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Life in a High Desert Valley
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1: Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway– Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway is a 129-mile route that traverses the northern outpost of the Spanish Territorial expansion that occurred in the 16th century. These “Ancient Roads” provide year-round panoramic vistas of the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountain ranges, the San Luis Valley, and the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Interpretive markers along the route tell the stories of settlement and the culture of the area. Brochures are available in museums and visitor centers | http://www.loscaminos.com | View on Interactive Map
2: San Luis Museum – The San Luis Museum and Cultural Center was constructed in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and houses an extensive collection of local works of art. Many Hispano arts traditions are showcased here including murals, religious items known as Santos, and embroidery. The complex also features a morada replica and a theater. Summer: daily 10am-4pm | Winter: Monday-Friday 9am-4pm| 719.672.3611 | http://www.museumtrail.org/SanLuisMuseum.asp | View on Interactive Map
3: Jack Dempsey Museum and Park– The Jack Dempsey Museum and Park is a tribute to the world champion heavyweight boxer. The museum, opened in 1966, is housed in the modest cabin where Dempsey was born and contains many personal artifacts including the boxing gloves he wore during a famous bout in New York. Memorial Day Weekend-September: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm | 719.843.5207 |http://www.museumtrail.org/JackDempseyMuseum.asp | View on Interactive Map
4: S.P.M.D.T.U. Concilio Superior– Formed in 1900, the Society of Mutual Protection of United Workers, also known as Sociedad Proteccion Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos, was the first mutual aid society established in the Valley to provide aid for widows and orphans and to counter discrimination toward Spanish speaking laborers and their families. The headquarters for the Society, built in Antonito in 1926, serves as an architectural icon for the Society’s ideals and the historic period.| View on Interactive Map
5: Adams State College, Luther Bean Museum– Housed in Richardson Hall, the original building at Adams State College, the Luther E. Bean Museum contains unique collectible antiques, a fine arts gallery including works by local artists, and the Woodard Collection of artifacts from around the world. Adams State Normal School, named for Governor Billy Adams of Alamosa, was founded in 1921 to provide higher education opportunities within the Valley. Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm | Other hours by appointment | 719.587.7151 | http://www2.adams.edu/lutherbean/ | View on Interactive Map
6: The History Center Museum at Homelake– The History Center Museum, located in the original dining hall at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake, houses memorabilia and records of the old Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home. Also on display are collections of military mementos, uniforms, and equipment donated to the museum by veterans and their families. The Museum has a library of military focus and a database of veterans connected to the San Luis Valley. Tuesdays: 9am-12pm &1pm-4pm | Other hours by appointment | 888.838.2687|http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/svnh/Homelake.htm | View on Interactive Map
7: Rio Grande County Museum – Many different groups have made their homes in the San Luis Valley, including miners, Hispano settlers, and Native Americans. The Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center interprets the history and culture of these people. In addition to exhibits, the museum offers lecture series and special programs for children. Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm | 719.657.2847 or 800.233.4403 | http://www.rgcm.org | View on Interactive Map
8: Silver Thread Interpretive Center – The Center provides a wealth of information about South Fork and the western reaches of the San Luis Valley as well as the historic and scenic stops along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 5pm | 800.571.0881 | View on Interactive Map
9: Saguache County Museum – The Saguache County Museum is an excellent place to learn about daily life in one of the Valley’s small, agricultural communities. While touring the museum’s themed exhibits, guests may feel as if they’ve journeyed back to a simpler time. Antique furniture, historic farming and ranching implements, and photographs of Saguache pioneers are just a few of the many items on display. MemorialDay-the 3rd Saturday in September: 9am to 4pm | 719.655.2805 |http://www.museumtrail.org/SaguacheCountyMuseum.asp | View on Interactive Map
10: Robertson’s Flour Mill– The original grist mill was constructed by Otto Mears int he 1860s to provide flour for the Indian Agency and the settlers of the northern area of the San Luis Valley. The Hotchkiss brothers, Enos and Preston, replaced the original mill with a three-story mill in 1873 and later sold it to the Robertson Family, who ran the operation for many years. It is the only water-powered mill still standing in the western United States. Tours by appointment only | 719.221.3869 | View on Interactive Map
11: Crestone School House– Crestone, located on the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley, is nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The valley views from Crestone are striking. The old Crestone Schoolhouse is a National Historic Register site that dates to the 1880s. This rural schoolhouse served local schoolchildren until 1949. CrestoneSchool House is located on Cottonwood Street at Carbonate Street | View on Interactive Map
