7. Dinosaur National Monument
Children and adults alike are sure to be amazed by the preserved fossils and natural wonders at Dinosaur National Monument, which straddles the Colorado-Utah border. This rugged landscape full of mountains, canyons and rivers was once inhabited by dinosaurs, and visitors can now see remnants of their existence in the rocks. The on-site Quarry Exhibit Hall is a hit among youngsters, as it displays about 1,500 bones that once belonged to different types of dinosaurs. Murals bring the area to life, and hands-on fossil exhibits make learning fun. Visitors can admire petroglyphs that were drawn by members of the Fremont Indian Tribe hundreds of years ago and feature images of humans and animals, as well as more abstract subjects. Outside of the museum areas, there is plenty of outdoor fun to be had. Hiking trails stretch from the visitor centers out to viewpoints that overlook the unique desert landscape. Some popular routes include the 3-mile Sound of Silence trail and the short 1.2-mile Fossil Discovery trail; off-trail hiking is allowed in the protected area as well. Cycling is also a great way to see the national monument, as is horseback riding. Entrance to Dinosaur National Monument costs $25 per vehicle. Past visitors warned that the monument in northwestern Colorado is a bit removed from other attractions – it’s more than 80 miles west of Steamboat Springs – but they said it was worth the trip.
8. Denver Arts Week
Each November, artists, filmmakers, performers and more flock to Denver to showcase their creative projects. Entire neighborhoods, such as the RiNo Art District, are transformed into alfresco art museums during this week as artists paint colorful murals on storefronts and walls. Not to mention, one of Denver Art Week’s most noteworthy events is the Denver Film Festival, which showcases critically acclaimed films and features a star-studded red carpet event. The city also hosts hundreds of different events throughout the week. These events take place in both Denver’s small galleries and its massive performing arts theaters. Many museums, including the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, showcase art-related events as well. One of the most popular nighttime events is Night Lights Denver, which features rotating art exhibits projected onto the side of a building (and luckily, this event occurs throughout the year, not just during Denver Arts Week). This is a great time to experience the capital city’s rich cultural scene, as you’ll find discounted tickets and deals on art-related activities. You’ll also find special hotel rates at select properties if you visit during this event.