{"id":46852,"date":"2023-01-04T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-04T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-dillon-co\/"},"modified":"2024-03-30T18:54:31","modified_gmt":"2024-03-30T18:54:31","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-dillon-co","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-dillon-co\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Best Things to Do in Dillon, CO"},"content":{"rendered":"
In the heart of Summit County, and along the Dillon Reservoir shoreline, lies the mountain town of Dillon, Colorado.<\/p>\n
This quiet town has all the charm in the world, plus several majestic outdoor locations for the intrepid traveler.<\/p>\n
For example, the town hosts the highest deep-water marina in North America.<\/p>\n
Its Marina Park has also won the Best of Summit County award, proving its allure to guests and locals alike.<\/p>\n
Of course, the town has its rich history to share, shown in museums like the Schoolhouse Museum of the Summit Historical Society.<\/p>\n
What else can you do in Dillon?<\/p>\n
You can go hiking, take your bike on a whirl around Lake Dillon, or enjoy thrilling watersports.<\/p>\n
In winter, too, Dillon levels up and turns into a world-class wonderland.<\/p>\n
So, what are you waiting for?<\/p>\n
Check out the best things to do in Dillon below.<\/p>\n
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Jim Lambert \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
Nestled up in the Rocky Mountains, the Dillon Marina has 25 miles of shoreline for everyone to enjoy.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also the highest deep-water marina in North America, allowing you breathtaking views from all over.<\/p>\n
Since it\u2019s so high up, the Dillon Marina is also the only place that offers high-altitude lakeside dining.<\/p>\n
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Katy Haas \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
Imagine eating dinner at roughly two miles above sea level.<\/p>\n
During the day, you can also partake in water sports like world-class sailing or boating.<\/p>\n
You can even shop to your hearts\u2019 content at the nearby stores.<\/p>\n
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Mile High Aviator \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
How would you enjoy Dillon\u2019s ski slopes if you didn\u2019t have skis?<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t worry, because Columbine Ski & Sport is here to solve your problem.<\/p>\n
The family-owned ski and snowboard rental shop have served skiers since 1983, so you know their quality is consistently high.<\/p>\n
Whether you need ski gear or snowboards, Columbine has you covered.<\/p>\n
Even if you own skis, you can still drop by Columbine to have your skis tuned up.<\/p>\n
They also tune your skis to fit the specific conditions of the Colorado mountains.<\/p>\n
Visit Columbine Ski & Sport at 149 Tenderfoot Drive, Dillon, CO 80435.<\/p>\n
Suppose you prefer to enjoy a quiet day with family or friends, head to Dillon Town Park and take your pick of the many activities available.<\/p>\n
You can even do these activities in peace while admiring the mountain views.<\/p>\n
For example, you can go to the multi-use field to play various sports.<\/p>\n
You can grab a team and play pick-up baseball, soccer, or Frisbee.<\/p>\n
Play basketball at the outdoor court, or try some bocce or horseshoe at the respective courts along Tenderfoot Street.<\/p>\n
In the winter, you can also play different snow games.<\/p>\n
Bring your kids to the playground next to the Town Pavilion.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, you can also reserve this pavilion for special events like weddings or reunions.<\/p>\n
With a seating capacity of 50 people and a large grill, the place is perfect for a family gathering.<\/p>\n
Visit the Dillon Town Park at 120 Buffalo St., Dillon, CO 80435.<\/p>\n
Between Dillon and Keystone stands the two-story Rice Barn, constructed between 1918 and 1920.<\/p>\n
Together with his three sons, Benjamin Rice built the log barn, which became a major stagecoach stop on the Dillon-Kremmling trail.<\/p>\n
Several stagecoaches can get their wagons repaired or rest their horses inside the barn.<\/p>\n
The building\u2019s 104-inch-wide sliding doors allowed teams to enter easily.<\/p>\n
Stagecoaches can also pick up fresh horses to replace those tired from the travel.<\/p>\n
Today, you\u2019ll see period artifacts like old carriages, a sleigh, grinding wheels, and the barn\u2019s tack rooms.<\/p>\n
The Rice Barn stands at 357 Cove Boulevard between Dillon and Keystone.<\/p>\n
