Colorado history & culture

It is rather apt than, more often than not, it is Colorado’s landscapes that lie at the heart of so much of their culture. The love of the outdoors has influenced painters, sculptors, songwriters, jewellery makers and indeed chefs, for a long time, and it is no coincidence that in many of the towns, from Salida to Silverton, Alamosa to Aspen, you will come across prolific artist communities. Which is why tourists have flocked here for decades for theatre, festivals, concerts and museums, all with the most stunning backdrops and settings.

History and heritage is also core to what makes Colorado so sustainable. So many of the tourist hotspots were once dirty, sometimes debauched and exploitative mining towns. Thankfully, the lids have been put on these and the mountains allowed to breathe again, while we seek to enjoy the elements in a very different way. Fundamental to how we can now enjoy Colorado is the history of the land, where American Indian tribes lived for so long, discovering and creating the trails, peaks, wildlife wonders, waterfalls and hot springs which we tourists relish in today. The inclusion of American Indian culture in tourism is still embryonic compared with the relative history they have here, but it is here. Here are a few of our favourite museums and arts centers to keep you informed as you travel the trails and drive the byways.

Denver Art Museum (DAM). Another corner of Denver’s Golden Triangle Museum District. Originally called the Denver Artists’ Club, it is shame it didn’t keep this name, as the collections and exhibitions have a personal, passionate feel about them. Fans of architect Daniel Libeskind will enjoy his addition of the Frederic C. Hamilton Building, which reflects the mountain peaks that are Denver’s dramatic backdrop. DAM, it’s cool.

Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum, Ignacio. When you visit Colorado and take in the landscapes, it is hard to get your head around how the Ute Indians coped and thrived here for so long. We love it for leisure. They devised sustainable and sensible ways of simply living here. Ways that we can still learn from and which you can learn about in this museum. A living museum really as it is in the middle of the Southern Ute Indian reservation in Ignacio. As well as learning about their history, explore the gardens to learn about farming and growing methods and natural medicines.