The city of Durango is a mountain paradise. In fact, here at Legacy Properties West, we know that it tops several ‘Best Places to Live’ lists. Our diverse landscape begins with white-capped peaks, turns into red and purple mountains then transitions into desert scenery, all of which cradle a quiet green valley and a roaring river. With an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s no wonder Durango is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. But what about the other 65 days of the year? Some of them are snow days, perfect for hitting the slopes or grabbing some fresh backcountry powder. The others are rainy days but don’t worry, Durango has you covered. In the event that April showers rain on your parade, check out some of the rainy day activities Durango has to offer. 

Four Leaves Winery 

As soon as you enter this winery housed in a historic downtown building, the heady aroma of wine will excite your senses. Four Leaves Winery imports grapes from around the world to ferment, blend and bottle right in front of you. This is your personal winery and the perfect place to enjoy a rainy day, or any day really. They offer wine by the taste, by the glass or by the bottle. This is the only place in Durango that you can customize your own special wine. You can even design personalized labels for the bottle. This is truly an extraordinary experience in the heart of Durango. 

Powerhouse Science Center

Located on the banks of the Animas River, the Powerhouse Science Center is housed inside the historic AC (alternating current) power plant. Renovated and converted in 2011, the building remains a state and national historic place. Its original boiler room was kept intact and serves as the center’s theater. The museum is an interactive place that honors its past and focuses on energy-related themes throughout the exhibit spaces. Powerhouse is a site designed to spark curiosity, and you’ll find activities and exhibits that provide an inspiring look at energy past, present and future. The science center promotes hands-on adventure, learning, discovery and is open year-round.

Have a Cup o’ Joe at Durango Joes

If you want to enjoy a cup of coffee like a true local, Durango Joes is the perfect place to warm up on a rainy day. The first shop was established in 2004 by Joe and LeAnna Lloyd, generational locals with a “community first” mission to serve. With twelve regional locations including six in Durango, you’re sure to find a spot that makes you feel at home. The beverage menu includes specialty drinks, coffee blends and espresso to keep you warm and awake. To tame your hunger they offer pastries, breakfast burritos, freshly made sandwiches and salads, granola dishes and oatmeal. The next time the clouds roll in, find the Durango Joes in your neighborhood. 

Animas Museum

Step out of the rain, and back in time at the Animas Museum. The museum is housed in a historical school building that dates to 1904, when Animas City was its own municipality. Animas Museum is owned and operated by the La Plata County Historical Society with a mission of preserving La Plata County’s history and culture. This charming local history museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs for all ages. It’s the perfect place to spend a rainy day with the whole family browsing exhibits, as well as visiting the research library and photo archives.

Bookcase and Barber

What could be more fun than hiding out in a secret speakeasy while dodging the rain? If you’re feeling a bit long in the whiskers or starting to get a little shaggy, you can schedule some grooming time at Durango’s upscale barbershop, Bookcase and Barber. Then, if you know the secret password you can wash away the rainy day blues beyond the bookcase. Don’t worry, the password can generally be found on their website. Once you utter it, a hidden door is triggered inviting you to step back into the Prohibition era in a vintage, velveteen turn-of-the-last-century cocktail bar. 

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

Another great place to avoid the rain is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum. Utilizing the old roundhouse, in 1998 the DSNGR created the 12,000 square-foot museum in eight of the 15 stalls. Throughout the years, families and old railroad workers alike have provided artifacts that tell the history of riding the rails. The museum staff is familiar with both historic and modern railroad practices, offering a wealth of knowledge to guests. The Railroad Museum is a great place to learn more about the steam engine as well as local history. 

So, the next time it rains, you could of course spend some time browsing Durango properties with one of our Legacy Properties West agents. But, once you’ve chosen the perfect homes to view consider finding one or two of the above-listed locations to while away the day.