Looking for the best and fun things to do in Trinidad, CO?
Trinidad, Colorado is the home rule municipality, the county seat, and the most famous city of Las Animas County, Colorado, United States.
Trinidad, Colorado, lies 21 miles north of Raton, New Mexico, and 195 miles south of Denver; the city is on the historic Santa Fe Trail. Founded in 1862, soon after discovering coal in the region, Trinidad rests in the beautiful Purgatoire River Valley at about 6,010 feet elevation.
Trinidad, Colorado, features a vast, hilly historic downtown district, scenic views, monuments, architectural structures, and many others. Here are the top things to do in Trinidad, CO.
Things to Do in Trinidad
1. Trinidad Lake State Park
Trinidad Lake State Park
Trinidad Lake State Park is a friendly state park that is 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Trinidad, Colorado; the State park protects Trinidad Lake, a dammed reservoir.
Trinidad Lake State Park consists of historical attractions like the coal mining ruins at Cokedale. You will also enjoy fishing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, water skiing, and boating in the State Park.
You can also plan camping in Trinidad Lake State Park. There are many campsites and amenities like electricity, shower, restrooms, group shelter, laundry, and other things available to make sure you enjoy your time in the park.
Trinidad Lake State Park lies at the base of the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains; the water sports dominate the summer season, and camping is available year-round. Volleyball is also available for campers and picnickers.
While fishing in the boat or the shorelines, you will discover different fish species, including the warm and cold-water fish, like channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, trout, walleye, and wipers, largemouth bass, saugeye, and others.
Address; 32610 State Highway 12, Trinidad, CO 81082-9581
2. Trinidad History Museum
Trinidad History Museum
Trinidad History Museum consists of several attractions on one block in the city’s acclaimed historic district. Trinidad History Museum features exhibits like the Borderlands of Southern Colorado and the Santa Fe Trail Museum, displaying the region’s diverse cultural and ethnic heritage.
The Trinidad History Museum is also a collection of buildings, gardens, and exhibits covering one entire block in Colorado’s historic Trinidad area.
Visit the museum with your friends or family to explore their indoor and outdoor exhibits in a fun, family-friendly environment.
You will also discover the historic Bloom Mansion and Baca House, the two residences built in the late 19th century, and many others. Borderlands of Southern Colorado hosts field trips for schools and groups guided by their museum staff and tour guides.
A visit to Trinidad History Museum is one of the top fun things to do in Trinidad, CO, makes what to do in Trinidad, for a memorable vacation
Address:312 E Main Street, Trinidad, CO 81082-2713
3. Simpson’s Rest
View from Simpson’s Rest
Right from the top of Simpson’s Rest, you will see Trinidad, the expanse of Las Animas County’s eastern prairie, and the Purgatoire River Valley.
Simpson’s Rest got its name from George S. Simpson, a charming and hardworking frontiersman who settled in the Trinidad area in the 1860s with his wife and child.
Simpson’s Rest is currently a city park. To get to it, drive through Nevada St. north to the Masonic Cemetery, then take a left, be careful because the road is neither very wide nor excellent. With an abrupt drop on one side. 2 miles Run/Walk up and back down the dirt road leading to Simpson’s Rest in Trinidad, Colorado.
You are sure to enjoy watching the scenic views of Trinidad, Colorado, with your friends or family.
4. Southern Colorado Coal Miners Memorial
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Southern Colorado Coal Miners Memorial
The Southern Colorado Coal Miners Memorial is dedicated to the committed miners who explored the vast caverns beneath the mountains, plains, and mesas of Southeastern Colorado.
In Southern Colorado Coal Miners Memorial, you learn a lot about the city’s mining process and experience. Explore the exciting and well-done memorial of the Southern Colorado Coal Miners as it is a massive part of the history of Trinidad, Colorado.
5. The A. Roy Mitchell Memorial Museum of Western Art
The A. Roy Mitchell Memorial Museum of Western Art
Arthur Roy painted iconic western scenes featuring horses, cowboys, cattle, and large beautiful landscapes that captivated the hearts and minds of western pulp readers from the 1930s till date.
The most extensive collection of Arthur Roy Mitchell is showcased at the A.R. Mitchell Memorial Museum of Western Art in downtown Trinidad. Some of the main works of the great illustrator and artist displayed in the museum include more than 160 Western pulp magazine covers during the 1920s through 1940s, over 350 paintings, and illustrations, etc.
In A.R. Mitchell Memorial Museum of Western Art, you will discover Hispanic traditional and religious art, Western art and collectibles, Native American art and artifacts, blankets, rugs, articles of clothing, and many others.
