Colorado has been nicknamed the "Centennial State" because it became a state in the year 1876, 100 years after the signing of our nation's Declaration of Independence. Colorado also is called “Colorful Colorado” because of it's magnificent scenery of mountains, rivers and plains.

However you seek inspiration, Colorado will transform you. With spectacular landscape, Western heritage, narrow gauge railroads, mining relics, notable archaeological sites, world-class winter and summer activities, breweries and vineyards, Colorado is a magnet for those seeking adventure, craving arts and culture, tracing history, or families traveling together.

In Colorado, there's always something new to conquer or a fascinating place to explore. Here’s a glimpse at what's new around the state:

• Ride the Rails, Hit the Links:

• All Aboard! Ride the historic and newly restored rails of the San Luis Express. A standard gauge three-hour ride, the rails connect passengers from Alamosa to La Veta mid-May to October. The 2006 reopening offers spectacular mountain views as you experience the excursion that opened the San Luis Valley to America. The last regular passenger train was discontinued in 1953.

• The Broadmoor's Mountain Course to Open in July (Colorado Springs) - The infamous world-class resort, The Broadmoor, in Colorado Springs, will debut the newly re-designed Mountain Course by Jack Nicklaus, adding a tremendous compliment to the historic Broadmoor East and West golf courses. Its unique quality and design offers a challenging test of golf from the back tees, but also very player-friendly from the forward and middle tees.

• Trace Footsteps, View Art Exhibits

• Honoring 100 years, Mesa Verde National Park celebrates its centennial throughout 2006. An internationally-renowned World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park protects some of the most significant archaeological sites in the country and contains the greatest concentration of cliff dwellings in the world.

• The Denver Art Museum, the largest art museum between Chicago and the West Coast, welcomes 40,000 square feet of new galleries, special exhibition space, cultural art and expression, architecture, textile and graphic masterpieces with the addition of the Hamilton Building. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, the museum celebrates its grand opening October 7, 2006.

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  Pike Bicentennial Celebrations (Colorado Springs and Canon City) - South Central Colorado pays tribute to Zebulon Montgomery Pike's 1806 western expedition resulting in the discovery of the Pike's Peak region. Various events are planned around the area throughout the year honoring the discovery, including a reenactment of Pike's climb at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Canon City and the unearthing of a time capsule originally buried during the Pike Centennial in 1906 at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. Outdoor Amusement, Animals Up Close and Personal

• Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (Glenwood Springs) - From the adventure park that introduced the United States to the nation's first alpine coaster and a one-of-a-kind nature-based adventure for families and outdoor enthusiasts, now you can get in the saddle and enjoy a scenic one-hour trail ride on Iron Mountain at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The park has teamed up with Capitol Peak Outfitters allowing visitors to take advantage of the park’s incredible views of Glenwood Canyon, Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork valley 4,300 feet below.

• Wallaby Walkout (Cheyenne Mountain Zoo) - Through Labor Day, get up close and personal with some of Australia's most beloved species, including wallabies, red kangaroos and emus at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. A unique feature of the Wallaby Walkabout is the way guests can enter the habitat of the wallaby group - called a "mob" - to observe the animals up-close and personal. That means you can get eye-to-eye and toe-to-toe with the wallabies, which look a lot like little kangaroos. It’s just like visiting the real Down Under, but it’s at the only mountain zoo (elevation: 6,800 feet) in the United States.

For complete information on planning your vacation to Colorado, including lodging, attractions, and activities, logon to www.colorado.com or call 800-COLORADO for a free official state vacation guide.

 

 

 

 

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