Buena Vista ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Buena Vista, Colorado.
1. Buena Vista River Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION PARADISE
Buena Vista River Park offers visitors a beautiful recreational area alongside the Arkansas River. Guests can wade in the refreshingly cold river waters while enjoying scenic mountain views. The park serves as a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor relaxation.
2. Cottonwood Lake
SERENE MOUNTAIN WATERS
Cottonwood Lake provides a tranquil water experience surrounded by stunning Colorado mountain scenery. Visitors often enjoy fishing, though the quality of catches may vary throughout the seasons. The lake area offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers seeking respite from busy tourist spots.
3. Jumpin' Good Goat Dairy
ARTISANAL CHEESE EXPERIENCE
Jumpin' Good Goat Dairy is a family-owned operation producing pure, all-natural artisan goat cheese in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The small-batch creamery welcomes visitors to experience their cheese-making process firsthand. Their location in the mountain setting adds to the authentic farm-to-table experience that draws food enthusiasts.
4. Deerhammer Distillery
CRAFT WHISKEY DESTINATION
Deerhammer Distillery crafts traditional whiskeys with a creative, curious approach that sets them apart. Their offerings range from cornerstone single malt to bourbon, rye, and limited-edition spirits. Visitors can tour the facility and sample the distinctive flavors that have made this distillery a must-visit for spirits enthusiasts.
5. Collegiate Peaks Scenic Overlook
BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VISTAS
Collegiate Peaks Scenic Overlook provides the definitive viewpoint for capturing spectacular images of the Arkansas Valley and Collegiate Peaks. This day-use area serves as the premier photo spot for travelers wanting to document the natural beauty of the region. Visitors regularly cite this location as offering some of the most impressive panoramic mountain views in Colorado.
6. Buena Vista Boulder Garden
OUTDOOR CLIMBING ADVENTURE
Buena Vista Boulder Garden offers an accessible outdoor climbing experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels. The sports complex features various boulder problems set against the backdrop of Colorado's stunning mountain scenery. Both beginners and experienced climbers can enjoy the challenges while taking in fresh mountain air and natural surroundings.
7. Huron Peak
MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN SUMMIT
Huron Peak stands as one of the most beloved mountains in the Buena Vista region, drawing hikers and climbers from around the world. The summit offers unparalleled views of the surrounding Collegiate Peaks and valleys below. Adventurers who reach the top are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and breathtaking panoramic vistas of Colorado's high country.
8. Clear Creek Reservoir
PRISTINE WATER RECREATION
Clear Creek Reservoir provides a refreshing water destination nestled among mountain scenery near Buena Vista. Visitors can enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating, and peaceful shoreline walks with wildlife viewing opportunities. The reservoir's calm waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating perfect photo opportunities throughout changing seasons.
9. Comanche Drive-In Theater
HISTORIC OUTDOOR CINEMA
Comanche Drive-In Theater, built in 1966, stands as one of only eight remaining drive-in theaters in Colorado and holds the distinction of being the highest drive-in in the country. Visitors park their cars, tune their radios to the designated station, and enjoy movies under the stars from Friday through Tuesday in summer months, with weekend-only showings after Labor Day. The theater offers traditional movie snacks including popcorn, candy, hot pretzels, and pizza, making it a nostalgic entertainment experience for the whole family.
10. Cool River Coffee House
COZY MOUNTAIN CAFE
Cool River Coffee House welcomes visitors with spectacular morning light and window seats offering mountain views on Buena Vista's Main Street. The cafe features an impressive in-house bakery with homemade options including gluten-free and vegan selections. Many consider this the premier coffee destination in town, perfect for starting a day of mountain adventures.
11. Buena Vista History Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Buena Vista History Museum preserves and shares the rich stories of the town's pioneering past and development. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and exhibits chronicling the mining booms, railroad era, and everyday life of early settlers. Visitors gain insight into the forces that shaped this mountain community while enjoying guided tours of historically significant displays.
12. Chaffee County Courthouse
HISTORIC SANDSTONE LANDMARK
Chaffee County Courthouse stands as an impressive red sandstone structure built in 1893, anchoring Buena Vista's historic district. Its distinctive clock tower serves as an orientation point and symbol of the town's enduring civic presence. The building exemplifies late 19th-century architectural grandeur while continuing to function as a center of local government.
13. Union Depot
RESTORED RAILWAY HERITAGE
Union Depot represents Buena Vista's important railroad history in a beautifully preserved building from 1882. Once the center of transportation activity, the restored structure now houses local businesses that blend historical charm with modern services. Visitors can admire the architectural details while appreciating how the town has repurposed this significant landmark.
14. National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum
MINING HISTORY CELEBRATION
The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in nearby Leadville offers an extensive collection documenting America's mining heritage and technological advancements. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits showcasing mining equipment, precious minerals, and stories of the individuals who shaped the industry. The museum honors the contributions of miners while educating the public about the historical and ongoing importance of mineral extraction to society.
15. Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad
SCENIC MOUNTAIN RAIL JOURNEY
Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad offers passengers a breathtaking journey through the Rocky Mountains aboard historic train cars. The narrated excursion provides information about mining history, natural features, and wildlife while traversing spectacular high-altitude terrain. Travelers experience panoramic views of Colorado's highest peaks, forests, and valleys during this nostalgic rail adventure near Buena Vista.