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Photo Spirit \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
While the Dillon Reservoir is Denver\u2019s main water source, the reservoir, sometimes referred to as Lake Dillon, is also a notable tourist attraction.<\/p>\n
What can you do at this lake?<\/p>\n
For one, you can enjoy several water sports there.<\/p>\n
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BT Images \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
You can rent a boat from either side of Lake Dillon and spend an afternoon on the water.<\/p>\n
Throw out a line and fish for rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, or smallmouth bass, if you want.<\/p>\n
Usually, the boating season lasts from early June to mid-September, so time your visit wisely.<\/p>\n
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SNEHIT PHOTO \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
On the other hand, you can also hike or bike along a paved trail on the south side of the Dillon Reservoir.<\/p>\n
Along the way, you can capture a magnificent view of the Ten Mile Range, and you can marvel at the view of Summit County from all angles.<\/p>\n
Adding a spooky touch to the lake, the underwater ghost town of Old Dillon also sits at the bottom of the reservoir.<\/p>\n
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Time Stood Still Photo \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
Thanks to the Summit Historical Society\u2019s efforts, several historical sites in Summit County still stand today.<\/p>\n
One of them is the Lulu Myers Cabin, found behind the Schoolhouse Museum in Dillon.<\/p>\n
In 1885, Charles Delker built the two-story log cabin along the Snake River in the village now known as River Run Village.<\/p>\n
The Society relocated the house in 1976.<\/p>\n
The residents filled the gaps between the hand-hewn logs with sticks, rocks, and clay to survive the winter.<\/p>\n
They also rolled coffee cans to cover the chinks on the house\u2019s exterior.<\/p>\n
On the inside, they lined the walls with newspaper for extra warmth.<\/p>\n
Over the years, two prominent Summit County families lived in this cabin, the Delker and Myers families.<\/p>\n
While the men went to work on their mining businesses, the women also served the community in various ways. For example, Lulu Myers worked as a \u201cschoolmarm\u201d nearby Frisco.<\/p>\n
The Myers Cabin is at 403 LaBonte Street, Dillon, CO.<\/p>\n
Bring your camera to Marina Park, where you can gaze in awe at the unforgettable vistas from Lake Dillon to the Ten Mile and Gore Mountain Ranges.<\/p>\n
Several sites also sit around the park for photo ops, so you won\u2019t need to jostle much with other tourists.<\/p>\n
After the photos, you can head to the shaded tables to enjoy a picnic lunch.<\/p>\n
You can even cook up some burgers at the available charcoal grills.<\/p>\n
After that, you can go to the pocket park to learn about the history of Dillon through a series of interpretive signs.<\/p>\n
If you want to go on the water, you can rent some boats and spend the afternoon fishing.<\/p>\n
Visit the Marina Park at 306 W Lodgepole St., Dillon, CO 80435.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll always have a good time at the Dillon Nature Preserve, whether summer or winter.<\/p>\n
You can take long walks in nature in summer, while you can do cross-country skiing in winter.<\/p>\n
Choose between the Meadow Trail and Ridge Trail Loop if you prefer hiking.<\/p>\n
Moreover, you can follow the small footpaths to reach Lake Dillon if you want to fish or explore the lakeshore.<\/p>\n
Likewise, you can simply pull out your camera and capture the breathtaking mountain vistas, the deep blue lake, and the myriad wildflowers.<\/p>\n
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Images by Dr. Alan Lipkin \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
The three-mile loop Tenderfoot Mountain Trail offers a terrific hike for novice hikers or experienced travelers looking to break a sweat.<\/p>\n
You can go there early in the morning or just in time for sunset.<\/p>\n
Either way, you\u2019re looking forward to an excellent outdoor adventure.<\/p>\n
Along the way, you\u2019re going to see some perfect mountainside views, so you might want to take your camera out from time to time.<\/p>\n
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Images by Dr. Alan Lipkin \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
Likewise, you\u2019ll also pass a few aspen groves, making an autumn hike a priority for next time.<\/p>\n
If you go down the trail in the afternoon, you can hike the trail backward to catch the sunset.<\/p>\n
You can also see how the moonlight plays over all the open plains.<\/p>\n
