Happy birthday, Colorado! Our state turns 141 years old on Tuesday, August 1, and we've got some great ideas for celebrating Colorado Day!

Long before we enjoyed our state's gorgeous scenery and climate -- before we transplanted, before we were born, before our parents or grandparents were born or moved here -- there were Coloradans. And as they worked to make Colorado a state, they, too, must have known there was something special about this magical place with wild purple mountains, crisp air, and abundant silver and gold. [gallery size="full" ids="20450,20451,20449"] On August 1, 1876 -- not even a month after the United States celebrated its 100th birthday -- President Ulysses S. Grant welcomed Colorado as the 38th state. As a result, it was nicknamed the "Centennial State." Can you imagine what those original Coloradans would think if they could see our state now? Despite its rapid growth, Colorado is still arguably one of our country's best-kept secrets! Looking for ways to celebrate Colorado Day? We've got you covered! First, stop at Dunkin' Donuts. From Monday, July 31, through Sunday, August 6, Dunkin' Donuts customers will receive a free “Colorado donut” when they purchase a cold coffee of any size. colorado day  
Then, head to one of eight museums across Colorado that are offering FREE admission on Tuesday, August 1! The History Colorado Center is my personal favorite, and they'll be offering live performances, demonstrations, and celebratory activities all day long, as well as a birthday cake ceremony at 11:15 a.m. Other museums with free admission on Colorado Day include: Also, in honor of Colorado's birthday, all 41 of Colorado's state parks will offer FREE admission on Monday, August 7 (though Colorado Day is officially August 1, it is sometimes observed on the first Monday in August).   [gallery size="full" ids="20454,20453,20459,20456"] What other ways are local businesses and Coloradans celebrating Colorado Day? We'd love to hear about it in the comment section below! Happy birthday, Colorado!
Featured image of Crested Butte, Colorado, courtesy of westernmininghistory.com.

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J. Moore
A synesthete who sees the world in vivid color, Joy is all about soaking up life experiences -- and then translating those experiences into words. Freckle-faced and coffee-fueled, Joy is on a personal quest to visit all 50 states in her lifetime (40 down!), see all the Broadway musicals, and eat all the tacos. For fun, she plays the piano, diagrams sentences, and solves true crime stories from her couch, along with her husband of 20 years and their teenage daughter.
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