Colorado is known for its great outdoors and the state’s most recognizable feature is probably the Rocky Mountains. There are many curious and fun facts about the famous landmarks in Colorado and the history of the state that sets it apart as a destination of its own.
These fascinating details on culture and history shed light on the struggles and triumphs of the state’s inhabitants. Here are some surprising, informative, and interesting facts about Colorado to know about.
Quick Facts And Statistics About Colorado
[As of 2022]
- Capital: Denver
- Population: 5.8 million (22nd Populous State in the U.S)
- Land Area: 104,094 sq mi / 269,837 km² (8th Largest in U.S)
- Nickname: The Centennial State
- Abbreviation: CO
- Statehood: August 1, 1876 (38th U.S State)
- State Bird: Lark Bunting
- State Flower: Blue Columbine
Historical Facts About Colorado
The History Of Human Habitation In Colorado Dates Back Over 13,000 Years!
A Colorado fun fact you may not know is the history of habitation in the state. Colorado’s modern-day borders have been settled for a lot longer than most people think.
To the north of the state, near the Wyoming border, is an excavation site known as the Lindenmeier site that contains items as old as 11,200 BC.
Nomads who followed bison herds into the region were the earliest inhabitants, and their distinctive arrowheads have helped archaeologists attribute them to the Folsom Tradition.
Spanish Explorers Were The First Europeans To Discover Colorado
Another cool fact about Colorado is about Europeans’ early exploration of the state. Conquistadors, like those who initially arrived in many other western US states, were the first Europeans to set foot in Colorado.
Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, a famous Spanish adventurer, probably traveled through the southeastern region of present-day Colorado in 1541 to find the legendary city of gold.
Europeans did not claim parts of present-day Colorado until 1598 when Don Juan de Oate Salazar established the colony of Santa Fe de Nuevo Méjico.
Denver is the only city to turn down an Olympic bid
In May of 1970, the International Olympic Committee decided to hold the 1976 Winter Games in the Mile High City.
Despite competition from places like Vancouver, Denver ultimately won. However, public opinion shifted following a series of botched designs and exaggerated cost estimates, and Denver finally relinquished the Olympics after voters rejected a bond issue to help pay for them. In the end, it was hosted in Innsbrook, Austria.
READ MORE: 14 BEAUTIFUL CASTLES IN COLORADO
Facts About Colorado For Tourists
You can Maintain a Simultaneous Presence In Four Locations
Surprisingly, there is a way to occupy more than two locations simultaneously. Colorado shares a border with Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah in its southwestern portion.
A remarkable phenomenon, as this is the only spot in the United States where the boundaries of four different states converge. To simultaneously be in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, visitors to Colorado should make their way to the Four Corners Monument.
The Deepest Hot Springs On Earth Can Be Found In Colorado
Located near Pagosa Springs, the Mother Spring aquifer is deeper than 1,002 feet. The mineral pools of The Springs Resort and Spa, The Overlook Hot Springs, and Healing Waters Resort and Spa are all heated by water from the same geothermal hot spring.
The great outdoors is one of the many things Colorado
Colfax Avenue Is America’s Longest Commercial Street
It’s the longest commercial street in the United States and runs right through the heart of Denver. The Colfax Marathon, a 26.5-mile endurance race is held annually on this street. It splits into East and West Colfax in Denver’s central business district and passes the state capitol building.
Interesting Facts About Colorado
The Highest Paved Road Is In Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re looking for the highest paved road in North America, go no farther than Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. At 12,183 feet, it is the highest point in the state.
58 Of Colorado’s Mountains Are Over 14,000 Feet
A popular fact about Colorado is the numerous mountains in the state. Colorado is home to the most incredible mountain concentration that rises at least 14,000 feet above sea level, also known as “14ers.” At 14,439 feet above sea level, Mount Elbert towers above the rest.
The Highest Incorporated City In The U.S Is Leadville, Colorado
The town’s historic downtown, museums, restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities keep this former mining center alive and well for visitors and locals alike. Every season is a good one to visit Leadville and experience a true taste of the Wild West.
The Name Colorado Means “colored Red”
Another interesting Colorado fact is the derivation of its name. The term originates from the Spanish due to the red silt the Colorado River carried out.
This legendary river begins its journey in Rocky Mountain National Park and makes its way south through Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, and California before entering Mexico. Its final destination is the country of Mexico.
Fun Facts About Colorado
The Cheeseburger Was Invented in Denver
If you are a fan of cheeseburgers, this is definitely one of the fun facts about Colorado to know.
Denver, Colorado, can claim official credit for creating the cheeseburger in 1935. Some say it was created much earlier, in the 1920s in Pasadena, California; others add spaghetti sauce to theirs, but the original patent and trademark for the dish belong to a man named Louis Ballast of the Humpty-Dumpty Drive-In in Denver.
Restaurant owner Gus Belt submitted the patent application. He was successful, and now we may claim that this region is the birthplace of that ubiquitous snack.
A Frozen Corpse Is Honored In Colorado
One weird fact about Colorado is the frozen dead guy. Frozen Dead Guys Days is a bizarre annual celebration of a deceased guy (who is still there, chilling in a Tuff Shed) in Nederland, Colorado, brought there by a Norwegian man who claimed to have brought the body of his grandpa in a cryogenic state. Events include a polar plunge, a procession of hearses, and a coffin race.
The First Teddy Bear Was Created In Colorado
One fun fact about Colorado you are unaware of is the creation of the first teddy bear.
The state of Colorado is the birthplace of the teddy bear. Because Teddy Roosevelt developed such a positive relationship with the staff at the Hotel Colorado, many maids worked together to build one as a gift for him.
Loveland, Colorado Receive More than 100,000 Valentine’s day cards Every Year
More than a hundred thousand Valentine’s Day cards are mailed to the post office in Loveland, Colorado, each year, stamped with love poetry, and returned to their senders. Now that’s one city that lives up to its name literally.
Colorado is the Headquarters of Western Union
As Colorado continues to build its economy, it strives to become a more attractive operations base for companies. The state is presently the home of the headquarters for Western Union, Spyder Skis, Smashburger, and Red Robin.
Weird Facts About Colorado
Here are some quick and weird facts about Colorado because… why not? That’s why they are weird.
Tall Dandelions are prohibited in Puebla
In Pueblo, Colorado, tall dandelions and other weeds are prohibited.
You Can Taunt A Police Office in Boulder, Colorado
In Boulder, it is reportedly acceptable to challenge, taunt, or insult police officers until they warn you to stop.
It is Prohibited To Sell Autos on Sunday
Sunday auto sales are prohibited throughout the state of Colorado.
It is Prohibited To Drink While Riding
In Boulder, it is illegal to drink and ride a horse.
You Will Be Arrested For Kissing A Sleeping Woman
Additionally, it is prohibited in Logan County, Colorado, to kiss a sleeping woman.
Discovering More Interesting And Fun Facts About Colorado
These are just some of the fun Colorado facts that make the state interesting, and there is no better way to uncover more of them than by experiencing the state yourself.
The Rocky Mountains is one of the major landmarks in Colorado and what gives the state its signature landscape. Hiking, rafting, climbing, and mountain biking are just a few mountain-inspired outdoor pursuits that have made Colorado famous.
The cities also have much to offer in culture and history, therefore you can be sure to enjoy some fun times while learning more about the state.
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