Gunnison is much more than just a charming small city.
It is a small, welcoming mountain place full of fun things to do.
Nestled in one of the largest mountain regions in North America, it offers plenty of natural spaces to explore and trails for hiking.
A major reason for its popularity with tourists is its coldness, as it has a few microclimates that allow for various climates, which only become colder when the namesake Gunnison winds blow through!
But if you want to visit this amazing destination and want to know what to see and do, check out this list of the 15 best things to do in Gunnison, CO:
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High Alpine Brewing Company opened its doors in 2015 and has been brewing some of the best beer Gunnison has ever seen.
They are known for serving up something deliciously different.
Captured in each of their beer recipes is whatever makes their beer so popular, and that’s that they use the finest hops, high-country water, best grains, and other high-quality ingredients mixed with concocting the best beer.
West Tomichi River Park has a lot of potential for people looking for some peace and quiet.
This spot is great for fishing, picnicking, and river watching.
The pond here is accessible via wheelchair, and there’s a restroom facility for your convenience.
There’s also an accessible nature trail here; it shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes to walk it!
In case you are wondering, you can fish by the cliffs in clear weather.
Just remember that if you do this, you will have to carry your fishing equipment about 25 yards farther up the riverbank.
The Gunnison Community Center is a wonderful place to indulge in a bit of exercise.
It’s clean, tidy, and spacious, perfect for your needs whether you’re looking to splash about enjoying some aquatic fun or merely want to engage yourself in an energetic game of basketball with your loved ones.
The staffs here are ever so friendly and helpful, making your visit all the more enjoyable.
If you’d like to take a break from working out after a while and just relax and switch off, be sure to visit the relaxing pool area.
Paul Wright Gymnasium is an athletic building in Gunnison, Colorado.
It’s at the heart of the Western Colorado Mountaineers’ main athletic facilities and is surrounded by many other equally prestigious buildings, all belonging to their sports teams.
Athletics, especially basketball, attract students from far and wide because they’ve consistently been ranked at the highest levels of collegiate sport.
They have very nice facilities for volleyball and basketball.
Many students come to watch basketball or volleyball games here.
El Paraiso Family Mexican Restaurant is a great restaurant.
Their menu offers a variety of both traditional and more creative options that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
The Seafood Pineapple Chalupa here tastes absolutely amazing, with a wonderful mix of calamari, octopus, shrimp, pineapple, avocado, and seasoned just right.
Even the drinks here are well presented with care.
The service is fast, and the staff does an exceptional job at keeping things on schedule so you don’t have to feel stressed about how long you’ll be waiting for your meal.
If you’re looking for an outstanding dining experience from beginning to end in Gunnison, then you need to visit El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant.
The Gunnison Pioneer and Historical Society came into existence in 1930 with a mission to preserve historical documents and artifacts relevant to Gunnison County.
One of the results of their effort to preserve historical artifacts is that they have been able to help both inspire and educate current generations of new ideas from old times.
The Gunnison Pioneer Museum is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, thanks to its unique historical artifacts and real-life stories.
With mainly Colorado-themed art adorning the walls, the museum offers a creative atmosphere.
Preserving the history of those people that have come to Colorado and the Gunnison Country to make a life in what some might call the “middle of nowhere” is something that the Gunnison Pioneer Museum aims to do every single day.
AEI Fly Fishing specializes in fly fishing retreats and trips that refresh your soul, sharpen your appreciation for the outdoors, and recharge your spirit of adventure.
They take you to waterways such as the Taylor River, the Gunnison River, Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, and the East River.
The expert guides welcome all skill levels and can help beginners learn more about the sport.
The package also includes lodging and meals in a great environment that takes you back to nature.
They offer spectacular mountain views and an off-grid location in the Taylor Park area of Colorado for your outdoor enjoyment.
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If you’re looking for an escape from city life but can’t leave without your smartphones, Tomichi Creek State Wildlife Area is a good bet.
Tomichi Creek is a 71.8-mile creek in Colorado that forms from creeks close to the city of Gunnison.
Tomichi Creek State Wildlife Area offers a fine fishing opportunity to avid anglers.
There is a public area that provides access to W Mountain without permission, which allows people to hike on this private property.
Tomichi passes through private property and can be accessed from the public grounds just off a town road.
