proximity to the Arkansas River make Salida a fascinating and varied destination. And yes, you can experience it all downtown.
Salida’s downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places and features one of the state's largest historic districts. Many turn-of-the-century buildings line the downtown streets, giving it a distinctly old-timey feel. Salida was also the state’s first Certified Creative District, and you can see it all over in the murals, art studios, and galleries scattered around downtown. If you’re lucky, you can even catch an art walk or festival!
But don’t forget the Arkansas River. Framing one side of Downtown, this popular river is a hotspot for whitewater rafting, fishing, and even an artificial surf wave! Hit the water, or stay dry in Riverside Park while you enjoy the views.
Silverton
Part of the 19th-century mining boom, Silverton was founded as a silver and gold mining town, and much of that historic infrastructure still stands today. The downtown is in a designated National Historic Landmark District, and it has a lot to offer, from history to gorgeous views of the San Juan Mountains at every turn.
Head over to the Silverton Station to catch a scenic ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, complete with a narrow gauge train that runs on a century-old route. But don’t miss a casual stroll through the historic downtown, where you’ll find architectural highlights like the Grand Imperial Hotel (opened in 1883), the Old Silverton Jail, and the Silverton Visitor's Center. But the local shops and boutiques have plenty of charm, too, housed in colorful wood and brick buildings that feel straight out of a Western movie.
Ridgway
Ridgway's Old West downtown also feels like something you’d see in a Western movie, and there’s a chance you actually have! This historic town was the filming location for the classic John Wayne film “True Grit” (among many others), and its wide streets are still lined with rustic buildings and brimming with western vibes. In the distance, the San Juan Mountains are visible from every angle, framing the view with rugged alpine beauty.
This “Old West” town is also a Certified Creative District, with an eclectic mix of art galleries and boutiques nestled inside historic buildings. The Sherbino Theater is also a popular stop, where a wide mix of performing arts events take place year-round.
Be sure to check out the True Grit Café for a hearty meal and take a walk along Clinton Street for plenty of fun architecture and street art. And if you want some local history, carve out some time to visit the Ridgway Railroad Museum and Ouray County Ranch History Museum, right on the edge of the downtown district.
Creede
Another San Juan Mountain gem, Creede's downtown still manages to have quite a different feel from its neighbors due to its location inside a canyon. Here, you’ll find plenty more historic buildings from the 1890s silver rush, all framed by rugged cliffs, giving it a true “wild west” vibe.
The downtown is a hotspot for shopping, food, and history. Take your time perusing the area’s ornate facades before ducking into local boutiques and eateries. The Underground Mining Museum is also a great stop, showcasing the town’s mining past.
Creede is also home to a vibrant art and cultural community. In the spring and summer months, catch a live theatre show at the Creede Repertory Theatre. And year-round, you can pop into local galleries, catch live music, and see sculptures and artwork positioned around Main Street.
Fairplay
Natural beauty, gold-rush history, and a TV tie-in: this little town, about 80 miles southwest of Denver, has a lot to offer in a small area. It’s also part of the South Park National Heritage Area, which is known for its ranches, mines, and other notable historic sites.
Founded as a gold-mining hub in the mid-1800s, Fairplay’s downtown has retained much of its past charm while incorporating some truly quirky personality (like its annual Burro Days). Head down Front Street for a plethora of shops, pubs, and stays in old-timey buildings, like the Platte River Saloon, Hand Hotel, and Snitching Lady Distillery.
Fairplay is also known as the town that inspired the hit TV cartoon “South Park,” and you can take your picture with a cutout board sign on Main Street. Finish up your visit with a trip to Front Street River Park, which has some beautiful views of the Middle Fork South Platte River, and a monument to Prunes the Burro, who worked in the mines around Fairplay and Alma.
Walsenburg
Located in southern Colorado, near the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Walsenburg is a Spanish farming village-turned coal-mining town known as the “Heart of Spanish Peaks Country.” Here, you’ll find plenty of beautiful buildings, interesting history, and natural beauty.
Stroll along the Downtown streets to see color and character in abundance; just pick a street and start walking. The buildings along U.S. 160 are particularly colorful and home to a great selection of antique stores, cozy cafes, and wall murals. The downtown area is also a hotspot for museums, like the Walsenburg Mining Museum, Museum of Friends, and Huerfano Heritage Center, offering a great mix of history and art.
Paonia
Best known for its thriving agricultural scene (think orchards, wineries, and sustainable farms), Paonia’s downtown thrives on community, art, and good food.
Grand Avenue is a particularly good place to see this in action, with numerous top-notch restaurants serving up delicious local fare in 19th- and 20th-century buildings. Try the Sweetgrass Paonia for breakfast fare, Good Love for house-made fries and locally-sourced ingredients, and Fiona’s Bartique for cocktails and bites.
Another Certified Colorado Creative District, there’s plenty of culture downtown, from local studios to the historic Paradise Theatre, founded in 1928, which hosts live music, theatre, films, and more. Continue down Grand Avenue to find plenty of art galleries, handmade goods, and the Blue Sage Center for the Arts.
Visit throughout the year for the downtown festivals, like the Paonia Cherry Days and Mountain Harvest Festival, where the community comes together over local delicacies, parades, and fine arts.
Discover All These Colorado Downtowns Have to Offer
Across the state, Colorado’s small downtowns continue to stand out for their incredible blend of beauty, culture, and community. While many of these towns started from similar circumstances, each one has managed to retain its own sense of personality, thanks to its individual history, surrounding scenery, and local pride. So no matter which of these downtowns you choose to visit, you’ll always find something new and unique to make it worth your while.
