Creede

Because of its isolation and small population of less than 300, the mountain town of Creede in Colorado is little known. However, this Wild West town had 10,000 residents in the late 19th century. Numerous people were prospectors drawn by the now-closed silver mines. But in this small Colorado town, the legacy of the sector continues. Most people associate Creede with its Underground Mining Museum, whose tours are led by locals who once worked in the mines. Visit the Creede Historical Museum and take the free tour of Last Chance Mine to round out the experience.

You are invited to shop, eat, and stay at nearby lodgings by preserved 1890s storefronts. Visit the Creede Historical Museum and the extremely unique Underground Mining Museum while you're there to learn more about the town's silver mining history. But this story isn't just about the past. The town hosts the Creede Repertory Theatre every summer, which runs for the majority of the season and presents a mixture of traditional and contemporary productions. The annual Taste of Creede festival, which takes place over Memorial Day weekend, includes cooking competitions, live music, and artist demonstrations. And Donkey Dash is a must-see! Every year in June, Main Street fills up with burros and their riders as they get ready to race 10 miles to the finish line.

You can go rafting, ATVing, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing a lot here because it's near the headwaters of the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers. Change those out for winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice skating once the snow starts to fall. Explore at least one of the area's scenic byways, such as the Silver Thread scenic and historic byway, and if you have a 4X4 vehicle, make time to stop at the intriguing formations at Wheeler Geologic Area south of town. The historic Bachelor Loop is surrounded by mining remnants and changing leaves in the fall.