People flock to Colorado for its mountains, micro-brews, and (let’s be honest) marijuana.  And while all are excellent reasons to visit the Centennial State, they aren’t really what make Colorado special.

No, it’s the miles of sand dunes, haunted hot spots, world-class outdoor venues, and cliff diving dinner entertainment that truly set Colorado apart.

Here are 10 of the most unique places in Colorado you simply have to see to believe.

Fifty-Two 80’s

Hop in your DeLorean and travel back to the 1980’s with a visit to Fifty-Two 80’s in Denver.  This eclectic retailer has every kind of toy, poster, apparel, and candy you can imagine from the hypercolored decade when shoulder pads were big and hair was even bigger.

From My Little Ponies to Boglins to Thunder Cats and more!  Owners Tony and Dede have amassed a collection that rivals even the most die hard of 80’s fanatic’s.

It’s easy to see why people travel from all over to experience this one-of-a-kind store (and take home a little piece of their childhood).  After all, where else can you find a mint-condition Polly Pocket or working first generation Nintendo?

Linger

One of the best places to eat in Denver is actually in an old mortuary.

Yes, you read that right.

The O’Linger Mortuary in the Highlands area of Denver is now known as Linger Eatuaries.  Serving up inventive dishes from across the globe, Linger plays on its spooky past.  Water is served in formaldehyde bottles and menus are handed out on clipboards not unlike those used by undertakers.

And, if that wasn’t enough to draw your attention, it also boasts one of the best rooftop bars in the city!  But, don’t wander off alone, word is the restaurant is still haunted by souls of the corpses that passed through.

Mesa Verde National Park

Established in 1906, Mesa Verde boasts some of the largest and most well-preserved cliff dwellings in the United States.  Home to the Ancestral Pueblo people for 700 years (from 600 to 1300 AD), the site has over 600 cliff dwellings!

The most impressive is the Cliff Palace, which had approximately 150 rooms and a population of around 100.  At the time, it was a cultural epicenter for the Pueblo people, and it’s believed to have been a town center for the surrounding structures.

Altogether pretty amazing considering it was built with crude tools!

Casa Bonita

If you thought the South Park episode about Casa Bonita was a bit over the top, you’d be wrong.

Cliff divers really do entertain you while you enjoy endless baskets of sopapillas.  You can wander into Black Bart’s Cave where you’ll find jewels and even a dragon!  Or you can take pictures inside a jail cell reserved for pirates and robbers.

While the cuisine isn’t exactly award-winning (outside of the sopapillas, which I’d argue are some of the best I’ve ever tasted), the eccentric atmosphere is well worth a visit.

Stanley Hotel

Anyone familiar with The Shining will recognize the creepy facade of the Stanley Hotel.  It was after a stay here that Stephen King was inspired to write his bestseller turned Hollywood classic.  And it also happens to be the filming location for another modern classic – Dumb and Dumber!

Opening in 1909, the Stanley has seen its fair share of guests (and even a few spirits that still haunt the halls today!)  In fact, the hotel offers daily ghost tours which take you around the grounds to learn about its otherworldly residents.

Around Halloween, the Stanley Hotel offers spook-tacular events including a screening of The Shining, the Shining Ball, masquerade parties, and murder mystery dinners.

International Church of Cannabis

One of the most colorfully unique places in Colorado is the International Church of Cannabis.  Located at 400 S Logan Street in Denver, it lives up to its Mile High reputation.  It appropriately opened on April 20, 2017 as a place of worship for Elevationists.  Here, everyone is welcome and they claim no divine authority or unquestionable doctrine.  Instead, they promote becoming the best version of oneself through ritual, guided spiritual practice, and indulgence (or not) in the sacred flower.

One of the most unique aspects of the church is the kaleidoscope of colors that adorns its interior.  The chapel, painted by Okuda San Miguel, and the facade, painted by Kenny Scharf, are modern masterpieces the likes of which you’ve never seen!

But if you’d like to see it for yourself, be sure to go when the church is open to the public.  That happens on Fridays from 1-3pm and weekends from 12-6pm.  And for a truly jaw-dropping scene, visit right before sunset to see the light from the windows bounce off the pews.  Don’t forget to bring your camera!

In order to help the church, there is a suggested donation of $5 (not unlike what you find at any other cathedral open to the public).  It’s a small price to pay to experience such a stunning place of open-minded worship.

Old Town Fort Collins

Did you know Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A was largely based on Old Town Fort Collins?  True story.

The quaint storefronts and cozy town square inspired Walt Disney’s turn-of-the-century American Main Street at the theme park in Anaheim, California.  Even Disney’s City Hall was mirrored after the courthouse along Fort Collins’ College Avenue.

As you walk down Old Town’s fishbone streets towards Walrus Ice Cream, you begin to feel like you’re in a Norman Rockwell painting.  It’s no wonder Disney wanted to replicate its likeness in the happiest place on Earth!

Sand Dunes

For an Arabian adventure without a trip to Dubai, check out the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Alamosa!  The park contains the tallest sand dunes in North America (coming in around 750ft high!)  Think that’s impressive?  Well, the park’s 30 square miles contains over 5.5 billion cubic yards of sand!

You read that right.  BILLION!

And what better way to enjoy them than with awesome activities like sandboarding, sand sledding, hiking, off-roading, and photography!  In fact, there are several local retailers that rent equipment for that very reason.  So take advantage of it!

Dushanbe Teahouse

Once you’re done with desert adventures, head to the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse for a taste of Tajikistan.  The ornately decorated building was donated to Boulder as part of the sister city initiative back in 1990.

Once constructed, the elaborately painted ceiling, delicately carved pillars, and intricately designed walls were taken apart piece by piece.  Then, they were shipped to Colorado and put back together by locals.

Today, the teahouse sits along Boulder Creek where you can enjoy a bite and a beverage from their extensive tea menu.  I recommend the Royal Korma with a strawberry kiwi black tea.  They’re to die for!

Red Rocks

Arguably the best outdoor amphitheater in the world (and one of the most acoustically unique places in Colorado), Red Rocks is a music lover’s dream come true!

Not only do the natural rock walls create an ideal sound tunnel (delivering pure audio perfection), they also provide an incredible atmosphere.  In fact, when attending concerts here I’ve heard several artists say playing at Red Rocks was a high point in their career.  One even likened it to a musician’s Disneyland!

But Red Rocks isn’t just great for concerts.  In addition to musical performances, it also hosts Film On The Rocks, yoga sessions, church services, workout groups, and more.  Definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Colorado!

With so many offbeat and unique places in Colorado, it’s no wonder it’s become so popular with tourists and transplants alike!  Between the majestic mountains, unique eateries, haunted hot spots, and crazy concert venues, Colorado truly is one of a kind.

What are some of the most interesting places you’ve been in Colorado?  Comment below, I’d love to hear about them!

You May Also Like:

» A Local’s Guide to Visiting the Great Sand Dunes
» Visiting the Stunning Dushanbe Teahouse
» Where to Find the Best Street Art in Denver