Touring the United States and looking for a fun-filled city or town to spend some time? Then you’ll love to know that Buena Vista, a city in the United States offers just that.
Buena Vista is a small town in Colorado with a big personality. There are plenty of things to do in the town, whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an active day out on the slopes.
The town has a small-town feel with plenty of shops and restaurants. There are also plenty of activities for tourists to participate in, including skiing, hiking, and fishing.
Without further delay, let’s discuss some of everyone’s favorite things to do in Buena Vista:
Things To Do In Buena Vista
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1. Take A Tour Of The Buena Vista Heritage Museum and Learn about The City’s History
The Buena Vista Heritage Museum is a fun place to learn the city’s history.
The museum has exhibits on Buena Vista’s history from the Native Americans who lived here to the present, including a section on the city’s industrial past.
The museum also has a collection of historical artifacts, including an old car and a rifle used in the Mexican-American War.
2. Relax in A Thermal Pool at Cottonwood Hot Springs
The 5.5 miles west of Buena Vista at Cottonwood Hot Springs welcomes guests every day of the year.
These hot springs have therapeutic mineral water pools that are gravity-fed and geothermally heated; the pools’ temperatures range from 94°F to 110°F.
Camping, cabins along the creek, or hotel rooms are among the numerous lodging choices available at Cottonwood Hot Springs, which also grants free access to its thermal pools.
The geothermal mineral spas will help you unwind and feel revitalized, and hot springs are thought to have therapeutic and medical properties.
There is no need to make reservations in advance for Cottonwood Hot Springs, although guests under the age of sixteen must accompany them and towels can be hired for an additional cost.
3. Play Golf At The Collegiate Peaks Golf Course
Three sets of tee boxes are available to golfers of various skill levels on the unusual 9-hole Collegiate Peaks Golf Course.
The course was created to be as natural-looking as possible, so the players are promised the most fun and excitement.
Towering cottonwood and pinion trees line the well-kept fairways and greens at Collegiate Peaks Golf Course, which also boasts serene mountain views, natural open space, meandering creeks, and an abundance of wildlife.
There is a fully stocked clubhouse at this privately owned and run a golf course, which is accessible to both locals and visitors.
The Clubhouse has a huge meal menu, a nice range of draft beers on tap, and a cool collection of golf equipment.
4. Enjoy Delicacies in a great environment at House Rock Kitchen
All of the meals at House Rock Kitchen are made from scratch with seasonal, fresh ingredients that are acquired locally.
They provide wonderful music, a welcoming environment, and an amazing outdoor terrace that is only accessible during the summer.
Visitors can stop by House Rock Kitchen and have a delicious lunch in a lively and engaging environment.
5. Noah’s Ark Colorado Rafting
Add a trip to Noah’s Ark Colorado Rafting & Aerial Adventure Park to the itinerary of things to do in Buena Vista, Colorado, for a more unique experience.
When you go on rafting trips, Noah’s Ark Colorado Rafting & Aerial Adventure Park ensures that you’ll have a good time.
The business, one of the biggest in Colorado, has accumulated a ton of experience in whitewater rafting over the years.
The Colorado Rafting & Aerial Adventure Park also provides rock climbing tours, guided hiking trips, and packages that include a visit to Mount Princeton Hot Springs.
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6. Get Some Treats At Stedman’s Sodas, Sweets, and Treats
If you’re looking for a fun thing to do in Buena Vista, look no further than Stedman’s Sodas, Sweets, and Treats.
They have an amazing selection of delicious treats that will make your sweet tooth happy. From ice cream to cake pops, there is something for everyone at this store.
Plus, the prices are great so you can enjoy your treats without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or something to take home with you, Stedman’s Sodas, Sweets, and Treats is the place to go!
7. Pay A Visit To Buena Vista Boulder Garden
The public-access boulders at the Buena Vista Boulder Garden are a recent addition to Buena Vista River Park.
If you want to learn how to climb without going into the mountains, these boulders are fantastic.
All you need to do is pack enough food and snacks for a picnic with your loved ones at Buena Vista Boulder Garden.
Visitors can unwind and climb on rocks while gazing at them, letting children run around carefree and possibly testing the Boulder Garden strictly under parental supervision.
Photographers adore the Buena Vista Boulder Garden because they may shoot images of climbers while they enjoy the mountain views after they reach the top of the boulders.
8. Visit The South Main Adventure Hub
The South Main Adventure Hub was built for kayakers and is situated in a lovely community on the banks of the Arkansas River.
Make sure you are going to South Main Adventure Hub if you wish to partake in a fantastic adventure activity.
One of the primary attractions is its whitewater park, which provides zipline excursions, trail rides, rentals, and tours in off-road vehicles.
A food truck is located at South Main Adventure Hub and serves delectable meals and delectable drinks, such as draft beer and hand-crafted cocktails.
A clothes store, side-by-side ATV rides, paddle sport rentals, and other amenities are also available to visitors.
9. Enjoy Delectable Dishes At Chester’s Chicken Express
The amazing restaurant Chester’s Chicken Express serves mouthwatering food that will make you want to burst.
