Colorado (USA)

There is hardly another state in the USA which has such a lively history as Colorado. Ancient Native American cultures, gold diggers, Wild West heroes, even dinosaurs - anyone who has been here does not forget Colorado easily.
It is certainly largely a matter of good luck that countless relics from the past have been especially well preserved here. This is particularly true of the mountain area around Pike's Peak, a former inland sea with countless fossils, and the Dinosaur National Monument, where dinosaur bones are often uncovered. However, it is the conservation of this historic inheritance that has increasingly been stressed in recent years. Some places have even been rebuilt according to historical models and offer visitors a fascinating insight into a world which was completely different to our own. Examples include Bent's Old Fort National Historic site, which shows how fur trade posts in the area looked around 1830. Even more impressive is the reconstructed town of Buckskin Joe, where one can plunge into the world of the Wild West - the creators even remembered to include orchestrated shootouts. Many towns bear the marks of the Gold Rush in the 19th century. Some of these are deserted today and have decayed into ghost towns; others, such as Breckenridge, Central City, and Black Hawk, have maintained their heritage and impress with their old-fashioned charm.
The climax of any visit to Colorado is the capital, Denver, which seems to unite all the attributes of the state. Here, just a stone's throw from the mighty Rocky Mountains, a connection to nature can be strongly felt. In many places Denver's past as a cowboy town can be clearly seen and is recorded in several museums. At the same time, this is one of the most advanced metropolitan areas of the USA and, with a cultural programme recognised across the country and excellent shops and entertainment venues, has something to offer every taste.