Range Riders Museum | Miles City

Information

Landmark: Range Riders Museum
City: Miles City
Country: USA Montana
Continent: North America

Range Riders Museum, Miles City, USA Montana, North America

Historic Downtown Durango is a preserved commercial and residential district located in Durango, Colorado, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The district features a concentration of late 19th and early 20th-century commercial buildings constructed primarily from brick and stone. Architectural styles include Victorian, Italianate, and Queen Anne, with many structures exhibiting ornate detailing, large display windows, and multi-story facades. Streetscapes are characterized by mature trees and a generally consistent building height.

Location & Access Logistics

Historic Downtown Durango is situated in the central business district of Durango, Colorado. It is bordered by 15th Street to the north, 6th Street to the south, East 2nd Avenue to the east, and West 1st Avenue to the west. The area is directly accessible from U.S. Highway 160. Parking is available in designated public lots and on-street metered parking. The Durango Transit bus system serves the downtown area with multiple routes, including Route 1 and Route 2, which stop at the Durango Transit Center located at 250 West 8th Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The district developed rapidly following the arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad in 1881, serving as a commercial hub for mining, ranching, and railroad operations. The majority of buildings were constructed between the 1880s and the 1920s. The area is situated within the Animas River Valley, a geological feature carved by glacial and fluvial processes over millennia.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, located at 471 Main Avenue. Shopping is available in over 200 retail establishments. Dining options include numerous restaurants and cafes. Walking tours focusing on historical architecture depart from the Durango Welcome Center at 813 Main Avenue. The Animas River Trail runs adjacent to the downtown area, offering pedestrian and bicycle access.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public restrooms are available at the Durango Transit Center and within several public parks. Shade is provided by mature trees along sidewalks and awnings on many buildings. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong throughout the district. Food vendors and restaurants are abundant within the downtown core.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, morning light (approximately 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) offers favorable illumination on building facades. The best months for weather are typically June through September, with average daily temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F. No specific tide requirements apply to this inland location.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical oddity is the survival of many original building structures despite the area's rapid growth and subsequent economic fluctuations. The Strater Hotel, built in 1882, is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former owner, Louis L. Strater.