Address: 150 E Main Street, Trinidad, CO 81082-2709
6. Steam Engine 638
Steam Engine 638
Established in 1906, the Colorado and Southern Railroad (C&S) used the Steam Engine 683 to lug supplies throughout Colorado. The train transported heavy goods like coal, agricultural goods, cattle, and other various merchandise across the state.
The Steam Engine is behind the Safeway on the main street down by the Purgatoire River. The final coal-burning steam engine used by the Colorado and Southern Railroad is found by the street from a chain grocery store, which looks a bit like an old vehicle a driver left and forgot to pick up. Only a little sign standing close to its front gives any hints of the train’s previous importance.
Trains like Steam Engine 683 changed the American west as they chugged along with ribbons of tracks that wound across the sprawling landscapes, stitching vast regions together and letting the American settlers venture farther across the Continent.
Visit the Steam Engine 638 to enjoy the picturesque view as you walk around exploring the area.
Address: 457 W Main Street, Trinidad, CO 81082-2623
7. Corazon Gallery
Corazon Gallery
Corazon Gallery is a cooperative dedicated to encouraging and educating members of the local community to showcase their art and learn art appreciation.
Corazon Gallery offers an economical venue for artists to exhibit their artwork through a Corazon Gallery membership, as they participate in the gallery’s classes, shows, and many other sponsored events.
In Corazon Gallery, you will discover unique abs beautiful items like artworks, acrylics, pottery, watercolor, jewelry, oils, sculpture, clothing, and others. You will also find gifts for your loved ones in the gallery.
This answers what o do in Trinidad, CO, for art lovers, do add to your checklist of things to do in Trinidad, CO.
Address: 149 E Main St #1, Trinidad, CO 81082-2749
8. Temple Aaron of Trinidad
Temple Aaron of Trinidad
During the incorporation of Trinidad, Colorado, in 1876, its first mayor was Sam Jaffa, a Jewish; the local Hewish community founded the Congregation Aaron, named after Sam’s father, in 1883.
Years later, the congregation built the magnificent red brick structure that graces 407 South Maple Street -the Temple Aaron. Temple Aaron of Trinidad is the oldest continually operating Jewish Synagogue in Colorado and also the Mountain West.
Temple Aaron of Trinidad is committed to nurturing an active, growing Jewish congregation for all who consider the Temple Aaron a unique place. It preserves the temple for future generations.
Temple Aaron also holds Jewish secular events so that the temple remains a center of Jewish worship that is connected to its community. Temple Aaron warmly welcomes the community as a whole by organizing dinners, concerts, and other public events.
Visit the Temple Aaron of Trinidad to learn about the Jewish community, its history, and architectural significance.
Address: 407 S Maple St, Trinidad, CO 81082-3344
9. Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum
Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum
The Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum is a lovely museum full of local archaeological information and documents that are educative and interesting.
The Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum provides visitors with a quick guide through the museum, and you will discover unique exhibits and learn a lot from the museum staff.
The Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum offers information on early geological formations, artifacts concerning the food, culture, and tools of a prehistoric person discovered during excavations in the Trinidad area, and information on plant and marine animals fossils.
The museum is situated on the ground level of the Samuel Freudenthal Memorial Library on the Trinidad State College Campus; it is dedicated to safeguarding, supporting, and educating the public on dinosaurs, fossils, and prehistoric plants and people.
The museum is accessible to everyone, and it offers self-guided tours, and its professionals answer questions you’ll have to ask about the museum.
Address: 600 Prospect St, Trinidad, CO 81082-2356
10. Trinidad Welcome Center
Trinidad Welcome Center
If you’re on vacation in Trinidad, Colorado, you have to visit the Trinidad Welcome Center, as it offers information and things you need to know about the city.
Trinidad Welcome Center will inform you of the best places to visit and what you need to do in the beautiful city. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will offer you information on destination, routing suggestions, weather information, road conditions, and information for state and local points of interest.
In Trinidad Welcome Center, you will be given brochures, pamphlets, maps, and all other helpful material you need to have an unforgettable and fun vacation in the city.
The welcome center also offers your kids free activity books to keep them entertained; they have clean restrooms, outdoor eating areas, and other amenities for you to have a relaxing and exciting visit to the center.
Be sure to stop at Trinidad Welcome Center to discover exciting things about the city and what to do to enjoy a fun and fabulous stay in the city.
