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Happy Birthday Colorado! Celebrate with Free Entry at Museums & Parks

Colorado Day celebrates our state's 147th birthday this year!

By Kyrie Collins, Macaroni KID Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock-Lone Tree Publisher July 26, 2023

On August 1, 1876, Ulysses S. Grant signed the proclamation that made Colorado the 38th state. "Colorado Day" is a time to celebrate what makes Colorado a unique and invaluable part of the United States.


FREE Admission to History Colorado Center


In honor of Colorado's 147th birthday, you can enjoy FREE admission to History Colorado Center on Tuesday, August 1. Reserve your free tickets online.

Arts and crafts, live music, snacks, and alpacas are just the tip of the snow cone at this carnivalesque gathering fit for an entire state. Bring your friends and family because it's time to party!


NEW THIS YEAR! Enjoy an evening concert with a selection of music celebrating the best of Colorado under the gentle glow of candlelight. The program includes songs by John Denver, Jimmy Buffet, One Republic, and many others.

The program is recommended for ages 8 and older; an adult must accompany anyone under 16. Tickets are $35-$65. Purchase yours here.


FREE Admission to Colorado State Parks


Each year, Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) offers free admission at all Colorado State Parks on the first Monday of August, which is August 7 for 2023. Park entrance is free, but activities like fishing and camping still require a valid license and permit. Visit cpw.state.co.us/colorado-day for more details.

Nearby State Parks to consider:

Active duty military members, veterans, and National Guard members can enjoy free admission for the entire month of August. Any state park or CPW office can issue a free August pass beginning August 1. Download the flyer with full details.


FREE Festivities throughout Capitol Hill


Learn more about our great state with an interactive scavenger hunt through Capitol Hill from July 28–August 6. The scavenger hunt will lead you to the Molly Brown House Museum, History Colorado, and the Colorado Capitol grounds. The scavenger hunt is family-friendly and free, but you must register in advance. Sign up here!

All three sites will have special activities on August 1.

  • The Molly Brown House (1340 Pennsylvania St.) offers free self-guided tours from 9:30 AM–4:30 PM. Visit three floors of Mrs. Brown's home as well as the temporary exhibit, The World Is Changing: Margaret at the World's Fair
  • Take a free guided tour of the Colorado State Capitol (200 E. Colfax Ave.) from 9:30 AM–3:00 PM on Colorado Day, including a trip to the dome to get a 360˚ view of Denver. Additional festivities from 10:30 AM–1:00 PM include themed presentations, a book signing with local authors, baked goods, and more. 
  • Enjoy free admission and lots of fun activities at History Colorado (1200 Broadway)!