Everyone who has ever stepped foot in Colorado knows that it’s a jewel. From vibrant cities to tranquil mountainsides, the Centennial State has a little something to offer everyone. But did you know that this jewel houses some real gems that you may not know about? It’s true! Here are 10 hidden gems in Colorado that you’d never think to visit.
- The Dikeou Collection (Denver)
Wikimedia Commons Our list of hidden gems in Colorado begins in Denver. Quite possibly the quirkiest art museum you’ll ever visit, the Dikeou Collection (established by siblings Devon & Pany Dikeou) houses several artist’s exhibits, special workshops, and two larger-than-life inflatable bunnies. This exhibit is open by appointment only, so be sure to visit the website while planning your visit.
- Bishop Castle (Rye)
Wikimedia Commons Unique castle. Interesting history. Potentially offensive tour guide. It’s like an unconventional Disneyland! For more information, you can visit the official Bishop Castle website.
- Butterfly Pavilion (Westminster)
Wikimedia Commons The largest of its kind in Colorado, the Butterfly Pavilion is simply magical. No matter your age, you’ll surely be impressed by this exhibit of colorful insects. Learn more about what makes the Butterfly Pavilion one of the best hidden gems in Colorado.
- Star Dune (Great Sand Dunes)
Wikimedia Commons At 750 feet, this ain’t your mamma’s hike! Star Dune is truly the crown jewel of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and it belongs on everyone’s bucket list. Learn more about the tallest sand dune in Colorado.
- Colorado Gators Reptile Park (Mosca)
Wikimedia Commons This family-friendly and educational exhibit is perfect for animal enthusiasts of all kinds. It’s here that you can visit and observe some seriously impressive reptiles. Of all the hidden gems in Colorado, this might be one of the most unique. Learn more about the wonderfully weird Colorado Gators and Reptile Park.
- Last Dollar Road (Telluride)
Matt Santomarco/Creative Commons Windy roads, stunning views, and history galore…is this real life?! Without a doubt, the Last Dollar Road is one of the most scenic drives in Colorado.
- Lizard Lake (Carbondale)
Wikimedia Commons This isn’t a painting – Lizard Lake is very real and is ready for your visit! Because of its stunning natural beauty, Lizard Lake belongs at the top of your Colorado outdoor bucket list.
- Missouri Mountain (Vicksburg)
Wikimedia Commons A 14er with incredible views and minimal crowds…what could be better?
- Terror-Dactyl (Manitou Springs)
Facebook “The first of its kind anywhere in the world, the ride sits on the edge of a 200-foot cliff above Williams Canyon in Manitou Springs. Those brave enough to ride will be launched 150 feet into the canyon at nearly 100 miles per hour! " Not for the faint of heart! For more information, you can visit the Terror-Dactyl website.
- Ute Mountain Tribal Park (Cortez)
Wikimedia Commons Incredible cliff dwellings, art, and special tours – this is a unique experience that you don’t want to miss!
Which of these hidden gems in Colorado is your favorite? Do you have a hidden gem that’s so hidden that it didn’t even make this list? Tell us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
Wikimedia Commons
Our list of hidden gems in Colorado begins in Denver. Quite possibly the quirkiest art museum you’ll ever visit, the Dikeou Collection (established by siblings Devon & Pany Dikeou) houses several artist’s exhibits, special workshops, and two larger-than-life inflatable bunnies. This exhibit is open by appointment only, so be sure to visit the website while planning your visit.
Unique castle. Interesting history. Potentially offensive tour guide. It’s like an unconventional Disneyland! For more information, you can visit the official Bishop Castle website.
The largest of its kind in Colorado, the Butterfly Pavilion is simply magical. No matter your age, you’ll surely be impressed by this exhibit of colorful insects. Learn more about what makes the Butterfly Pavilion one of the best hidden gems in Colorado.
At 750 feet, this ain’t your mamma’s hike! Star Dune is truly the crown jewel of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and it belongs on everyone’s bucket list. Learn more about the tallest sand dune in Colorado.
This family-friendly and educational exhibit is perfect for animal enthusiasts of all kinds. It’s here that you can visit and observe some seriously impressive reptiles. Of all the hidden gems in Colorado, this might be one of the most unique. Learn more about the wonderfully weird Colorado Gators and Reptile Park.
Matt Santomarco/Creative Commons
Windy roads, stunning views, and history galore…is this real life?! Without a doubt, the Last Dollar Road is one of the most scenic drives in Colorado.
This isn’t a painting – Lizard Lake is very real and is ready for your visit! Because of its stunning natural beauty, Lizard Lake belongs at the top of your Colorado outdoor bucket list.
A 14er with incredible views and minimal crowds…what could be better?
“The first of its kind anywhere in the world, the ride sits on the edge of a 200-foot cliff above Williams Canyon in Manitou Springs. Those brave enough to ride will be launched 150 feet into the canyon at nearly 100 miles per hour! " Not for the faint of heart! For more information, you can visit the Terror-Dactyl website.