Address: 309 Nevada Ave, Trinidad, CO 81082-2557
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11. Strawberry Fields Trinidad
One of the best things to do in Trinidad, CO, is a visit to Strawberry Fields Trinidad. Strawberry Fields Trinidad is committed to growing, cultivating, and producing cannabis that surpasses people’s expectations.
Strawberry Fields Trinidad’s recreational dispensary is one of the five unique destinations which provides customers with the best in all things cannabis. Strawberry Fields Trinidad prides itself on customer-centered budtenders that are highly educated in several statins of marijuana.
At Strawberry Fields Trinidad, you will experience and enjoy excellent customer service with an opportunity to buy an array of high-quality recreational cannabis products from renowned brands in Colorado.
Some of the products you will find in Strawberry Fields Trinidad are Marijuana Vape Pens & Cartridges, Marijuana Flower, and Marijuana Concentrates like the Shatter, Wax, Live Resin, Marijuana Topical Products, etc.
Address: 116 Santa Fe Trail Trinidad, Co 81082, Trinidad, CO 81082
12. Fumio Sawa Fine Art LLP
Fumio Sawa Fine Art LLP has been in the business of providing the best quality, unique abstract visual and art glass for more than 12 years.
The works of Fumio Sawa Fine Art LLP eloquently speak for themselves as they offer excellent and unique items that are of good quality. You will also get the chance to chat with the staff and locals at the Fumio Sawa Fine Art.
Everything that the creative artist Fumio Sawa makes is first-class, including the artworks and the abstract artworks. You can purchase their prints of birds or visit their art glass collection of museum quality, such as the Venetian glass and others.
Visit the unique store to purchase amazing artworks for your home decor, gifts for loved ones, and other purposes.
Address: 114 E Main St Suite A, Trinidad, CO 81082-2700
13. Kit Carson Park is One Of the Best Things to Do in Trinidad
Kit Carson Park
Kit Carson Park in Trinidad, Colorado, is a public park that consists of picnic tables, a play area, restrooms alongside a beautiful bronze statue of Kit Carson.
You will also find a historic pavilion available for weddings, parties, and other special events you will plan in the park. The heroic bronze sculpture of Kit Carson is widely considered to be the finest equestrian statue in North America.
One of the unique characteristics of the Kit Carson statue is that the works of the sculpture Augustus Luckman and Frederick Roth look so professional that the harmony of movement and the integration between the horse and the rider seems so natural that you won’t notice different artists created them.
Christopher Houston Carson got his lifetime nickname ‘Kit’ for his light-colored hair and his slender build.
Established on June 1, 1913, the park features a scenic view of Fisher’s Peak, a notable landmark on the Santa Fe Trail, and you can visit the park to enjoy the picturesque scenery and nature’s beauty.
Address: San Pedro Avenue, Trinidad, CO 81802
14. Gallery Main/Trinidad Area Arts Council
Gallery Main is a part of the Trinidad Area Arts Council that offers exhibit space to local artists and artisans to showcase their unique and impressive works that tell a story.
The Gallery Main organizes a regular schedule of yearly exhibitions of all media types; they also provide classroom and instruction space for kids and adults art appreciation plus studio classes throughout the year.
The staff in the gallery are warm and friendly as they warmly welcome you to the gallery and answer questions you would love to ask about the gallery.
Gallery Main is dedicated to promoting a social, cultural, and economic climate in Trinidad so that the artistic heritage and creativity may find their voice. Their mission is made possible through the emphasis on art education and appreciation targeted towards youth.
Address: 130 E Main Street, Trinidad, CO 81082-2709
15. Trinidad Trolley
Trinidad Trolley
If you’re on vacation in Trinidad, Colorado, and you will love to explore the fantastic city with your friends and family, the perfect way to do that is to engage in Trinidad Trolley.
Trinidad Trolley is a spectacular and comfortable way to explore the city as it is accessible to the public and offers two unique routes. At the end of the fun and exciting tour, you will discover the beautiful places to visit in the city.
You will discover historical places, unique architectural structures, monuments, parks, brick buildings, and many others. You will also find Colorado’s colorful sights and sound during the summer.
The first route out of the two courses leaves on odd-numbered hours of operation and travels by the Ave María Shrine and then to the San Rafael Hospital whole; the second route leaves on even-numbered hours and travels by the Louden-Henritze Archeology Museum.
16. Curlys Beads and Gift Emporium
Curlys Beads and Gift Emporium
Curlys Beads and Gift Emporium features fantastic items you will love to buy for yourself and your loved ones. Established in 2005 by Audrey Forcier, the store features beads, jewelry, gifts, and many other things you will love.
