At this point, it’s pretty much a rite of passage to bring Colorado visitors to places like Red Rocks and Rocky Mountain National Park. These places are amazing, but there are plenty of quirky, off-the-beaten-path Colorado tourist attractions that also deserve their time to shine.
Whether you’re looking for tourist attractions in Estes Park, Colorado, where you could see a ghost, an underground mining museum, or you want to meet an alligator in a high alpine valley, there is no shortage of unique places to explore in Colorado.
Here’s our list of the most unique attractions in Colorado. Happy exploring!
Jump to:
Quirky Colorado Tourist Attractions Within Two Hours of Denver
Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
Boulder
- Address: 1770 13th St., Boulder
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
- Distance from Denver: 40 minutes
- Best time to visit: A cold winter day when you could use some cozy tea
- Best for: Feeling like you’re in the Far East without paying for airfare
There is no shortage of tourist attractions in Boulder, Colorado, but this might be one of the most unique. This hand-carved, authentic Persian teahouse was a gift from Boulder’s sister city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan — and it’s the only such structure in the Western Hemisphere. While the teahouse is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, we recommend stopping by between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. for the daily afternoon tea. Here, you can try a curated selection of fine teas as well as a variety of finger food, the perfect antidote for a cold Colorado day. Make sure to pause and check out the intricate woodmark inside of what’s definitely one of the most unique attractions in Colorado.
The Breckenridge Troll
Breckenridge
- Address: Located a short hike from the Illinois Creek Trailhead in Breckenridge (please note that there’s no troll parking at this trailhead and that visitors should take public transportation or walk from where they’re staying in Breckenridge)
- Hours: Open 24/7, but you’ll probably want to see this in the daylight
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Best time to visit: Summer, since it’s not typically maintained in winter. The city recommends visiting before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to avoid crowds.
- Best for: The perfect Instagram pic (and a fun place to bring the kids)
This whimsical forest troll might be one of the most popular quirky tourist attractions in Colorado. Find out why Isak Heartstone (the troll’s legal name) is such a popular dude by seeing him for yourself off the newly-constructed Trollstigen Trail. This 15-foot-tall art installation was originally built for the Breckenridge International Festival of the Arts in 2018, but after going viral on Instagram, it became a year-round display. Seeing the troll is free, but remember: Be courteous and leave no trace.
Casa Bonita (Obviously)
Lakewood
- Address: 6715 W. Colfax Ave, Lakewood
- Hours: 4-10:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
- Distance from Denver: 15 minutes
- Best time to visit: Whenever you can snag a reservation!
- Best for: Kids, South Park fans, and anyone who doesn’t question why there’s a waterfall in a Mexican restaurant
No list of Colorado tourist attractions is complete without perhaps the crown jewel of them all. This infamous pink building in the heart of Lakewood isn’t merely a Mexican restaurant — it’s an institution that has been entertaining generations with cliff divers, Black Bart’s Cave, puppet shows, ambiguous shows involving people in ape suits, and so much more. While the restaurant admittedly fell into disrepair during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now back and better than ever thanks to a more than $40 million renovation from the South Park guys (who once devoted an entire episode to the restaurant). The once-maligned food is now noticeably better, but the improvements come with one big consequence: Casa Bonita is reservation-only, so head to their website to reserve your slot. Eric Cartman would definitely call this one of the best tourist attractions in Colorado, and you will, too.
The Famous Mork and Mindy House
Boulder
- Address: 1619 Pine St., Boulder
- Hours: 24/7, but this is a private residence, so be courteous
- Distance from Denver: 45 minutes
- Best time to visit: Whenever you’re passing through the area!
- Best for: Fans of late 70s TV (your kids have no idea what this is)
This probably isn’t an obvious pick for tourist attractions in Boulder, Colorado, but if you’re of a certain generation, then this house just off the Pearl Street Mall is definitely worth a quick photo. It belonged to Mindy in the famous late 70s sitcom (which starred the late Robin Williams), and, aside from a new paint job and some changes to the shutters, it looks exactly the same. It’s a private residence, so you can’t go inside, but respectful visitors are welcome to take selfies, snap a pic, and say “nanu nanu” in Williams’ honor.
The Sasquatch Outpost
Bailey
- Address: 149 Main St., Bailey
- Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Distance from Denver: One hour
- Best time to visit: Whenever you need a break from US 285 traffic
- Best for: Believers in the unknown
Anything that involves the mysterious Bigfoot automatically makes the list of the best unique attractions in Colorado. This outpost in Bailey has a museum dedicated to the creature known as Sasquatch, as well as a very awesome gift shop. If you’re lucky, you might be able to stop by at the same time as one of this spot’s regular meetings, where Bigfoot believers share their sightings and theories.
The Stanley Hotel
Estes Park
- Address: 333 E. Wonderview Ave., Estes Park
- Hours: Parking is available from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, though the hotel is open 24/7
- Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours
- Best time to visit: Around Halloween
- Best for: Fans of “The Shining” (or just people who like creepy old hotels and mountain views)
Other than Rocky Mountain National Park, this might be known as one of the best tourist attractions in Estes Park, Colorado — and it’s definitely the quirkiest. This hotel was founded back in 1909, and in addition to being known for its opulence and views of the surrounding peaks, it also inspired one of the best horror stories of all time: “The Shining.” Don’t worry: There are plenty of real-life ghost sightings too, and the hotel offers special activities for those interested in the paranormal activities in the historic building.
Tiny Town and Railroad
Morrison
- Address: 6249 S. Turkey Creek Rd., Morrison
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Distance from Denver: 30 minutes
- Best time to visit: Summer
- Best for: Families
This historic spot, only a half hour from downtown Denver, is one of the best tourist attractions in Colorado for kids. It’s been around since 1915, and now has more than 100 miniature buildings that will delight visitors of all generations. Once you’re there, be sure to take at least one ride on the town’s steam locomotive. After, grab a yummy snack in the historic cafe. This is also one of the most affordable Colorado tourist attractions, with tickets costing $5 for adults and $4 for kids (train rides cost an extra $4).
