Glenwood Springs has always had a flair for the unexpected. Sure, people come for the hot springs, the mountain views, and the fresh alpine air, but somewhere along the way this town also developed a talent for collecting the quirky, the mysterious, and the eccentric. If you love a good story, a strange sight, or a moment that makes you pause and say, “Wait… what?” then traveling to Glenwood Springs, Colorado is your kind of adventure.
Doc Holliday’s Derringer and the Grave That Isn’t
Let’s start with one of Glenwood’s most legendary figures. Doc Holliday spent his final days here, and his derringer continues to fascinate visitors who love Old West lore. The tiny firearm has sparked plenty of speculation about its authenticity and seeing it in person at the Doc Holliday Collection feels like stepping straight into frontier history.
But the story gets even more intriguing. Doc Holliday’s grave marker at Linwood Cemetery isn’t actually where he’s buried. The hillside cemetery offers beautiful views and a peaceful walk, but the marker is purely symbolic. His true resting place among the pinion pines of Linwood “Pioneer” Cemetery remains unknown, adding a lingering mystery to every visit.
Gangsters and Gunfire
The Maxwell Anderson Hotel has a notorious chapter tied to Diamond Jack Alterie, a Chicago gangster who was a frequent visitor to Glenwood Springs. During one incident he fired shots outside the hotel and grazed a porter, leaving bullet marks that remained visible until a remodel decades later. Another altercation involved Jack blasting through a hotel room door with two .45s, injuring two traveling salesmen before being arrested with an alarming stash of weapons. It’s a dramatic slice of local history, and the hotel’s past still hints at those chaotic moments.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park: Where Whimsical Meets the Weird
Ride the gondola up Iron Mountain and you’ll find yourself in a world where whimsy and strangeness coexist in the best possible way.
Two enormous trolls, Halvor Flowstone and Chantico, greet you with expressive faces and towering bodies, as if they wandered out of a Nordic folktale and decided Colorado suited them better.- A sign warns of a “Man Eating Chicken,” a playful bit of humor that fits perfectly with the park’s love of the absurd.
- A stacked outhouse features an elderly couple deep in conversation, proving that even bathroom humor can be elevated to an art form.
- The original Glenwood jail door, built in 1886, stands proudly on display. Its iron bars and weathered wood offer a vivid reminder that frontier justice was not for the faint of heart.
- Finally, if geology fascinates you, the caverns share surprising insights into caves, karst formations, and the underground world that shaped this mountain. Cave bacon, anyone?
Unusual Wellness Rituals for Feeling Recharged
After spending time in the five saunas at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, look for a large cooler dispensing Pickle Juice Shots. Locals swear by the quick hit of electrolytes after a good sweat session, and the tangy, salty flavor has become a quirky little ritual that feels oddly perfect in the moment.
Cold plunges add another layer of revitalization. Both Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Iron Mountain Hot Springs offer icy dips that wake up every nerve ending and leave you feeling energized and just a bit triumphant.
Glenwood’s wellness scene gets even more interesting when you add Bohemian Bier Spa to the mix. This European inspired retreat blends soaking rituals with beer infused spa treatments, handcrafted oak tubs, and a cozy atmosphere that feels both rustic and indulgent.
Then there are the subterranean Yampah Vapor Caves, one of the most distinctive spa experiences in Colorado. Instead of soaking in geothermal water, you descend into natural underground steam rooms warmed by the mountain itself. The mineral rich vapor creates a warm, misty environment that feels timeless and atmospheric.
Escape Rooms That Test Your Wits
The interactive Glenwood Escape Rooms offer three experiences with puzzles, clues, and immersive storytelling that pull you into imaginative worlds. Whether you’re cracking codes or unraveling mysteries, it’s a fun way to add a little mental challenge to your trip.
The Beehive Coke Ovens: Industrial Relics with a Ghostly Past
Just south of town near Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport, the abandoned beehive coke ovens stand like a row of ancient stone sentinels. Once used to process coal, they now serve as haunting reminders of Glenwood’s mining past. Their rounded shapes and weathered surfaces are striking historical remnants in the area.
A Town That Celebrates the Unexpected
Traveling to Glenwood Springs means embracing the unexpected. History, humor, and a flair for the strange blend seamlessly. If you’re ready for a getaway filled with curiosities and surprises, Glenwood Springs is waiting to show you its wonderfully weird side.
