Colorado’s top quirky attractions

Colorado isn’t named the colorful state for no reason.

From UFO sightings to high-spirited activity, check out these six spots which all have a unique story to tell.

Bishop Castle, Rye

Built entirely by one man over 60 years, Bishop Castle is one of the most impressive monuments of perseverance in Colorado. John Bishop bought the land for $450 when he was just 15, and soon after began construction. He built three floors of interior rooms complete with a Grand Ballroom, soaring towers and bridges with vistas of a hundred miles. There is a fire-breathing dragon too. Bishop Castle is an unforgettable architectural gem that is always open to the public, free of charge.

UFO Watchtower, Hooper

One woman’s UFO-themed campground, complete with self-built energy vortexes, UFO-themed weddings, and magic bushes is another’s space-themed playground. The plot of land – which is now home to the UFO Watchtower – was already used by UFO spotters.  In a genius way to monetize, Messoline (the owner) made it official by setting up an observation tower, campground and gift shop for the extraterrestrial obsessives. Those willing to describe their UFO sightings on camera, will go home with a free UFO-themed frisbee. Also an artist, Messoline will point travelers in the direction of many built sights including a rock garden, healing garden and two “energy vortexes”. Other highlights include two large aliens that guard the entrance, a dome-shaped gift shop and a magic bush – which is still yet to be confirmed magical.

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park

Named one of the world’s best horror tales of all time, Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’ stemmed from a stay at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. The hotel was recommended to the author and his wife, but, on arrival, they found they were the only guests staying that night, creating an eerie feel which birthed the idea of the Overlook Hotel. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, The Stanley Hotel was built 115 years ago and still retains its history, attracting a large number of The Shining fans each year. The interior has been renovated over time but still has a turn-of-the-century feel and is said to have ‘high spirited activity.’ 

Fifty-Two 80’s, Denver

This modern antique shop is a museum for 1980’s Saturday morning cartoon culture. Nestled at the end of an antiques district in southern Denver, Fifty-Two 80‘s is a tightly packed inventory of nostalgia made up of 4,500 items. It includes pinball machines, action figures, stuffed toys, posters, board games, cassette tapes, video game cartridges and Halloween masks.

Linger Eatery, Denver

Once a mortuary that held the remains of Buffalo Bill, this Denver hotspot is now one of the coolest eateries in Denver. The site is the former base of the Olinger family’s funeral business and famed mortuary, which was once responsible for organizing half of the city’s funerals, including the retention of Buffalo Bill Cody’s body in 1917 while Wyoming and Colorado argued over who would provide his final resting place (Colorado won). When the space was purchased by its new owners, they immediately embraced the spot’s morbid history and dark interior.

Magic Mushroom House, Aspen

Popular with the rich and famous – such as Andy Warhol and Hugh Hefner – this Magic Mushroom House was created in the 1970s over six years by architect Andre Ulrych. His first time building a house, he believed the best way to tap into his creativity was to trip on mushrooms and see the outcome. From there, the Magic Mushroom House was born. The house is now a holiday home for Peter and Patty Findlay who purchased it from actress and former Playboy model Barbi Benton.

For more information, visit: https://www.colorado.com/

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