As Colorado celebrates its sesquicentennial, Glenwood Springs offers the opportunity to experience 150 years of Western history in a single destination.
Long before Colorado achieved statehood in 1876, the Roaring Fork Valley was the sacred homeland of the native Ute people. Later, prospectors, pioneers, railroad travelers, and wellness seekers shaped the mountain town we know today.
Use our Glenwood Springs checklist of things to do to experience authentic Colorado history while exploring one of the state’s most iconic Western towns.
Stand on Sacred Ute Land
Before Colorado became the 38th state, the nomadic Ute people lived, hunted, foraged, and traveled seasonally throughout the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. The mineral-rich hot springs were considered sacred places long before Glenwood Springs officially existed. Take a moment while strolling around Two Rivers Park, the confluence of the two rivers, to remember the first inhabitants of the area.
Other good spots to pay tribute to Native American forebears are the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, and Iron Mountain Hot Springs.
Try Your Luck Prospecting
The discovery of precious metals fueled Colorado’s growth and inspired the mining camps and towns to pop up all over Western Colorado. Though large veins of silver ore were ultimately found in the mountains near Aspen and Leadville, that didn’t prevent prospectors from coming to Glenwood Springs to try their luck.
Families can experience a bit of gold rush excitement by panning for treasure at the sluice box in the Main Plaza at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Iron Mountain Hot Springs also offers an interactive gemstone-panning feature where kids can search running water for colorful rocks and crystals. Both activities provide fun, hands-on reminders of the discoveries that helped establish Glenwood Springs.
Soak in the Waters That Made Glenwood Famous
Few places shaped Glenwood Springs’ identity more than its natural hot springs. By the late 19th century, visitors traveled by rail from across the country to experience the therapeutic qualities of the mineral waters.
Today, soaking in the geothermal pools at Glenwood Hot Springs or Iron Mountain Hot Springs remains one of the most beloved means to connect with the town’s historic roots. In many ways, the minerals in the geothermal waters are more precious than silver and gold, offering generation after generation the opportunity to rest, relax, and recharge.
Sleep Like a Victorian-Era Traveler
Opened in 1893, Hotel Colorado quickly became one of the most elegant resort hotels in the American West. Its grand architecture, manicured grounds, and legendary guest list—including presidents, celebrities, and adventurers—reflect the optimism and refinement of a growing Colorado.
Other options to channel a turn-of-the-last-century ambiance include Hotel Maxwell Anderson and Hotel 1888. All three properties offer a glimpse into a bygone era. Today’s travelers, however, have many more luxuries than their Victorian counterparts, not the least of which is free Wi-Fi!
Follow the Footsteps of Pioneers
For one of Glenwood Springs’ most fascinating history lessons, hike to Linwood Cemetery, the resting place of Glenwood’s pioneer settlers. Perched above town, the cemetery serves as the final resting place for many early settlers, miners, and Wild West figures, including gambler and gunslinger John “Doc” Holliday.
The hike rewards visitors with views of the town below, and a deeper appreciation for the colorful characters who shaped Colorado’s frontier years. Come back in October for the annual Ghost Walk, when the Frontier Historical Society performs re-enactments that bring Glenwood’s earliest citizens to life again.
Explore Artifacts from a Bygone Era
Step inside the Frontier Historical Museum to discover photographs, tools, household items, and stories from Glenwood Springs’ earliest residents. The old Victorian home, which houses the museum’s exhibits, brings the town’s pioneer era to life and offers insight into the early days of a rugged mountain settlement that was first named Defiance!
For more Western-themed history, head over to Bullocks Western Wear at 8th Street and Grand Avenue, the location of the Doc Holliday Collection, a satellite museum. The centerpiece of the collection is a stunning pistol believed to have been a gift to “Doc” from “Big Nosed” Kate, his girlfriend.
Discover an Industry That Fueled Colorado’s Growth
Just south of town, near Glenwood Springs Airport, stands a row of beehive-shaped coal coking ovens. Built in the late 1800s, they transformed locally produced coal into coke, a fuel that burned extremely hot and was essential for steel production. The coal that was coked here in Glenwood Springs was shipped to Pueblo, the seat of Colorado’s steel production industry.
The side-of-the-road ovens offer a worthwhile detour for history buffs and a scenic focal point for photographers.
Celebrate Colorado’s 150th Birthday in Glenwood Springs
Colorado’s 150th anniversary is the perfect excuse to explore the places and stories that shaped the state. Check each item off the list and discover why Glenwood Springs has a history-making past and has become one of Colorado’s favorite visitor destinations. Learn more and make plans to visit today!
