Ski towns, summer, and affordability aren't always synonymous. But tucked away in Colorado we found all three...
Located 2.5 hours from Denver, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a popular winter destination, allows budget-minded families to experience summertime fun on a dime. With many attractions under $20 (and many for free), families can experience the authentic West, the great outdoors and exciting local culture.
Located 2.5 hours from Denver, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a popular winter destination, allows budget-minded families to experience summertime fun on a dime. With many attractions under $20 (and many for free), families can experience the authentic West, the great outdoors and exciting local culture.
Free summertime special events in Steamboat Springs:
112th annual Cowboys Roundup Days and Fourth of July Parade, July 4. The spectacular Fourth of July Parade, the entertaining Pioneer Block Party and the Ski Jumping Extravaganza are all completely free over this festive weekend, not to mention a dazzling fireworks display known for launching record-sized pyrotechnics.
Photo credit: SSCRA
34th annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo/41st annual Art in the Park, July 11-12. The most colorful weekend of the summer is also one of the most affordable. The whole family can wander the launch field where 30 hot air balloons take off, and you may even be asked to help inflate a balloon! After breakfast, head over to the Art in the Park fair, featuring a vast array of creative goods and crafts.
USA Pro Challenge overall race start, Aug. 14-18. Be there when the best cyclists in the world take on the grueling route across the Colorado Rockies in the fifth annual USA Pro Challenge race, and experience a front row seat to watch the world’s greatest road cyclists fly down winding country roads.
Top 9 Steamboat Summer activities under $20:
- Hike to Fish Creek Falls ($5 parking)
- Visit to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs and Old Town Hot Springs (from $10)
- Tube the Yampa River (from $15)
- Ride the Howler Alpine Slide (from $9)
- A visit to the Yampa River Botanic Park (FREE)
- Dive into local history at the Tread of Pioneers museum (from $4)
- Mini golf and the maze at Amaze’n Steamboat Family Fun Park (from $6)
- Ride the Yampa River Core Trail on a cruiser bike and picnic in a local park (bike rentals from $9)
- Giddy up at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series (from $18 for adults)
Dining out for less:
When it comes to meals, Steamboat Springs also offers a number of options for dining out on a dime.
When it comes to meals, Steamboat Springs also offers a number of options for dining out on a dime.
For breakfast, there's The Shack Café. Visitors can feel right at home in this breakfast and lunch spot, a local favorite since 1969. Recommended: the Spicy Heuvos.
For lunch, try Cugino’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant. Visitors can experience authentic Italian food in a casual atmosphere with views of the ski jumps at Howelsen Hill. Recommended: the fried artichoke appetizer.
For dinner, there's Eureka. This restaurant specializes in fast casual Mediterranean-style cuisine, and is located in the heart of Yampa Street with a full bar. Recommended: the specialty pizza menu.
Get thrifty with souvenirs:
Souvenirs aren’t just procured in your average T-shirt shop. Take home a one-of-a-kind memento or search for secondhand style at downtown thrift stores like Rummagers Thrift Store on 11th Street and Deja Vu Boutique on Lincoln Avenue.
Insider’s tip:
Stop by the Visitor Center at 125 Anglers Drive on the way into Steamboat Springs. There you’ll have access to a multitude of coupon books offering special deals on everything from massages and food to shopping and outdoor adventures. In addition to savings, the coupon books are great for scoping out ideas for how to plan the day.
About Steamboat Springs: A Northwest Colorado gem just 2.5 hours from Denver, Steamboat Springs is a year-round outdoor playground and historic resort town where western heritage meets abundant adventure. Summertime in Steamboat means miles of single track and endless county roads, tubing the Yampa and soaking in the hot springs, golfing among the peaks and valleys, and exploring the abundant lakes, rivers and streams that dot the landscape. Downtown Steamboat Springs pays tribute to its ranching roots with a renowned weekly rodeo, heritage shops and outfitters, and a culinary community that takes homegrown to new heights. Throughout the summer Steamboat blooms with activity from Lincoln Avenue to the mountain base and beyond.
Photo credit: Corey Kopischke
For information on any of the events and attractions mentioned, visit www.steamboatchamber.com.
About Steamboat Springs: A Northwest Colorado gem just 2.5 hours from Denver, Steamboat Springs is a year-round outdoor playground and historic resort town where western heritage meets abundant adventure. Summertime in Steamboat means miles of single track and endless county roads, tubing the Yampa and soaking in the hot springs, golfing among the peaks and valleys, and exploring the abundant lakes, rivers and streams that dot the landscape. Downtown Steamboat Springs pays tribute to its ranching roots with a renowned weekly rodeo, heritage shops and outfitters, and a culinary community that takes homegrown to new heights. Throughout the summer Steamboat blooms with activity from Lincoln Avenue to the mountain base and beyond.
Photo credit: Corey Kopischke
For information on any of the events and attractions mentioned, visit www.steamboatchamber.com.
