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1-2 dayseasyhistory buffsfamilieseducators
History Buff's Royal Gorge: Museums, Architecture & Mining Heritage
Explore the rich history of Fremont County, from dinosaur fossils and prison heritage to Victorian architecture and gold rush ghost towns.
Your Itinerary
1
Morning: Royal Gorge Regional Museum
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Start at the History Center to understand the region's story. Archives, photographs, and exhibits trace Fremont County from prehistoric times through the present. Free guided tours available.
612 Royal Gorge Blvd
2
Dinosaur Depot Museum
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
The Canon City area was a major site during the 1800s 'Bone Wars.' See fossils from local discoveries and learn about the paleontological significance of the region.
330 Royal Gorge Blvd
3
Lunch at Historic Owl Cigar Store
Duration: 1 hour
Dine in a building that's been a Canon City landmark since 1903. The Santilli family has owned it since 1943—history you can taste.
626 Main St
4
Museum of Colorado Prisons
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Housed in a former women's prison, this unique museum explores Colorado's penal history. Original cells, artifacts, and stories of famous inmates create an unforgettable experience.
201 N 1st St
5
Historic Main Street Walking Tour
Duration: 1-2 hours
Canon City boasts Colorado's longest historic Main Street with 81 buildings in the National Historic District. Victorian architecture, the restored Hotel St. Cloud, and original storefronts tell the town's story.
Main Street District
6
Skyline Drive & Dinosaur Tracks
Duration: 1 hour
Drive the historic road built by prison labor in the early 1900s. Stop to see 100-million-year-old dinosaur tracks embedded in the rock.
7
Day 2 Option: Gold Belt Tour to Cripple Creek
Duration: Half-day to full-day
Extend your history exploration with a scenic drive to the gold mining districts. Visit Victor ghost town and the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine for underground tours.
Tips for This Trip
- Call museums to confirm hours, especially in off-season
- The Prison Museum and Dinosaur Depot are walking distance apart
- Bring a camera for Victorian architecture on Main Street
- The Gold Belt Tour extension works best as a second day
- Fremont Center for the Arts often has history-themed exhibitions
Trip Details
- Duration
- 1-2 days
- Number of Stops
- 7 stops
- Difficulty
- Easy - suitable for all
- Best For
- history buffsfamilieseducators
- Best Seasons
- Spring (Mar-May)Summer (Jun-Aug)Fall (Sep-Nov)
Plan Your Visit
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