Written by: Matthew Brady
Photography: The Colorado Tourism Office, unless noted

For months, we’ve all heard about America turning 250, and rightfully so—it’s a big moment in our country’s history. But there’s another notable milestone being feted this year on the state level: Colorado is 150 years old as of August 1.

Get caught up in the fun by learning about the state’s origins, discovering what it’s planning for its sesquicentennial, and getting a glimpse of what you can do here to enjoy the great outdoors this summer.

The start of the centennial state

Long before settlers visited this area—as far back as 13,000 BC—American Indians occupied it. Europeans first arrived in the sixteenth century, and by the 1800s, the fledgling United States of America obtained the land that would become Colorado (i.e., “colored red” in Spanish) in three different deals.

Interest skyrocketed once gold was discovered in these parts in 1858. Thanks to the famous Pikes Peak Gold Rush, scores of people settled here, resulting in the Territory of Colorado being declared three years later. On August 1, 1876, Colorado became America’s thirty-eighth state.

A time to celebrate

With a theme of “The View from Here,” the state is going all out to celebrate turning 150, providing a seemingly endless array of opportunities for both residents and visitors to take part in the excitement all year long. From concerts, festivals, and light shows to history exhibits and educational programs, it’s easy to get lost in Colorado’s unique vibe, learn about its storied history, and have fun. Here’s a mere sample of what’s on tap:

History Where It Happened
This is an official statewide effort to add 150 new historic markers for even more educational enlightenment and enjoyment.

Statewide Storytelling: A Portrait of Colorado at 150
This feast for history buffs highlights more than 150 stories from across Colorado via oral histories.

American History Marquee Exhibition: Moments That Made US
Through October 18, this History Colorado Center exhibit in Denver will showcase dozens of unique artifacts, including Ancient Puebloan ceramics, George Washington’s spurs, and moon rocks gathered during Apollo 11’s mission.

Drone Shows: Stories in the Sky
For a modern form of merriment, look to the skies: dozens of dazzling drone shows have been scheduled across the state throughout the year.

Digital Passport Program: Journey Through Colorado
A fun, convenient way to take it all in is through the statewide Digital Passport program. This tool provides free passports—from a summertime passport to an arts and culture one—making it easy to explore all the state has to offer. For example, load the aforementioned seasonal pass onto your phone, and you’ll access dozens of suggestions for popular attractions, hidden gems, restaurants, hotels, and more. Just as exciting, your passport allows you to check in at various places to accumulate rewards, badges, and exclusive offers.

Beyond the birthday bashes

Although 2026 is certainly a special year in Colorado’s history, the Centennial State is an amazing place to visit any time of year. It goes without saying that it’s a skiing mecca; people flock here from around the globe to whoosh down the slopes of places like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge in winter. But there are ample outdoor activities to enjoy year-round. For example, the state is home to a whopping fifty-eight peaks scaling over 14,000 feet, affectionately known as the 14ers. Whether you’re an experienced climber seeking a challenge or a lounger who prefers to lie back and enjoy the many majestic mountain views, there’s nowhere else like Colorado.

For a more grounded experience, you can visit any of its four national parks and eleven national forests, including, of course, Rocky Mountain National Park. Not to be undone, in central Colorado, you’ll find the wonder known as Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where you can wander through, backpack across, or even sled down the famous sandy crests. In all, the state has 39,000 miles of hiking trails, including being part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a 3,100-mile roadway that passes through the Rockies while connecting Canada and Mexico.

If walking through history is more suited to your tastes, you won’t run out of places to consider, no matter where you are in the state. In the south, for instance, is Mesa Verde National Park, the largest archeological preserve in the country; its cliff-dwelling tours allow you to witness centuries-old American Indian dwellings. You can also walk through Old West ghost towns such as Teller City and Saint Elmo to imagine what life was like in Colorado’s infancy.

Of course, you can’t have a summer vacation without some water fun, and Colorado certainly obliges. Whether you’re experiencing the thrill of rafting down the Arkansas River or whiling away an afternoon fly-fishing in one of the state’s many creeks, there’s something for every pace. You can even relax after a fun day of adventure by basking in the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs, located to the west.

Colorado after hours

The adventure here doesn’t fade with the sun, though, since the state is home to twenty Certified Dark Sky Places, where you can gain unfettered access to a sea of stars and even the Milky Way across a wide expanse of night sky. Being one of the most prominent stargazing states in the country, you can easily travel to one within ninety minutes, especially since most sites are within its national parks and monuments and its state parks.

From east to west, Colorado has everything you’d want for a summer excursion—and the state’s omnipresent 150-year celebrations this year only serve to amplify the sense of excitement and adventure. Whether you travel here to celebrate the landmark occasion, indulge in outdoor adventures, lose yourself in history, or all of the above, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by this place that features the best of modern-day living while showing reverence to the past.

For more info, visit am250co150.org