When rain clouds gather over Estes Park, the adventure doesn’t have to stop. While many visitors come for outdoor excitement, rainy days offer a perfect opportunity to explore the town’s indoor attractions. Discover local culture, art, and history, or still get some adventurous thrill with rock climbing, bowling, and an escape room! Here’s your guide to making the most of a rainy day with experiences that will keep your spirits high.
Crafting
Local art studios provide a perfect way to spend a cloudy afternoon creating! The Creativity Cabin offers activities for all ages, where you can make memories by painting ceramics, canvas, wood, and more. Explore the world of artistry and handcrafted wonders at the Inspired Artisan Market. Choose from a variety of crafts like painting, jewelry-making, or woodworking, and unleash your inner artist. Head over to Bear & Bee Maker’s Studio, home to Colorado’s one-of-a-kind “Art Bar,” where you can try out projects from pottery wheel throwing to stained glass!
Hit the Theater
Catch a movie at the Historic Park Theatre, one of America’s oldest-running movie theaters. This venue adds a unique twist with its haunted reputation, blending cinematic entertainment, history, and delicious snacks and drinks. Feel a chill down your spine as you enjoy a classic film in a setting steeped in history. Visit the family-owned and-operated Reel Mountain Theater for great films and famously delicious popcorn, open every day of the year! The Reel Mountain also offers free movies on Saturday mornings throughout the summer!
Conquer Indoor Rock Climbing at The Mountain Shop
If you’re craving some adrenaline, head to the Estes Park Mountain Shop. Test your skills on their impressive indoor rock climbing walls. Suitable for all ages and experience levels, this activity allows you to challenge yourself while staying dry. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to provide tips and ensure your climbing adventure is both safe and exhilarating.
Discover the Secrets of The Stanley Hotel
An iconic landmark, The Stanley Hotel offers more than just luxurious lodging; it’s a trove of history and mystery. Take a guided tour and walk through the halls that inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining.” Learn about the hotel’s storied past, its famous guests, and the eerie occurrences that add to its legend. For an extra thrill, attend a magic show in the on-site speakeasy lounge with Aiden Sinclair’s Underground.
Explore a Museum
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Estes Park by visiting a museum! The Estes Park Museum offers fascinating exhibits that highlight the area’s past, from its early settlers to its development as a popular tourist destination. Take a step back in time at the MacGregor Ranch Museum, the last remaining working cattle ranch in Estes Park. Opened to the public in 1973, this museum welcomes summer visitors to discover how the MacGregor family lived from 1873 to 1970. Don’t miss the chance to visit the 1904 home of F.O. and Flora Stanley with a tour of the Stanley Home Museum.
Visit Local Breweries and Distilleries
Rainy days are perfect for indulging in local flavors, and Estes Park boasts several breweries, distilleries, and a charming winery. Spend a leisurely afternoon tasting at Rock Cut Brewing Company, Full Throttle Saloon, and The Barrel, each offering unique craft beverages in friendly atmospheres. Sip wine in the cozy setting of Snowy Peaks Winery, often accompanied by live music, or enjoy a local brew at Lumpy Ridge Co. Publick House in the heart of downtown for an authentic local brewery experience.
“Strike” Up Some Fun
Enjoy a few games of bowling, challenge each other in the arcade, or catch live music performances at The Bull Pin. Also featuring big-screen televisions, dueling pianos, a full bar, and a cozy patio area there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect spot to stay entertained and dry while you wait for the clouds to part.
Unlock Mystery in Estes Park’s Escape Room
Spend 60 minutes as an explorer navigating through intricately designed scenarios such as an archaeologist’s hut or the mythical gates of Atlantis at Time Emporium Escape Room. These immersive experiences will challenge your mind and provide an unforgettable adventure, perfect for a rainy day.
Unwind with a Spa Day
Pamper yourself with a spa day at one of Estes Park’s luxurious spas. Treat yourself to a massage or facial at The Qi Lounge Wellness Spa, or experience restorative therapies, organic skincare, and customized massage at Elements of Touch Wellness Spa.
So, don’t let the drizzle dampen your plans when the next storm rolls into Estes Park. With plenty of indoor activities, you can still create priceless memories and have an unforgettable experience.