Originally opened in 1952 by W.I. Giles, who started out by frying chicken and donuts, the restaurant has since expanded and been handed down to the third generation.
The meals are produced using fresh meats and locally sourced ingredients, according to Chester’s Chicken Express.
There is something for everyone among the dishes they offer, which are appropriate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
10. Visit The Trailhead
Are you prepared to start having fun? One of the top things to do in Buena Vista, Colorado, is to visit the Trailhead.
Since its founding in 1972, The Trailhead has developed into one of the state’s top outdoor stores.
This locally owned and run store provides a variety of gear for every season and outdoor activity.
The Trailhead provides the greatest snowshoe, ski, bicycle, accessory, clothing, and other outdoor recreation equipment.
It is crucial that you make equipment reservations in advance because supplies are few, especially on weekends.
The Trailhead crew is helpful and extremely knowledgeable about all gear and the area’s terrain.
11. Go On Fishing With Adventure ArkAnglers
For visitors to choose from, ArkAnglers provides a variety of half-day and full-day guided fly fishing activities.
Additionally, they provide rowing lessons and classrooms for fly fishing classes; the trips either take guests to the South Platte River, the Arkansas River, or high-altitude alpine lakes.
Additionally, ArkAnglers offers a shuttle service that is open to everyone and has a lot of experience allowing customers to fish independently.
Their “Fly” store sells a wide range of items, including the best-quality flies in the business, along with waders, rods, accessories, clothes, packs, and reels.
Flies for bass, saltwater, carp, and pike are available from ArkAnglers; be sure to swing by and look at the selection; it is time well spent.
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12. Go On A WineTour At Eddyline Brewery and Taproom
Since its opening in 2009, Eddyline Brewery and Taproom in Buena Vista has provided the general public with a wonderful experience.
The brewery is renowned for producing premium ales and lagers and offers outdoor enthusiasts a tranquil and thrilling atmosphere.
A wide variety of craft beers, including seasonal and specialty selections, are available on tap at Eddyline Brewery and Taproom.
The taproom also offers a variety of other beverages, including kick ‘n back, crank yanker, jolly roger, inner glow, raspberry wheat, and grapefruits yanker IPA.
Every item they produce draws heavily on the grandeur and beauty of nature as well as the exhilarating adventures that surround it.
Their taproom features mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas with a variety of toppings, including classic pub snacks.
13. Have Fun At Buena Vista Whitewater Park
Include a trip to Buena Vista Whitewater Park on your list of things to do in Buena Vista for a truly memorable experience.
Regardless of your ability level, Buena Vista Whitewater Park is the greatest place to discover and appreciate the water.
The Arkansas River is one of the most well-liked spots in the country for whitewater rafting.
Five whitewater structures can be found in the Buena Vista Whitewater Park, which is located along the river in the center of Buena Vista. These are great for experts looking to advance their abilities. From simple basic waves to a challenging freestyle hole are included.
Due to the variety of structures and length of the park, Buena Vista Whitewater Park is accessible to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
14. Buena Vista Heritage
Add a trip to Buena Vista Heritage to your list of things to do in Buena Vista if you’re curious to learn more about the city’s past.
The history and artifacts of Buena Vista from the past to the present were greatly preserved thanks to Buena Vista Heritage.
The Turner farm, the Depot & Caboose, and the Historic Courthouse are all managed by this non-profit organization.
The main objective of Buena Vista Heritage is to repair, safeguard, and preserve historic structures, locations, and artifacts associated with the Town of Buena Vista, Chaffe County, and the entire state of Colorado.
Today’s tourists enjoy a better manner of learning about Buena Vista’s past while also having fun.
15. Visit The Collegiate Peaks Scenic And Historic Byway
Include a visit to Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway on your list of things to do in Buena Vista, Colorado because it will captivate you with its echoing beauty.
This historic highway has access sites for fishing and boating, numerous natural hot springs, sporadic areas of lush riverfront, and working ranches.
The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness is traversed by the 57-mile Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway.
Mount Princeton and Mount Yale rose to a height of more than 14, 000 feet above sea level as a result of the construction of the summits and the historic byway that connected Salida and Granite.
16. Get Pastries From Buena Vista Roastery Cafe
If you’re looking for a fun thing to do in Buena Vista, consider stopping by the Roastery Cafe.
Here, you can get delicious pastries and excellent coffee from the bakery section of the cafe.
This is a great way to enjoy some quality time with family or friends, and it’s also a great way to get some fresh food for your diet.
17. BV Jeeps Mountain Adventure Rentals
The staff at this organization, which has been around for more than 35 years, is excellent and always eager to help you organize your vacation.
Popular locations within short driving distance of the store, like Hancock Pass and Mosquito Pass, are explored by BV Jeeps Mountain Adventure Rentals.
ATV rentals require a minimum age of twenty-one years, but vehicles are available for hour, day, or weekly rentals for those above the age of twenty-five.