The best place to access it is at the narrow part of the canyon below an interstate bridge that runs nearby.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Scenic River Tours is a one-of-a-kind, first-rate adventure company that offers guided rafting and fishing expeditions in a remote corner of Gunnison County and the western slope of Colorado.
Their fully stocked river rafts will take you through some pretty remarkable areas, with high-quality service built into their unique approach to rafting.
Scenic River Tours offers another great way to enjoy Colorado outdoors.
They provide rafting equipment rentals and sales as well, so if you’re not a hiker and want to enjoy some river action found in the mountains, they can get you out on the water.
You can’t miss this local treasure because it’s owned and managed by adventure experts.
They’ve been operating since 1977 and are a go-to for all your Colorado whitewater rafting needs this summer!
The I Bar stands proud as a true western heritage event center that seats up to over 500 guests comfortably.
The I Bar is 1.5 miles away from downtown Gunnison and sits between the Pioneer Museum and Jorgenson Park.
It’s an exceptional bar just on the edge of town but deep into the quiet spaces where agriculture and recreation live.
The venue is a converted barn that hosts musical events and open-air concerts.
Its surroundings provide new scenery and cool breezes in the summertime.
During inclement weather, the curtains can be closed for full coverage, although it also has a very open floor plan for outdoor events.
They are operational May through October, hosting shows for anyone looking for a beautiful outdoor concert experience during warm months.
The 12,000-square-foot Gunnison Arts Center features visual arts exhibitions, outdoor sculptures, regular dance shows, and a theatre.
The building also features meeting rooms for hosting community events and classes for those who would like to explore art in different forms, such as painting or sculpture.
The center acts as a space of recreation and an incubator where artists are given the opportunity to develop their skills and careers.
The Gunnison Arts Center hosts exhibits, classes, and events that bring the arts not only to Gunnison’s residents but also to those seeking a weekend getaway.
Visitors can make art of their own in ceramics classes or paint with watercolor.
They can also enjoy performances of plays, live music, or variety shows in the theater.
They provide many opportunities to find the inner artist in their downtown studio spaces and on location during one of their painting classes.
This Gunnison Skatepark has a diversity of small to medium-sized obstacles, including several quarter pipes, small ramps, rails, and stairs.
These make it great for street-style riders looking to get some air on their tricks and stunts.
Gunnison Skatepark is an explosion of urban adrenaline, and people coming here are mostly mountain biker types.
The concrete remains in great condition, with a fantastic layout that offers endless mind-blowing skating lines and lots of tricky elements.
The whole skate park is clean and safe.
The Jorgensen Event Center acts as the hub for winter sports and recreation in Gunnison County.
This venue includes a frozen pond, an outdoor ice rink, and an indoor rink for public skating.
Open skate is available on both the indoor and outdoor rinks throughout the week, with no registration required.
Lessons are available for those just starting out on the ice and more advanced ones for those who want to learn new techniques.
There is also adult hockey, youth hockey, and miles of cross-country skiing trails nearby!
Gunnison Coffee Company is one of the greatest shops around that you’ll find in Gunnison.
They serve divine smoothiesand iced drinks made from the juiciest berries.
The coffee baristas are so cheerful and helpful throughout their workday just to make you feel unique and valued.
When you visit them, don’t forget to try their White Chocolate Iced — it’s wonderfully rich, creamy, and tastes so flavorful.
And mind you, their Huckleberry Smoothie is also very tasty — creamy, sweet almost to the point of milky.
Dos Rios provides a high-quality golfing experience for anyone who wants to play golf.
They’re proud of the community fixture they have become, and they’ve worked hard to earn a place in your hearts as one of the best-golfing destinations around.
From their unique terrain and unmatched customer service, they’ll provide you with everything you need to experience fantastic golfing games.
Put your shot-making skills to the test with their fairways, sand traps, and water hazards.
Challenge yourself by testing your accuracy from these realistic landforms.
Gunnison is home to a wide variety of attractions that are sure to delight anyone who’s staying in the town.
There’s an abundance of outdoor activities you may partake in, from kayaking, fishing, fly-fishing, watching wildlife to mountain biking, and more!
Have you been thinking about what to do in Gunnison, CO, lately?
Well, if you have, this list of the best things to do in Gunnison, CO, should help you with your decision!
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