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The Powerhouse, formerly The Durango Discovery Museum, is an interactive science focused children's museum located in Durango, Colorado. The museum opened on February 23, 2011, in what was once a power plant.
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Take in the “postcard view” of historic Durango and its surrounding valley and mountains by walking the Rim Trail or cruising Rim Drive, the road encircling the campus perimeter. McPherson Chapel, along the rim, is a favorite picnicking spot. Campus visitors also admire the college’s distinctive Mesa Verde-style architecture, numerous public art installations, and the Hesperus Peace Park
This steam-gauge railroad is one of the great scenic railroad lines of the United States. The train runs round trip tours to the mountain town of Silverton, with time for sightseeing at the far end. The route passes through superb scenery along the Animas River and in the appropriately named "Needles" range of the San Juan Mountains, passing close to three of Colorado's "Fourteeners," mountains with summits above 14,000 feet. Intermediate stops close to the Needles are popular with backpackers and climbers heading into the mountains. The train itself is gorgeous to look at, both inside and out; choose between one of the enclosed cars and its fine old woodwork, or an open-air car with extra viewing opportunities (and lots of cinders in the air from the steam engine—not recommended if you wear contacts or are unwilling to get a little grit in your clothes). Reservations are a must.
If you want a face to face experience with the San Juan Mountains head up 25 miles (40 km) north of town to Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort. A ski area that has the glitzy feel like that of Aspen or Vail yet it still has a hometown local vibe with "The Beach" at the base where there is always music playing and people enjoying a beer while watching people ski and board down the slopes. With trails from beginner to expert this mountain is great for families and people of all ages. There are many shops and restaurants to choose from. You can go up for a day or stay at one of the many charming and classy condominiums. The best part of Durango Mountain Resort is that fun doesn't end when ski season does. There are tons of hiking and biking trails along with the Alpine Slide that entertains tourists and locals all summer long.
This lake is one of the biggest and most beautiful bodies of water in all of Colorado. Located in the San Juan National Forest, there is breath taking scenery year-round