Free & Cheap Things to Do in Durango

Arts & Culture

Durango's Main Avenue is a walkable National Historic District lined with more than 200 independent shops, galleries, breweries, and restaurants set in restored Victorian-era buildings. Add free public art — like the cowboy statue and the Whinny & Friends horses near the railroad depot — and a stroll costs nothing.

Address: Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Tip: Free to wander; budget extra for the shops and cafes. The free downtown trolley loops Main Avenue every 20 minutes. Catch the morning steam-train departure from the depot for a classic Durango photo.

Parks & Nature

This paved riverside path runs about nine miles through the heart of Durango, following the Animas River past parks, put-in spots, and downtown. Walk, bike, or roll it; in late summer the calmer water invites you to dip your feet and cool off.

Address: Animas River Trail, Durango, CO 81301

Tip: Connects downtown to several free parks and the Powerhouse Science Center. Rent a bike downtown to cover more ground. Shadier and cooler than the streets on a hot afternoon.

Museums & Culture

Set in a converted 1893 power plant on the river, the Powerhouse packs hands-on STEAM exhibits, a phosphorescent geology cave, a space-shuttle landing simulator, and live animals like a bearded dragon. It's Durango's go-to rainy-day stop for curious kids.

Address: 1333 Camino del Rio, Durango, CO 81301

Tip: SNAP EBT cardholders pay just $2 through Museums for All. Closed Wednesdays in summer. Sits right on the Animas River Trail — easy to combine with a riverside walk.

History & Culture

Housed in the 1904 Animas City School, this local-history museum run by the La Plata County Historical Society explores Southwest Colorado's past — from Ancestral Puebloan artifacts to a restored period classroom and the region's mining and railroad heritage.

Address: 3065 W 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Tip: Open limited days (generally Tuesday–Saturday); call ahead to confirm hours. A quick, donation-based stop on the north side of town. Pairs well with a downtown history walk.

History & Culture

Even if the famous steam train is out of budget, its free 12,000-square-foot museum in the depot roundhouse is open to all. Wander antique locomotives, vintage coaches, mining artifacts, and an 800-square-foot model railroad depicting 1950s Rio Grande operations.

Address: 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Tip: Free and located right at the historic depot downtown. Open the days the train runs. A great way to soak up the railroad's history without the steep ticket price for the ride itself.

Parks & Nature

About an hour west of Durango, this UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans — over 600 stone-and-mortar homes tucked into canyon alcoves. The mesa-top loop drives and overlooks are doable on a budget; ranger-guided cliff tours cost extra.

Address: Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330

Tip: Cashless park — cards only. Summer vehicle fee is $30, dropping to $20 late October. The self-guided mesa-top sites and Visitor Center are free with entry; book ranger cliff-dwelling tours ahead on Recreation.gov.

Museums & Culture

On the Fort Lewis College campus, this free museum and archive showcases the Southwest's cultures through the renowned Durango Collection of Navajo, Puebloan, and Hispanic textiles, plus Native American art, pottery, and historic photographs in rotating interpretive exhibits.

Address: 1000 Rim Dr, Durango, CO 81301

Tip: Free admission, but summer visits are by appointment only (call 970-247-7333) — drop-in hours run during the school year. The hilltop campus has sweeping valley views. A hidden gem for textile and history fans.

Parks & Nature

At the north end of Santa Rita Park, engineered rapids on the Animas River draw kayakers, river surfers, and tubers, while a grassy riverbank, fishing area, and viewing spots make it a fun free stop for spectators and picnickers alike.

Address: Santa Rita Park, Durango, CO 81301

Tip: The whitewater features are for experienced paddlers, but watching the action is free and fun. Connected to the Animas River Trail. Parking is limited — a free shuttle runs during events like June's Animas River Days.