Free Colorado Day Celebration at Fort Uncompahgre in Delta

History comes to life this weekend as the Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center welcomes visitors for a free Colorado Day Open House celebrating Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood.

The event takes place Saturday, Aug. 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the reconstructed 1830s trading fort in Delta. Admission is free, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to explore one of the Western Slope's most distinctive historic attractions while commemorating Colorado's Sesquicentennial.

Guests can tour the reconstructed fur trading post, meet historical interpreters, and learn about the people and cultures that shaped early Colorado. Throughout the open house, visitors will discover the history of the Old Spanish Trail, the Rocky Mountain fur trade, mountain men, traders, and the Indigenous and multicultural communities that influenced the region long before Colorado became a state in 1876.

The event is designed for all ages, making it a family-friendly way to celebrate Colorado Day while gaining a deeper appreciation for the state's early history and the Western Slope's role in it.

Colorado officially became the 38th state on Aug. 1, 1876, earning the nickname the "Centennial State" because statehood came during the nation's 100th anniversary year. This year marks 150 years since that milestone, with communities across Colorado hosting special events throughout the summer.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a free local outing, the Colorado Day Open House offers an opportunity to experience living history in an authentic frontier setting.