The entire downtown is listed on the National Historical Register for its turn-of-the-century architecture.
The district includes 80 historic structures, mostly two-story buildings, in the downtown commercial area of Cañon City. These are mostly on Main Street from 4th Street to 7th Street. They were built mostly during 1870-1920 of brick and stone and reflect Cañon City’s success as a regional trade center.
Cañon City is an epic whitewater town known for Arkansas River rafting and the Royal Gorge. It has a relatively large historic downtown for a town of its size, and sits about 45 minutes west of Pueblo and an hour southwest of Colorado Springs at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
The river cuts through the famous gorge just west of downtown, and there is a famous bridge that visitors can cross if they’re feeling adventurous. The town has around 16,369 people as of 2020 and resides at 5,332 feet of elevation in Fremont County.
Similar to many other Colorado towns, Cañon City was originally settled by the Ute people. It eventually transformed into a supply town for nearby oil fields and their workers. Cañon City was founded in 1860 and incorporated twelve years later on April 3rd, 1872.
Once its population grew enough, it actually was up against Denver for being named the state’s capital in the late 1860s. Denver narrowly won the contest.
Shortly after, the Denver and Rio Grande Railway was built through town, bringing even more life to the economy. It began serving as a hub for the shipping of manufactured items, agricultural goods, and minerals found in the area. Today, the economy is mostly supported by tourism and 10 correctional facilities situated around the town.
World-class whitewater rafting exists minutes from town and there are a number of outfitters to choose from. Arkansas River Rafting is available from June thru September, pending weather and water levels.
The headwaters of the river begin around Leadville, flowing south to Buena Vista, then Salida, and east to Cañon City and onto Pueblo and the Great Plains.
The world’s second highest suspension bridge hovers 1,053 feet over the Royal Gorge. There are several rides and attractions at the park in addition to the bridge including a cliff walk, aerial tram, incline railway, and Royal Rush Skycoaster. These are just a few of the highlights and activities at the Royal Gorge.
Delve into Canon City’s rich history by exploring its numerous cultural and historical attractions. There’s the Museum of Colorado Prisons where a person can learn about the fascinating stories of notorious outlaws and the lives of early settlers. The local art scene is covered at the Fremont Center for the Arts whilst the area’s Native American heritage is on show at the Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center.
The Canon City region is known for its wine and there are many vineyard tours and wine tasting opportunities. It’s a pretty nice way to wile away the time without a care in the world to sip on award-winning vintages amidst stunning vineyard landscapes, and learn about the winemaking process from passionate local producers. Raise a glass to the perfect blend of nature, culture, and exquisite flavours.