Wake up with a leisurely walk through time and history!
Step into the celebrated and storied past with the Telluride Historical Museum at this year’s Telluride Jazz Festival. The Historical Museum will host a Historical Walking Tour on Saturday morning, August 14, allowing attendees to explore the unique history of the charming town. Attending the Historical Walking Tour, along with touring the museum is great way to discover the mining, Ute Native American, ski and festival history that has earned Telluride the designation of a National Historical Landmark.
In addition, the Museum offers free admission to their exhibits for festival pass-holders throughout the festival weekend.
Historical Walking Tour
It is a place of legend, nestled at the end of a lush canyon and surrounded by waterfalls flowing from some of the most rugged peaks in the Rocky Mountains. The natural beauty of Telluride is unmatched by anywhere in the country and perhaps the world. The town stretches eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long and boasts 300 days of sunshine each year. With colorful Victorian-era homes, clapboard storefronts, boutiques, art galleries, gourmet restaurants, historic buildings and more, Telluride is truly a delight to explore. The friendly locals are embraced for our authentic mountain character, unpretentious attitude, and celebration of adventure. Our town is committed to preserving Telluride's historically significant architecture, open space, traditional design elements and, most of all, Telluride’s small-town mountain lifestyle.
Because of its significant role in the history of the American West, the core area of Telluride was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964. This listing is the highest level of historic status available from the United States Secretary of the Interior. These sites are so special that they are eligible for consideration to become national parks.
Wake up with a leisurely walk through time and history with tour guide Ashley Boling from the Telluride Historical Museum to discover rich tales from the region’s past. Presenter and long-time local resident Ashley will guide visitors through Telluride’s storied past and celebrated landmarks.
The tour is limited to 40 participants, is free of charge and will start at 9 am (MT) in front of the Courthouse, across from Elks Park on Colorado Ave (Telluride’s Main Street).
Tour Outline
The tour begins with a discussion of the Native american influence in the valley. In addition, topics covered will also include the discovery of silver in 1872, the town's name change from Columbia to Telluride, regional transportation and the legendary Galloping Goose train.
The tour then moves into the Sheridan Opera House, covering the 1913 structure and notable artists who have performed there over the years. The tour also showcases the ground level rooms of the New Sheridan Hotel, and points out many original features of the lobby, ladies waiting room, restaurant, and saloon.
The tour wraps up at the site of Butch Cassidy's first attempted and successful bank robbery along with a brief overview of the colorful red light district.
History
In 1964, the town of Telluride was designated a National Historic Landmark as one of the most important places associated with mining history in the United States. With just one glance down Colorado Avenue, you’ll see the preserved Victorian Style architecture holding timeless stories of the wild west.
Registrations
Those interested in participating in the walking tour can reserve their spot and get free tickets at the link below! Participants are encouraged to arrive to the Courthouse steps 10-15 minutes early ready to to do a few blocks of walking and about an hour of standing. The tour will conclude back at the courthouse.
Free Museum Admission
Show your Telluride Jazz Festival wristband at the Telluride Historical Museum during the festival weekend and receive free admission! Situated in a historic, refurbished 1896 hospital, The Telluride Historical Museum brings Telluride’s past to life through exhibits, tours and events. The exhibits feature artifacts that highlight eras in the region's diverse history. The museum also employs expert historians to offer tours and insight of the museum and the many historic landmarks around town.