One of the most visited destinations in America’s Western region, Colorado‘s appeal extends far beyond the bustling city of Denver and the state’s world-class ski resorts. Venture outside these locations, and you’ll discover a whole host of interesting small towns with eccentric characteristics and plenty of quirks that offer so much more.

The best of them have done a great job of preserving their unique blend of fascinating history, unusual attractions, and must-try events and invite intrepid travelers to step into a world that’s just begging to be explored. From old mining towns to communities that celebrate unconventional art forms, these six Colorado towns promise something a little unexpected around each and every corner.

Estes Park

Its Rocky Mountains setting has certainly made Estes Park proud. A popular spot to visit thanks to its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, this unique destination has recently taken on a more eccentric attraction: the annual Frozen Dead Guy Days festival. This unique event, previously held in Nederland, celebrates the preserved body of Bredo Morstoel, a Norwegian “Grandpa” whose remains have been cryogenically frozen. In its new Estes Park location since 2023, the festival draws visitors from all over for crazy coffin races, polar plunges, frozen turkey bowling, and a lively parade. Held in March, Frozen Dead Guy Days transforms the town into a lively celebration of all things bizarre, adding a playful twist to Estes Park’s typically scenic, nature-focused vibe.

Estes Park also offers an eclectic mix of attractions that cater to those intrigued by the unusual. The Stanley Hotel, built in 1909, is famous for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining and is rumored to be haunted, attracting paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters (hour-long nighttime ghost tours are available).

Crestone

Crestone, a small town known for its unusual religious communities, has become a center for those seeking enlightenment and spiritual retreats. While home to only 33 full-time residents, Crestone has become the center of a surprising concentration of religious centers including Hindu, Zen, and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, as well as a towering ziggurat-style temple built in 1988 by a spiritual group. Visitors are welcome to some sites, so pop in for a tour.

This decidedly eccentric town also serves as a great jumping-off point for outdoor adventurers wanting to visit the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Hiking trails here lead to some of Colorado’s famed “14ers,” a collection of 58 peaks with elevations above 14,000 feet.

Manitou Springs

Located at the base of Pikes Peak and only a short drive from Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs stands out for its eclectic blend of historic charm and artistic spirit. Pay a visit, and you’ll be invited to try each of the town’s eight mineral springs, which locals believe have healing properties. The town also hosts an annual Emma Crawford Coffin Race with creatively designed coffins racing through the streets. each October to commemorate a local 19th-century legend who partook in the curative waters with apparently great results.

Art lovers will appreciate Manitou’s thriving art scene with establishments such as Commonwheel Artists Co-op and Manitou Art Center showcasing local and regional talent. Other quirky attractions worth seeing are the Miramont Castle Museum, an eccentric Victorian-era mansion with 30 rooms that was built in 1895, and the nearby Manitou Cliff Dwellings, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Anasazi culture with preserved structures dating back centuries.

Trinidad

Trinidad, situated near the New Mexico border, has embraced an artsy, slightly eccentric persona largely due to its distinctive past and its burgeoning creative community. Known for the Trinidad History Museum, which is housed in well-preserved 19th-century adobe structures, the attraction exudes a slice of Old West life with a unique collection of artifacts. The museum also includes Baca House, built in 1870, and Santa Fe Trail artifacts.

The town’s Corazon de Trinidad Historic District, the old preserved downtown area, is a must-visit, with heritage buildings like the Toltec Hotel built in 1910 being particularly photo-worthy. Another plus is Trinidad’s proximity to Fishers Peak State Park, making it an ideal spot for travelers to mix in a little eccentricity with their outdoor fun.

Silverton

A former silver mining town set in the San Juan Mountains, Silverton was founded around 1860 and has done a great job of preserving much of its historic charm, all while welcoming a dash of eccentricity. The Silverton Historic District encompasses pretty much the whole town and has been designated a National Historic Landmark and is lined with buildings from the 19th century. Examples include the town’s Carnegie Library, built in 1905; Silverton City Hall, from 1908; and the picturesque Church on the Hill, constructed in 1898.

The town’s Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run, held in July, draws extreme athletes from around the world, challenging participants with its 100-mile, high-altitude course with elevations of 33,000 feet having to be tackled. For those preferring a gentler pace, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates a heritage steam train that’s been in operation since 1882.

Ouray

Referred to as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray combines its natural beauty with some extremely eccentric things to do. Its hot springs, open year-round, are a popular draw for visitors seeking a relaxing soak while literally “soaking” up those incredible mountain views; and the Ouray Ice Park, one of the only such locations dedicated solely to ice climbing, attracts climbers each winter.

The town also celebrates its mining history at the Ouray County Historical Museum, located in an 1887 hospital building and home to a treasure trove of artifacts from the town’s silver boom. And for car enthusiasts with a taste for the off-kilter, the FJ Summit, now in its 17th summer (in 2025), sees owners of Toyota’s fabled FJ Cruisers gathering for trail runs… and plenty of camaraderie.

The Final Word

There’s no question Colorado’s most eccentric small towns offer a fascinating and quite unique take on the state’s cultural diversity, blending history, creativity, and peculiar traditions that stand apart from the mainstream. Each destination provides a distinct perspective on what makes Colorado so very special, from festivals celebrating the dead to towns shaped by spiritual and artistic pursuits. Whatever your interests, these six most eccentric towns in Colorado offer a fresh travel perspective to “The Centennial State.”