Curlys Beads and Gift Emporium also offers beading classes for beginners and advanced people who love beading.
You will be instructed in wire wrap, chain mail ke, kumohimo, stringing, and other beading and jewelry-related topics.
You will also find an extensive array of home decor, purses, clothing, gold, brass, silver, antique copper, Earthly Body Hemp Seed creams, oils and lip balm, black finding, glassware, and more.
Curlys Beads and Gift Emporium have unique lamps imported from Turkey like table lamps, floor lamps, desks, and other beautiful hanging lamps, which come in different sizes and shapes.
Address: 301 W Main St, Trinidad, CO 81082-2634
17. Vintage Treasures
Vintage Treasures
If you’re in search of the best place to shop with your friends or family, the Vintage Treasures is the best place to visit.
Vintage Treasures features exceptional items you will love to buy; they have top-notch collections of wearable vintage for kids, men, and women from 20s down to the late 60s. You will find wearables like lingerie, shoes for both men and women, vintage silk scarves, jewelry, and many others.
Vintage Treasure also has many new-old-stock and estate jewelry; if you’re a vintage lover, the store is for you.
The owners of Vintage Treasures are friendly and helpful as they kindly welcome you into their store and assist you in areas where you need their help.
Address: 609 W Washington Ave, Trinidad, CO 81082-3652
18. Ave Maria Shrine
Ave Maria Shrine
Ave Maria Shrine is a tribute to the love of Mary of the Catholic people of Holy Trinity Parish Trinidad; Ave María Shrine is also a part of Trinidad’s local historical and artistic heritage.
It is popularly known that in addition to the great love of Jesus, many Christians also have a great passion for Mary, his mother, some of which are the Orthodox, Anglicans, Catholics, and others.
Many persons experience Ave María Shrine as a place of powerful spiritual presence, peace, and healing; Ave María Shrine welcomes guests to the center and wishes to stop by as you find the shrine a place of grace and consolation.
Explore the Ave María Shrine to learn the great histories of the shrine’s establishment and the locals in the area; Ave María Shrine wishes its visitors many blessings as they stop by to visit the place.
19. Fishers Peak State Park
Fishers Peak State Park
Fishers Peak State Park provides excellent activities and amenities for your family and friends to enjoy a wonderful and memorable experience.
Fishers Peak State Park offers hiking trails for a quick and fun hiking experience for your loved ones. While hiking, you will discover scenic views of the neighboring mountains, even Fishers Peak. You will enjoy hunting in the park as you find animals like deer, bears, elks, and others.
You can as well organize picnics in the park with your loved ones. You will also learn incredible things about the State Park as it offers a perfect Discovery Trail while you meander through the area. The interpretative signs on the trails inform you about the habitats and wildlife all in the park.
For some exploration time, add a visit to Fishers Peak State Park to your checklist of things to do in Trinidad, CO.
20. Prator Gun Range
Trinidad State College Prator Shooting Range is situated six and a half miles southeast of Trinidad, and it features terrific vistas and state-of-the-art equipment.
Established in 2012 and 2013, are a five-station trap shooting range and a skeet range; the lights in Prator Gun Range make it possible to shoot traps and sleet at night.
Prator Gun Range consists of a rifle and pistol range with several distances up to 100 yards. The 100 yards in Prator Gun Range features four shooting lanes, eight lanes at 50 yards, plus the pistol course that has movable targets for many distances.
Classrooms, restrooms, and a workbench are available in Prator Gun Range. The Prator Gun Range opens every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Prator Gun Range offers programs like the Gunsmithing School at Trinidad State College. For many weeks, the finest craftsmen and artists from the Gunsmithing world gather in Southern Colorado to provide hands-on courses to students all over the nation and worldwide.
Address: 42013 County Road 24.6, Trinidad, CO 81082-8733
21. Purgatoire River Trading Company
Purgatoire River Trading Co.
The Purgatoire River Trading Company is situated in the historic McCormack Building in Trinidad, Colorado. Purgatoire River Trading Company features a captivating collection of woven baskets, rugs, silversmith jewelry, pottery, and leather-craft from more than 500 individual Native American artisans.
Purgatoire River Trading Company is found where the prairie meets the mountains, where Native Americans once lived and traded before the Europeans arrived on the Continent.
The company showcases unique items like handcrafted and original Native American items, including the finest handmade Indian jewelry and many others.
The store emerges from the owner’s private collection on the Pima River Indian Reservation in the 1960s. All the supplies are carefully chosen as she travels to some areas to procure the best works.
