April 12th recognizes the Centennial State and the 38th state to join the Union on National Colorado Day.
The first of the Four Corner States, Colorado is dominated by the Rocky Mountains. Prehistoric Colorado comes to life in the Florissant Fossil Beds. Discover one of the most abundant deposits of fossils in the world while taking in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

With plentiful wildlife and natural resources, the state makes a ready home. A city once thrived along the cliffs of Mesa Verde, populated by Ancient Pueblo.

Spanish first explored Colorado seeking streets paved with gold. After Colorado became a U.S. territory, Lieutenant Zebulon Pike explored the range of the newly acquired land. A summit he predicted would never be scaled bears his name today. Gold would be discovered setting off a fever in the mountains. A silver boom would soon follow.

Known as the Centennial State, Colorado entered the union in 1876.

Colorado Official

State Capital – Denver
State Motto – Nil sine Numine
State Nickname – The Centennial State
State Song – Rocky Mountain High
State Bird – Lark Bunting
State Fish – Greenback Cutthroat
State Tree – Colorado Blue Spruce
State Animal – Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
State Reptile – Western Painted Turtle
State Insect – Colorado Hairstreak Butterfly
State Fossil – Stegosaurus
State Flower – Rocky Mountain Columbine
State Rock – Yule Marble

National Parks and More

Rocky Mountain National Park provides breathtaking views, trails, skiing, camping and so much more. For the thrill seekers, Colorado hears your call. With an elevation higher than any other state, Colorado counts 53 mountain peaks that reach 14,000 feet or more making the state’s rugged landscape attractive for hikers and rock climbers.

Known as 14ers in the mountaineering world, these peaks are on a climbing to-do list.
Not only does Colorado have phenomenal skiing and snowboarding, but because the state has the tallest dunes in North America, sand boarding is also the best in the nation.

Space and technology play a pivotal role in Colorado. From the mysteries deep in the mountain at Colorado Springs to the 21st Space Wing. Of course, there is no lack of historical figures in the state. From the unsinkable Molly Brown to Buffalo Bill there is something for vintage enthusiasts and those who prefer to visit the old homestead days.

Colorado also stakes claim to the creation of the creamy and delicious root beer float! Those white frosty peaks of ice cream in churning dark root beer seem appropriate somehow for the Rocky Mountain State.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Explore the summits and valleys of Colorado. Take a hike over a rocky trail or visit the bustling capital city. Discover out of the way places and share your favorites by using #NationalColoradoDay to post on social media.

Hidden Treasures

National Ice Core Lab – Denver
The samples of glacial ice core samples are stored for scientific research.
Pikes Peak Summit House – Cascade
The only place to get donuts made at an altitude of 14,000 feet. Put that on your bucket list for National Doughnut Day!
Tiny Town and Railroad – Morrison
Morrison’s railroad town is a miniature adventure.
Mike the Headless Chicken Sculpture – Fruita
The town of Fruita and their Headless Chicken Sculpture named Mike hold an annual festival.
 

Florence Sabin – Physician – (November 9, 1871 – October 3, 1953)

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Paul Whiteman – Bandleader – (March 28, 1890 – December 29, 1967)

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Mary Cronin – Mountaineer – (April 1, 1893 – March 22, 1982)

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Marguerite Roberts – Screenwriter – (September 21, 1905 – February 17, 1989)

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Dalton Trumbo – Screenwriter – (December 9, 1905 – September 10, 1976)

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Mary McDonough Coyle Chase – Journalist – (February 25, 1906 – October 20, 1981)

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Willard Libby – Chemist – ( December 17, 1908 – September 8, 1980)

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Douglas Fairbanks – Actor – (December 9, 1909 – May 7, 2000)

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Ruth Handler – Businesswoman – (November 4, 1916 – April 27, 2002)

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Robert J Seiwald – Chemist – (March 26, 1925-)

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M. Scott Carpenter – Naval Officer – (May 1, 1925 – October 10, 2013)

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Norman Brinker – Businessman – (June 3, 1931 – June 9, 2009)

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Kenneth Kesey – Author – (September 17, 1935 – November 10, 2001)

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Marilyn Ferguson – Author – (April 5, 1938 – October 19, 2008)

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Larry Dunn – Keyboardist – (June 19, 1953 -)

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Francesca Woodman – Photographer – (April 3, 1958 – January 19, 1981)

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Johnny Spillane – Skier – (November 24, 1980)

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Colorado Flavors

Colorado Bulldog
Colorado Snowball
Lamb
Thick Dippable Crust
Olathe Sweet Corn
Palisade Peaches
Trout
Green Chili
Bison
Rocky Mountain Oysters