ASTRO logo
Present

Facts for Kids

Durango is a picturesque city in Colorado, known for its rich history, outdoor adventures, and vibrant culture.

main image
Description of image
Explore the internet with AstroSafe
Search safely, manage screen time, and remove ads and inappropriate content with the AstroSafe Browser.
Download
Inside this Article
Snowboarding
Rio Grande
Mountains
San Juan
Did you know?
๐Ÿž๏ธ Durango is known for its stunning natural scenery and outdoor recreational activities.
๐Ÿš‚ The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a historic train that offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains.
๐ŸŽฟ Durango is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding at Purgatory Resort.
๐ŸŒž With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Durango boasts a lovely climate for year-round activities.
๐Ÿ’ง The Animas River runs through Durango, providing opportunities for white-water rafting and kayaking.
๐ŸŽจ Durango has a vibrant arts scene, featuring galleries, theaters, and annual festivals.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ The town has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, with many preserved buildings from that era.
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Durango is famous for its local craft breweries and delicious farm-to-table dining options.
๐Ÿšดโ€โ™€๏ธ The city offers numerous biking trails, making it a favorite for cycling enthusiasts.
๐ŸฆŒ Wildlife viewing is abundant in the surrounding areas, with opportunities to see deer, elk, and various bird species.
Show Less
Description of image
Become a Creator with DIY.org
A safe online space featuring over 5,000 challenges to create, explore and learn in.
Learn more
Overview
Welcome to Durango! ๐ŸŒ„

Durango is a friendly city located in the southwestern part of Colorado, USA. With a population of about 19,000 people, it is known for its beautiful mountains, rivers, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking. The city is also important for its rich history with the famous narrow-gauge train that takes visitors on scenic rides through the San Juan Mountains. ๐Ÿ”

๏ธ Durango is a great place for kids and families to explore nature, enjoy thrilling adventures, and learn about the past!
Read Less
Economy
Durango's economy is diverse! ๐Ÿ’ผ

The main industries are tourism, education, and health care. Many people visit Durango to experience the natural beauty and thrilling outdoor fun. The ski resorts attract many winter sports lovers, while events such as the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown ๐ŸŽถ bring music fans together! Local businesses, such as shops and restaurants, add to the economy too. There are also colleges and schools that provide jobs for teachers and staff. Durango supports many families and helps them thrive through various jobs and activities! ๐Ÿ™

๏ธ
Read Less
History
Durango was founded in 1880 during the silver mining boom! ๐Ÿ’ฐ

The name comes from a town in Mexico. The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad played a big role in Durango's growth because it helped transport silver and gold. ๐Ÿš‚

In 1882, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad started running, and today, itโ€™s a popular tourist attraction! The city was once home to a mix of Native American tribes before it became a bustling mining town. Many historic buildings still stand, telling stories of Durango's wild and exciting past!
Read Less
Education
Durango values education! ๐Ÿ“š

The city has several schools providing quality education for children. The Durango School District serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade. There are also schools that focus on arts, sciences, and outdoor education! Beyond high school, kids can choose to attend Fort Lewis College, where they can learn more and prepare for future careers. ๐Ÿซ

The community often comes together to support classrooms with programs, field trips, and activities that make learning fun and engaging for everyone!
Read Less
Geography
Durango is surrounded by the stunning San Juan Mountains. ๐ŸŒ‹

It sits at an elevation of about 6,512 feet (1,985 meters) above sea level, making it a beautiful place to visit! The Animas River flows right through Durango, offering fun spots for fishing and rafting. ๐ŸŒŠ

In winter, nearby mountains are perfect for skiing or snowboarding! Durango has a lovely mix of nature and city life, with parks, forests, and plenty of fresh air to enjoy. The landscape changes with the seasons, bringing colorful leaves in fall and snow-covered hills in winter! ๐ŸŒˆ

Read Less
Notable People
Durango celebrates many notable people! ๐ŸŽ–

๏ธ One famous resident was Butch Cassidy, who was known as a legendary outlaw in the Wild West. He spent time in Durango during his adventurous life. Another is actress and singer, Anne Bancroft, who was an award-winning performer! ๐ŸŽญ

Additionally, the area is home to many talented artists, musicians, and athletes who contribute to its creative community. Durangoโ€™s rich history and vibrant culture continue to inspire people, making its notable figures a source of pride for the city! ๐ŸŒŸ

Read Less
Transportation
Getting around Durango is easy and fun! ๐Ÿš—

The city has roads that connect to nearby towns and attractions. For visitors, the Durango-La Plata County Airport is nearby, making travel simple. ๐Ÿš‰

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers scenic train rides to enjoy breathtaking views! ๐Ÿšˆ

In town, you can walk or ride a bike to visit parks or shops. Local buses serve as a great way for people to travel around the city. ๐Ÿšฒ

With many options to explore, there's always a way to discover Durango's wonders!
Read Less
Culture and Events
Durango is rich in culture! ๐Ÿ–ผ

๏ธ The city hosts many exciting events throughout the year. One of the most famous is the Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering, where cowboys share stories and poems about ranch life. ๐Ÿค 

The Durango Film Festival showcases movies from various filmmakers, and the Animas River Days features fun water sports and a parade! ๐ŸŽ‰

There are also local art galleries, music festivals, and delicious food options, celebrating the blend of cultures that make Durango unique. Visitors can enjoy great food like green chili and craft beer! ๐Ÿป

Read Less
Outdoor Activities
If you love the outdoors, Durango is the perfect place! ๐Ÿž

๏ธ Kids can hike the beautiful trails of the San Juan Mountains, like the Animas Mountain Trail or the Colorado Trail. ๐Ÿšด

โ€โ™‚๏ธ Biking, fishing, and rafting on the Animas River are also popular summer activities! In winter, families can enjoy skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts like Purgatory Ski Resort. โ„

๏ธ There are also many parks for picnics, playgrounds, and fun! Outdoor adventures help people stay active while enjoying nature's beauty, making Durango an exciting spot for all ages!
Read Less

Try your luck with the Durango Quiz.

Try this Durango quiz and see how many you score!
Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next
Explore More