Aguilar ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Aguilar, Colorado.
1. Museum of Friends
VIBRANT LOCAL ART COLLECTION
The Museum of Friends is a respected cultural institution near Aguilar that showcases an impressive collection of contemporary and regional art. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits featuring works from local and international artists in an intimate gallery setting. The museum serves as an important cultural center for the area, offering both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
2. Lathrop State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lathrop State Park offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping close to Aguilar. The park features two lakes, Martin and Horseshoe, surrounded by stunning views of the Spanish Peaks and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors can also enjoy the park's 9-hole golf course, making it a versatile destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Spanish Peaks Inn Bar-Grill-RV Park
LOCAL FOOD AND LODGING
Spanish Peaks Inn Bar-Grill-RV Park serves as a popular gathering spot in Aguilar, offering hearty meals and refreshing drinks to locals and travelers. The establishment provides a convenient RV park for visitors looking to stay in the area while exploring the nearby Spanish Peaks. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal place to experience local culture and cuisine in this small Colorado town.
4. Roughneck's Saloon & Grill
CLASSIC AMERICAN DINING
Roughneck's Saloon & Grill offers traditional American fare in a casual, welcoming environment in the heart of Aguilar. The establishment is known for its generous portions and friendly service that reflects the town's small-community atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy classic comfort food while mingling with locals to get an authentic taste of life in this historic Colorado mining town.
5. Walsenburg Mining Museum
COAL MINING HERITAGE
The Walsenburg Mining Museum preserves the rich coal mining history that shaped the development of the region including nearby Aguilar. Exhibits feature authentic mining equipment, historical photographs, and personal accounts that bring the challenging life of coal miners to life. Visitors gain insight into the industry that was once the economic backbone of Las Animas County and surrounding areas.
6. Simpson's Rest
HISTORIC HILLTOP MEMORIAL
Simpson's Rest is a prominent hilltop landmark featuring a large illuminated sign overlooking Trinidad, just south of Aguilar. The site serves as a memorial to George S. Simpson, an early settler and influential figure in the region's development. Visitors can hike to the top for panoramic views of Trinidad and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.
7. Antique Avenue
VINTAGE SHOPPING DESTINATION
Antique Avenue offers a treasure trove of vintage items, collectibles, and memorabilia for shoppers near Aguilar. The charming shop features carefully curated items that reflect the rich history of southern Colorado and beyond. Visitors can spend hours browsing through unique finds while learning about the region's past through its material culture.
8. Trinidad Lake State Park
SCENIC RESERVOIR RECREATION
Trinidad Lake State Park centers around a 800-acre reservoir offering boating, fishing, and water recreation just south of Aguilar. The park features multiple campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can observe diverse wildlife including deer, eagles, and numerous bird species that inhabit this beautiful natural area.
9. A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art
CELEBRATED WESTERN ARTWORK
The A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art houses an impressive collection of paintings by Arthur Roy Mitchell and other Western artists in Trinidad near Aguilar. The museum is located in a historic department store building that adds to its charm and cultural significance. Visitors can admire authentic depictions of cowboys, Native Americans, and Western landscapes that capture the spirit of the American frontier.
10. Highway of Legends Scenic Byway
MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
The Highway of Legends Scenic Byway passes near Aguilar offering a spectacular driving route through some of Colorado's most breathtaking landscapes. The route winds through historic mining towns, past geological wonders, and provides stunning views of the Spanish Peaks and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Travelers can stop at numerous interpretive sites that explain the natural and cultural history of this fascinating region.
11. Crazy Cat Cyclery
BICYCLE SHOP AND RENTALS
Crazy Cat Cyclery serves as a hub for cycling enthusiasts in the region near Aguilar, offering sales, repairs, and rental services. The shop provides expert advice on local trails and routes, making it an excellent resource for visitors wanting to explore the area on two wheels. Their knowledgeable staff can help outfit riders of all experience levels for adventures through the beautiful landscapes surrounding the Spanish Peaks.
12. Main Street Bakery
FRESH BAKED GOODS
Main Street Bakery delights visitors with freshly baked goods, pastries, and coffee in historic downtown Trinidad near Aguilar. The charming establishment offers both sweet and savory items made from scratch using traditional recipes. Visitors can enjoy their treats in a cozy atmosphere that reflects the warm hospitality of southern Colorado.
13. Spanish Peaks
ICONIC MOUNTAIN LANDMARKS
The Spanish Peaks are prominent twin mountains visible from Aguilar, which is known as the 'Gateway to the Spanish Peaks.' These distinctive landmarks, West Spanish Peak and East Spanish Peak, are ancient igneous intrusions that rise dramatically from the surrounding plains. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore numerous hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and photography spots throughout this magnificent natural area.
14. Ludlow Massacre Memorial
HISTORIC LABOR MONUMENT
The Ludlow Massacre Memorial commemorates the tragic 1914 event where coal miners and their families were attacked during a labor strike near Aguilar. The site features a monument, informational displays, and reconstructed elements of the tent colony where workers lived during the strike. Visitors can learn about this significant event in American labor history that led to important reforms in working conditions and labor rights.
15. Purgatoire River Trading Company
UNIQUE SOUTHWESTERN GIFTS
Purgatoire River Trading Company offers a distinctive shopping experience featuring southwestern art, jewelry, and home decor near Aguilar. The shop specializes in handcrafted items from local artisans that reflect the culture and aesthetic of the region. Visitors can find unique souvenirs and gifts while supporting the creative economy of southern Colorado.