Quirky Tourist Attractions in Colorado to Check Out on Your Next Road Trip
Creede Underground Mining Museum
Creede
- Address: 9 USFS Rd. #503, Creede
- Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
- Distance from Denver: 4.5 hours
- Best time to visit: Whenever you’re in the area, visit the museum’s underground!
- Best for: Anyone who’s fascinated by Colorado’s mining history
With its stunning view of the surrounding rock formations, you’ll definitely want to visit Creede, Colorado, with your arms wide open. An added bonus? Its mining museum is easily one of the best Colorado tourist attractions. It is completely underground, and the self-guided audio tour offers visitors a unique look at real mining equipment and the harsh working conditions of some of Colorado’s earliest settlers. It’s also pretty affordable, with visits starting at $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 for students and first responders, and free admission for kids five and under.
Museum of Colorado Prisons
Cañon City
- Address: 201 N. 1st St., Cañon City
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
- Distance from Denver: Two hours
- Best time to visit: After a day trip to the Royal Gorge
- Best for: Anyone with morbid curiosity (or who wants to scare their kids straight)
This might be one of the best tourist attractions in Colorado for deterring your kids from a life of crime. The Museum of Colorado Prisons is housed in the state’s original Women’s Correctional Facility and features 30 inmate cells (including the isolation room), kitchen, dining room, and more. In addition to offering a glimpse of what life was like for Colorado’s inmates and wardens (a highlight is information about the prison riots of 1929 and 1947), it also has exhibits about infamous Colorado inmates like convicted cannibal Alfred Packer and child murderer Antone Woode.
Petrified Wood Gas Station
Lamar
- Address: 501 N. Main St., Lamar
- Hours: You can see it from the outside 24/7
- Distance from Denver: 3 hours and 15 minutes
- Best time to visit: Whenever you find yourself passing through Lamar
- Best for: People who like really weird roadside attractions
Any place that dubs itself the world’s oldest gas station (for the record, that’s based on its material and not the actual opening date) automatically deserves a spot on the list of best Colorado tourist attractions. This very unique Colorado business has been around since 1932, when a local entrepreneur decided to build his structure out of petrified wood. The gimmick worked, and it was featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not, but time had other plans, and it’s now hidden behind used Ford 350s. It’s still worth a pic if you’re in the area!
Off-the-Beaten-Path Southern Colorado Tourist Attractions
The Bishop Castle
Rye
- Address: 12705 CO-165, Rye
- Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
- Distance from Denver: 2.5 hours
- Best time to visit: Summer and early fall
- Best for: Adventure seekers who aren’t too worried about building codes
John Bishop spent more than five decades building this now-160-foot-tall, three-story stone and iron castle in the heart of the San Isabel National Forest, and it’s now one of the wildest Colorado tourist attractions. See for yourself as you explore its Gothic windows, steel bridges that aren’t for those scared of heights, and “fire-breathing” dragons. The stairwells and passages are definitely not for the faint of heart, but it’s pretty impressive to think that this structure was the brainchild of one person. One thing to note? Bishop’s Castle operates under an “enter at your own risk” donation basis, so you alone are responsible for your own welfare and the safety of any kids or pets you bring along.
Colorado Gators Reptile Park
Mosca
- Address: 9162 Ln. 9 N., Mosca
- Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
- Distance from Denver: 3.5 hours
- Best time to visit: First thing in the morning during the summer
- Best for: Seeing animals you would not expect in Colorado
If you find yourself asking, “What are some tourist attractions in Colorado?”, a farm involving actual alligators is likely not the immediate answer. That’s what makes the Colorado Gators Reptile Park one of the most unique Colorado tourist attractions. This facility in the San Luis Valley is home to hundreds of rescued reptiles, including alligators (one of whom is albino and another is a legit movie star), as well as crocodiles, caiman,tortoises,and turtles. Brave visitors can even pet, hold, and take pictures with a small alligator! Admission is $30 for adults 16-64, $15 for kids 6-15, $15 for seniors 64-79, and free for reptile enthusiasts who are 80-plus.
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Calhan
- Address: 29950 Paint Mine Rd., Calhan
- Hours: 5 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
- Distance from Denver: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall
- Best for: A short hike and epic photos
These unique rock formations have been some of the most popular tourist attractions in Colorado for nearly 9,000 years. See why for yourself as you hike through the Eastern Plains and are finally faced with the multi-colored Paint Mines, which are named for the colorful clays that the Native Americans who once lived here used to make paint. We recommend coming at sunrise or sunset for the best possible pictures. Take the long loop if you have time; there are lots of interesting interpretative displays, and there’s a quiet beauty to Colorado’s Eastern Plains.
UFO Watchtower
Hooper
- Address: 2502 Lane 12 N., Hooper
- Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday during the winter, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily from Labor Day to Memorial Day
- Distance from Denver: 3.5 hours
- Best time to visit: During the summer, so you can camp and optimize your alien searching time
- Best for: Those who don’t believe we are alone in the universe
This very quirky destination is perhaps the granddaddy of southern Colorado tourist attractions — and it’s definitely worth a stop on the way to Great Sand Dunes National Park or Taos, New Mexico. This watchtower in the heart of the San Luis Valley (an area known for its unparalleled views of the night sky) has had its share of UFO sightings over the years, and even if visitors don’t see an extraterrestrial themselves, there’s sure to be good people-watching. We recommend camping here, too. It’s $20 a night, and it gives you an entire evening to prove that we are not alone in the universe.