Incredible cliff dwellings, art, and special tours – this is a unique experience that you don’t want to miss!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Dikeou Collection, Open by appointment, 1615 California St # 515, Denver, CO 80202, USAAddress: Bishop Castle, 12705 CO-165, Rye, CO 81069, USAAddress: Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80020, USAAddress: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, USAAddress: Colorado Gators Reptile Park, 9162 Ln 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146, USAAddress: Last Dollar Road, Last Dollar Rd, Telluride, CO, USAAddress: Carbondale, CO 81623, USAAddress: Vicksburg, CO 81211, USAAddress: Manitou Springs, CO 80829, USAAddress: Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park Visitor Center, Ute Mountain, Towaoc, CO 81334, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gems In Colorado June 21, 2021 Beth C. What are some more under-the-radar attractions in Colorado? Whether you’re a resident of Colorado or just happen to be traveling through the state, you’ll find yourself impressed by all there is to uncover in the way of hidden gems. Now that you’ve learned about some top hidden gems in Colorado, we’re here to share even more under-the-radar attractions. Some destinations you’ll want to check out are the Space Foundation Discovery Center, Rifle Falls State Park, Dunafon Castle, Fulford Cave, Conundrum Hot Springs, the Crystal Mill, Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area, and Wheeler Geologic Area. For more information, check out our previous article outlining the best-kept secrets in Colorado. What are the most unique attractions in Colorado? If you’ve ever dreamed of being in multiple places at once, we’ve got just the place for you to check out. The Four Corners is a place where you can stand in four different states at once. There’s a specific point where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico all meet, and it’s truly one of the most unique attractions in Colorado, if not the country. The next time you find yourself in southwest Colorado, you’ll definitely want to take the time to visit this landmark. Here’s more information about visiting the Four Corners in Colorado. What are the most beautiful places in Colorado? No matter the season, there are some destinations in Colorado that are downright stunning. If you’re looking to be awe-inspired by Colorado’s natural landscape, you’ll want to make a point of visiting any of the following places: Maroon Bells, Hanging Lake, Paint Mines, Million Dollar Highway, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Crystal Mill, Red Rocks, Graden of the Gods, Wheeler Geologic Area, and Picket Wire Canyon. Have you seen any of these beautiful places in Colorado?
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gems In Colorado
June 21, 2021
Beth C.
What are some more under-the-radar attractions in Colorado? Whether you’re a resident of Colorado or just happen to be traveling through the state, you’ll find yourself impressed by all there is to uncover in the way of hidden gems. Now that you’ve learned about some top hidden gems in Colorado, we’re here to share even more under-the-radar attractions. Some destinations you’ll want to check out are the Space Foundation Discovery Center, Rifle Falls State Park, Dunafon Castle, Fulford Cave, Conundrum Hot Springs, the Crystal Mill, Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area, and Wheeler Geologic Area. For more information, check out our previous article outlining the best-kept secrets in Colorado. What are the most unique attractions in Colorado? If you’ve ever dreamed of being in multiple places at once, we’ve got just the place for you to check out. The Four Corners is a place where you can stand in four different states at once. There’s a specific point where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico all meet, and it’s truly one of the most unique attractions in Colorado, if not the country. The next time you find yourself in southwest Colorado, you’ll definitely want to take the time to visit this landmark. Here’s more information about visiting the Four Corners in Colorado. What are the most beautiful places in Colorado? No matter the season, there are some destinations in Colorado that are downright stunning. If you’re looking to be awe-inspired by Colorado’s natural landscape, you’ll want to make a point of visiting any of the following places: Maroon Bells, Hanging Lake, Paint Mines, Million Dollar Highway, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Crystal Mill, Red Rocks, Graden of the Gods, Wheeler Geologic Area, and Picket Wire Canyon. Have you seen any of these beautiful places in Colorado?
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Whether you’re a resident of Colorado or just happen to be traveling through the state, you’ll find yourself impressed by all there is to uncover in the way of hidden gems. Now that you’ve learned about some top hidden gems in Colorado, we’re here to share even more under-the-radar attractions. Some destinations you’ll want to check out are the Space Foundation Discovery Center, Rifle Falls State Park, Dunafon Castle, Fulford Cave, Conundrum Hot Springs, the Crystal Mill, Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area, and Wheeler Geologic Area. For more information, check out our previous article outlining the best-kept secrets in Colorado.
What are the most unique attractions in Colorado?
If you’ve ever dreamed of being in multiple places at once, we’ve got just the place for you to check out. The Four Corners is a place where you can stand in four different states at once. There’s a specific point where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico all meet, and it’s truly one of the most unique attractions in Colorado, if not the country. The next time you find yourself in southwest Colorado, you’ll definitely want to take the time to visit this landmark. Here’s more information about visiting the Four Corners in Colorado.
What are the most beautiful places in Colorado?
No matter the season, there are some destinations in Colorado that are downright stunning. If you’re looking to be awe-inspired by Colorado’s natural landscape, you’ll want to make a point of visiting any of the following places: Maroon Bells, Hanging Lake, Paint Mines, Million Dollar Highway, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Crystal Mill, Red Rocks, Graden of the Gods, Wheeler Geologic Area, and Picket Wire Canyon. Have you seen any of these beautiful places in Colorado?