You can start the Tenderfoot Mountain Trail at Tenderfoot Trail Rd, Dillon, CO 80435.<\/p>\n
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Sergey Malomuzh \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
Late in the 19th century, several American communities built single-room schoolhouses for their children.<\/p>\n
There were so many of these buildings that they once exceeded 100,000 in 1900.<\/p>\n
However, innovations in education soon made these schoolhouses obsolete.<\/p>\n
Today, only 400 such buildings remain. One of them is in Dillon.<\/p>\n
Constructed in 1883, the Dillon School House is one of the town\u2019s significant historical landmarks.<\/p>\n
The town\u2019s first families banded together to build the frame schoolhouse and gave it a belfry and bell.<\/p>\n
Moreover, families sent their children to this school because trains connected more faraway towns.<\/p>\n
Thanks to the Ladies of Dillon, the schoolroom still looks the same as it did in 1892.<\/p>\n
Several period artifacts also grace the room.<\/p>\n
As you enter, you\u2019ll find original McGuffy desks, slates, chalk, students\u2019 learning stations, Heath readers with bookmarks crocheted by hand, and an 1885 piano.<\/p>\n
Visit the 1883 Dillon School House at 403 LaBonte Street, Dillon.<\/p>\n
Do you want to get active, but you\u2019re not sure how?<\/p>\n
Go to the Dillon Disc Golf Course, and figure it out.<\/p>\n
The world-class 18-hole disc golf course will provide you with an entire day\u2019s worth of fun and competitive thrill.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a disc golf amateur, don\u2019t worry.<\/p>\n
The course accommodates players of all skill levels, and all you have to worry about is having fun.<\/p>\n
So, bring your friends and learn a new hobby!<\/p>\n
Inside the Dillon Marina Park, you\u2019ll find the Dillon Amphitheater, which gives you the unique experience of seeing a live show by a lake overlooking the Rocky Mountains.<\/p>\n
The venue hosts live concerts and other public events.<\/p>\n
Many world-class and world-famous bands also play at the Dillon Amphitheater.<\/p>\n
So, if you\u2019ve never seen your favorite bands live, you might want to check their tour dates.<\/p>\n
Maybe they\u2019ll be stopping by Dillon, so you should, too.<\/p>\n
Visit the Dillon Amphitheater at 201 W Lodgepole St., Dillon, CO 80435.<\/p>\n
George Peebles, the proprietor of Silver Flask Fishing<\/a>, has been a devoted angler and guide for more than 20 years.<\/p>\n He began his career in fishing while working as a tour guide in the Midwest after graduating from college.<\/p>\n Choose between ice fishing, fly fishing, and squad fishing excursions.<\/p>\n On a completely guided fishing excursion with all the necessary equipment and instruction, uncover the serene environment of Lake Dillon.<\/p>\n Silver Flask Fishing urges its customers to understand that every fisherman has a unique approach to fishing, with some having more experience than others before the beginning of each tour.<\/p>\n Every fishing excursion is created with the customer as the primary focus.<\/p>\n Come and join Colorado Snowboard Guides<\/a> for an exciting day in the Colorado Rockies and avoid the crowds at the ski slopes!<\/p>\n They provide backcountry snowboarding encounters for snowboarders of all skill levels and experience in the Summit County region.<\/p>\n Discover the snowboarding techniques needed to access the backcountry.<\/p>\n Relish in the silence and tranquility of the wilderness while split boarding some untracked corners.<\/p>\n Colorado Snowboard Guides provide classes for everyone, from beginners to experts.<\/p>\n There are courses in snowboard mountaineering, advanced split boarding, and more; private classes can be arranged upon request.<\/p>\n Among the nine breweries and brewpubs in Summit County, Colorado, the Dillon Dam Brewery<\/a> first opened its doors in February 1997.<\/p>\n Over 70 food options and up to 20 beers on tap are available at this American-style brewery serving lunch and dinner.<\/p>\n Relish a complete bar with wine, specialty cocktails, hot winter drinks, appetizers, soups, burgers, pub favorites, meals, and magnificent desserts.<\/p>\n In addition to everyday happy hour from 3-6 pm, families and youngsters are welcome and can choose from a well-liked children’s menu.<\/p>\n Drop by the retail store at Dillon Dam Brewery, offering gift cards, t-shirts, hats, accessories, glasses, souvenirs, and more.<\/p>\n Would you like to bowl at a newly remodeled facility in Dillon, Colorado?<\/p>\nTake a Class with Colorado Snowboard Guides<\/h2>\n
Grab a Drink and Order a Meal at Dillon Dam Brewery<\/h2>\n
Practice your Aim at Elevation Bowl<\/h2>\n