A RT S & C U LT U R E
Hands-on History Peel away the Wild West facade. Discover layers of the region’s past. Uncover the tracks and traces of those who came before us. Explore ancient ruins, revel in Western lore and strike gold with mining tales. From the very first people to call this landscape home, to the settlers and ranchers who left their own footprints, today’s Southwest reflects a rich cultural heritage. We invite you to step back in time and put your hands on history at these interactive sites.
ANIMAS MUSEUM
In Durango, one of the best places to learn more about the area’s history is the Animas Museum. Housed in the old Animas Schoolhouse building, old classrooms now hold the rich history of our railroad town. They also have a turn-ofthe-20th-century classroom and an original 1870s log cabin.
D&SNG MUSEUM
Take a step back in time when you visit this 12,000 square-foot museum. Housed in eight of the stalls of an old roundhouse, you’ll find the history of railroading, especially from the D&RGW line. Better yet, take a trip back in time on the vintage locomotive.
D&SNG SILVERTON DEPOT
Just a few blocks from downtown sits the Silverton Depot. Built as a temporary structure, it still stands today, a testament to tenacity. Stroll through the depot to see the waiting room, ticket office, coal room and coal dock. Outside the depot is Locomotive 493, built in 1902, forlorn but not forgotten.
HISTORIC JAIL AND MINING MUSEUM
This is a small museum with a big historic heart. The museum is loaded with information about the region told from the mining perspective with numerous other accounts of life in the mountains. The museum covers a wide range of mining history, while the old jail showcases what life would have been like for law breakers residing there.
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WINTER GUIDE
SOUTHWEST COLORADO
2021-22