Address: 113 E Main St, Trinidad, CO 81082-2708
22. Art Cartopia Museum
Art Cartopia Museum
Art Cartopia Museum is a roadside attraction that celebrates the fantastic world of art cars. Over 25 wildly creative and drivable cars are displayed alongside the art gallery, gift shop, and makerspace.
ArtoCade is a yearly art car parade in Trinidad, Colorado, attracting thousands of spectators each year and more than 100 art cars. It is dedicated to drawing as many visitors from far and near as possible as they build community through fun, education, and art-related activities alongside other special events.
In Art Cartopia Museum, you will discover sideshow banners, an old truck covered with old figures and toys, with a spectacular sculpture made of Volkswagen parts that look above curious visitors as they explore outside the museum.
Visit the Art Cartopia Museum to enjoy car driving and other fun activities, and you can also explore the art museum in the area. The museum is accessible, and it opens every Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Do add to your list of things to do in Trinidad, CO for a fun time.
Address: 2702 Freedom Rd, Trinidad, CO 81082-4100
23. Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre
The Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre is a beautiful place to visit to watch your fun and engaging theatrical performances and art exhibitions with your family and friends.
Established in 2002, the Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre is known as the theatrical jewel of SoCo, producing quality theatre in the historic town of Trinidad, Colorado.
The Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre is committed to educating, enlightening, and entertaining a large audience alongside nurturing the history of the performing arts.
The theatre also offers program opportunities for residents to participate in the arts through training, education, support, and performance. The theatre opens every Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Address:: 131 W Main Street, Trinidad, CO 81082-2617
24. Skateland
Head to Skateland if you want a place with fun and adventure.
Trinidad’s Skateland was founded in 1942 to equip the community with a good distraction in the shadow of Second World War II.
For many years, it has provided a secure place for kids and families to get away and enjoy some hours of unadulterated joy.
Despite the craziness of life, Skateland still serves as a safe place for the whole family to make long-lasting memories
You will not only have the best time, but you will also be assisting the city in preserving an incredible history.
Address: 424 W Main St, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States
25. Trinidad Lanes
If you want an incredible night in Trinidad, you should check out Trinidad Lanes. It is an ideal place to visit with your pals for a good bowling game.
Trinidad Lanes is perfect for all ages, so if you have kids, you can bring them along.
The owner of this facility is kind and friendly, and the staff has an impressive attitude.
Trinidad Lanes has 12 lanes, fantastic food, and comfortable bathrooms. There is also an incredible game room with an arcade and a pool table.
Trinidad Lanes has a snack bar to ensure you are not famished after a game. There is also a full-service bar on site that provides refreshments.
Trinidad Lanes is great for the whole family, so do not miss an opportunity to bowl in this terrific center.
Address: 823 Van Buren St, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States
26. Carpios Ridge Campground
Trinidad Lake State Park is home to three campgrounds: Carpios Ridge, Piedmont Group Camping Area, and South Shore.
Carpios Ridge Campground is calming and nature-rich and faces Trinidad Lake. It has a family-friendly atmosphere
The Campground features 63 single-family campsites with incredible views of the lake.
It also has a 50-amp electrical hookup, full hookups, fire rings, tables, and a grill.
Campers have access to restrooms, water, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station.
Carpios Ridge Campground welcomes dogs. It has a remarkable space around the camp and many lovely hiking trails around the ridge.
Address: Trinidad Lake State Park Rd, Trinidad, CO 81082, United States
27. Wormhole Loop Trailhead
The Wormhole Loop Trailhead offers a fast rip via the high desert in the exterior of Trinidad.
You can access the Trailhead at the west end of Arch St through the crossbred trail behind the cemetery.
The route, which is seen as fairly challenging, takes approximately 1 hour to finish.
Although the trail is famous for mountain biking, hiking, and running, you can still enjoy privacy during the quiet day.
Dogs may be allowed to roam without a leash in some areas.
Address: Trinidad, CO 81082, United States
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Plan your Trip to Trinidad
Plan your trip to Trinidad to explore the hidden gem of Southeastern Colorado. Trinidad features pristine outdoor views, including the mountains and plains, preserved historical architectures, red brick-paved streets, and other amazing things to find.
There is everything for everyone in Trinidad, Colorado; you will enjoy their delicious food, recreational parks, museum and galleries, unique artworks, antiques, and collectibles. You will also find unique gifts, wineries and breweries, theatrical performances and exhibitions, fishing, hiking and biking on trails, and many others.
The items listed above will help guide you in the best places to visit and things to do in Trinidad, Colorado. Why not start now to prepare for your next adventure.