Hard and soft top Jeeps with two and four doors are available for rent at BV Jeeps Mountain Adventure Rentals.
The two-door jeeps can seat four people, while the four door jeeps can seat five people. They offer various packages with policies.
18. Get Quality Cheese At Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy
In 2002, the family-run goat dairy and creamery known as Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy opened its doors.
They take pride in manufacturing pure, natural, small-batch artisan goat cheese and are situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Dawn Jump, the proprietor of Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy, set out to combine her passion for cheese-making with goats in order to produce sustainable food for her local community and the rest of the globe.
To promote the production of excellent cheese, Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy makes sure that its goats are in good health.
Visitors are welcome to try their seasonal cheese selections as well as other delectable foods made in Chaffee County.
Additionally, every year on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 2:00 p.m., Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy conducts guided farm and milking tours.
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19. See How Drinks Are Produced At Deerhammer Distilling Company
At the foot of the Rocky Mountains’ Collegiate Peaks, there is a family-run micro-distillery called Deerhammer Distilling Company.
This distillery takes pride in using locally obtained & malted grains as well as pure glacier water flowing down from the Continental Divide to produce American-style whiskey.
The mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation phases of the Deerhammer Distilling Company’s production process are the first steps.
All spirits are hand-crafted in small batches by the Deerhammer Distilling Company including bottling and labeling.
One of the company’s most well-known products is single-malt whiskey, along with Dutch-style gin and seasonal libations including twice-distilled brandy and whiskey with a port cask taste.
20. Shop Boating Equipment At Colorado Kayak
One of Colorado’s largest paddle sports retailers, Colorado Kayak has everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors.
The shop is stocked with everything you could possibly need, including safety gear and unique dog accessories for dog owners.
Customers can choose from a wide variety of stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes at Colorado Kayak.
They provide a large selection of clothing, including both formal and informal attire, as well as coordinating gloves, shoes, and caps.
They also provide a variety of accessories like shoes, caps, and gloves along with clothing that offers both casual and technical options.
21. Go On A Date At Comanche Drive-In Theatre
John and Pearl Groy founded the Comanche Drive-In Theatre in 1966, but it didn’t open for business until 1967.
It is a family-run drive-in cinema that offers the newest classic hits all summer long and is great for both kids and adults.
The Comanche Drive-In Theatre is renowned for its breathtaking view from its 8000-foot elevation, which is framed by majestic peaks.
The new digital project, which offers 3D digital clarity and was installed in August 2018, is the highest elevation Drive-In in the United States.
Check the Comanche Drive-In Theatre’s calendar for upcoming films and events, including special ones. It is open all summer long.
Here, concession stands sell tasty food and warm popcorn. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs as well.
22. Check Out Outstanding Artworks At Rock Run Gallery
Art lovers in Buena Vista adore the Rock Run Gallery, which is situated in the city’s South Main neighborhood.
A remarkable collection of paintings by watercolorist Nora Larimer and more than forty other accomplished painters are on display in the theater.
Beautiful wood turnings, glass, furniture, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, and other items are on display at Rock Run Gallery.
Along with promoting the works of local and regional artists in the city, Rock Run Gallery also sells art tiles, silkscreen prints, oil paintings, and bespoke picture frames.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions to visit in Buena Vista?
Buena Vista River Park
Cottonwood Lake
Deerhammer Distillery
Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy
Collegiate Peaks Scenic Overlook
What are the most popular things to do in Buena Vista with kids?
American Adventure Expeditions
Performance Tours Whitewater Rafting
Noah’s Ark Colorado Rafting & Aerial Adventure Park
The Adventure Company
Browns Canyon Rafting
Is Buena Vista Colorado worth visiting?
Buena Vista is a top destination for those visiting Colorado.
What is Buena Vista Co known for?
Buena Vista Co is known for its prestigious Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area, much of which lies within the San Isabel National Forest.
What is there to do in Buena Vista Colorado in the winter?
Snowmobiling, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing are some fun things to do in Buena Vista Colorado in the winter.
What is there to do in Buena Vista in March?
Buena Vista River Park.
Cottonwood Lake.
Deerhammer Distillery.
Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy.
Collegiate Peaks Scenic Overlook.
Clear Creek Reservoir.
Is Buena Vista Colorado pretty?
The stunning views of this eclectic town are the key factor that attracts tourists year after year.
What airport do you fly into for Buena Vista Colorado?
You can fly into Central Colorado Regional Airport, in Buena Vista Colorado.
What is the elevation in Buena Vista Colorado?
The elevation in Buena Vista Colorado is 2,428 m.
Where did Buena Vista get its name?
Buena Vista was named Mahonville after James and Martha Mahon who left many descendants, some of whom still live in the area.
Conclusion
We’ve considered many fun things to do in Buena Vista, including visiting local wineries, hiking in the nearby mountains, and checking out the local art galleries.
Whether you’re looking for a day of relaxation or something to keep you busy all week, there is sure to be something fun to do in this charming town.
So if you’re ever in the area, don’t miss out on these best and fun things to do in Buena Vista!
