Alamosa National Wildlife refuge is a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge cosists of wet meadows, river oxbows and dry uplands. These areas support songbirds, water birds, raptors, mule deer, beaver and coyotes. LEARN MORE >

With three exciting golf courses, the Upper Rio Grande is a golfing enthusiast paradise. Excellent views, challenging courses and unique terrain will make your golf excursion perfection! LEARN MORE >

Come discover the World’s Greatest Heavyweight Boxer of the 20th Century!  Jack Dempsey, also known as “The Manassa Mauler”, was the world’s heavyweight boxing champion from 1919 to 1926.   Dempsey,  a Colorado native was born in Manassa.  The museum in his honor is housed in the cabin in which Dempsey was born.  The museum was dedicated in 1966.  It contains many artifacts from “The Manassa Mauler’s” career, including numerous historic photos as well as the gloves he wore in a New York fight. LEARN MORE >

The Upper Rio Grande is not only an incredible place to soak in beautiful mountain views but also take in some incredible music and theatre too. From the award winning Creede Repertory Theatre to concerts and music festivals around the valley, you will find the best entertainment around.   LEARN MORE >

The San Luis Valley is an inspiring place to be, and inspires creativity im many local artists. Spend an afternoon taking in some beautiful masterpieces at these fine local galleries.  LEARN MORE >

*Photo Courtesy of The Valley Courier/Lance Hostetter

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish is the oldest church in Colorado. The church was constructed in 1856. The first settlers into the area were from New Mexico, primarily from Abiquiu. As more people arrived, mission churches were set up and all had the records housed with Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. When the neighboring town of Antonito was built, the Theatines, priests from Spain came into the area and built St. Augustine church in 1880 within Antonito. The church records from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish are now housed at the church offices of Saint Augustine. LEARN MORE >

Don't miss Colorado's newest scenic train, offering steam engine rides through breathtaking mountain valleys and passes on hundreds of miles of historic rail. Colorado trains make great vacation ideas, and visitors will find lots of fun things to do in the heart of the San Luis Valley.
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Hidden away in a little-known corner of the southern Rocky Mountains is a precious historic artifact of the American West. Built in 1880 and little changed since, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the most spectacular example of steam era mountain railroading in North America.
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Creede Repertory Theatre is the oldest repertory theatre in Colorado.  This professional theatre company is located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.  CRT’s award winning company produces the best of contemporary and classic theatre.  Their season runs from the end of May through September.  CRT produces seven to ten plays a year and hosts numerous musical events and concerts.  They also exhibit the best regional artists in its two lobby galleries.  LEARN MORE >

See the biggest alligators in the West! Located 17 miles North of Alamosa, Colorado Gators Reptile Park gives you an upclose and personal view of over 400 Gators, Nile Crocs, Rattlesnakes, Giant Pythons, Ostriches, Emus and so much more! LEARN MORE >

The San Luis Valley Historical Museum has many educational displays depicting life in the Valley's Past. From a Turn-of-the-Century Post Office, images of the first steamboat on the Rio Grande River, Artifacts from the early days of railroading and many agricultural collections, this is a perfect place to learn about the San Luis Valley's history and heritage! LEARN MORE >

Come spend a day of fun in the naturally hot artesian waters of Sand Dunes Swimming Pool.  Fun for the whole family, this large pool is amazingly clear with no odors or added chlorine.  The pool is located near the town of Hooper and has amazing view of the scenic desert surroundings and the mountains. LEARN MORE >

Join us for some rip-roaring fun! Come to compete or come to watch, either way you will not be disappointed.  They race everything from Modified, Dwarfs, Hobby Stocks, Gen-X (minis) and Go Karts to Pro Stocks and Mud Boggs! This is fun you won’t want to miss. LEARN MORE >

Located in an area with a rich and varied past, the Museum houses a large collection of artifacts, photographs, books and documents that illustrate the chronicle of a life as it was lived "way back when".  It offers glimpses into the lives of prehistoric Indians, cowboys, Spanish colonists, miners trying to make their fortunes and homesteaders in search of the proverbial "Garden of Eden".
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Located prominently on Grande Ave in Del Norte, the Windsor Hotel has been an iconic reminder of the past for more than a century. One of the oldest hotels in Colorado is now home an art gallery and western furniture store. LEARN MORE >

Come discover the World’s Greatest Heavyweight Boxer of the 20th Century! Jack Dempsey, also known as “The Manassa Mauler”, was the world’s heavyweight boxing champion from 1919 to 1926.   Dempsey,  a Colorado native was born in Manassa.  The museum in his honor is housed in the cabin in which Dempsey was born.  The museum was dedicated in 1966.  It contains many artifacts from “The Manassa Mauler’s” career, including numerous historic photos as well as the gloves he wore in a New York fight. LEARN MORE >

Fort Garland was established in 1858 in southern Colorado, with its garrison of over 100 men it served to protect the earliest settlers in the San Luis Valley.  We invite you to walk the parade ground of the fort and tour the adobe buildings, which feature a re-creation of the commandant’s quarters during Kit Carson’s time.  Fort Garland, rich in military history, also highlights the folk art and culture of the Hispanic community in southern Colorado.  There is also a Visitors Center and Gift Shop at the Fort. Come by for an afternoon of family fun. LEARN MORE >

The Stations of the Cross are a series of graphic meditations of the last hours of Christ’s life – His judgment, sufferings, death and resurrection.  Sculpted by internationally know artist Huberto Maestas, the meditations are truly beautiful.  The Shrine is located on a mesa in the center of San Luis which is Colorado’s oldest town.  The Shrine is formally known as “la Mesa de la Piedad y de la Misericordia” (Hill of Piety and Mercy). LEARN MORE >

*Photo courtesy of www.museumtrail.org

The town of Creede evolved from a history rich in mining and scenic surroundings.   Silver was first discovered in Creede in 1889. Mining was the area’s main industry for almost 100 years until the Homestake Mining Company closed down the Bulldog Mine in 1985.  The idea for the Underground Mining Museum was birthed in 1990 after an idea that Bob Louth proposed in 1976 for an underground fire station.  Because the underground fire station project was so well accepted, the citizens agreed to the building of the mining museum.  Three Creede miners began breaking rock in November, 1990.  By 1992, the mining portion of the museum was complete and most of the displays were in place.  Though the museum has never been used for the commercial production of silver, it was ‘mined’ from solid rock and is an authentically displays the methods and techniques used by miners in the ‘boom’ days of Creede, Colorado.  The museum has many displays, some even include real mining equipment.  Both the museum and community center are located completely underground. LEARN MORE >

After climbing the Sand Dunes on a hot summer day, refresh yourself at spectacular Zapata Falls. South Zapata Creek has powered its way through a rock crevasse, etching and carving the steep stone walls containing the 30 ft. high waterfall. Truly a spectacular natural wonder. LEARN MORE >