Things to Do in Dillon, Colorado

The town of Dillon lies in the heart of Summit County, Colorado, with easy access from I-70 at Exit 205. The town and the surrounding communities of Silverthorne and Frisco make for an outdoor adventure mecca year-round. In the summer, the Reservoir (known by locals as Lake Dillon) is the crown jewel, beckoning with inviting watersports that are unique in this landlocked state. The alpine lake is an inviting attraction for boating, rafting, and fishing—and simply enjoying the laid-back lifestyle of a water community.

History

Like so much Colorado history, Dillon’s story dates back to the Gold Rush. Prospectors discovered gold near the headwaters of the Blue River in 1859, and modern-day Summit County’s population skyrocketed as hopeful miners flocked to the area to make their fortunes. The town was incorporated in the early 1880s, but the idea to dam the Blue River didn’t take shape until the early 20th century. The earth-filled dam wasn’t actually completed until 60 years later.

Lake Dillon Attractions

In the summer, Dillon becomes one of the country’s most unique lake towns. The 26 miles of shoreline along the reservoir give the destination a decidedly beach-like feel. At the Dillon Marina—the highest deep-water marina in North America—you can rent water toys galore, from personal watercraft to sailboats. Visitors can rent fishing and pontoon boats in addition to waterski-ready craft.

Themed boat tours include Women and Wine on the Water and Historic Boat Tours, which tells the fascinating story of the area’s rich history. It’s possible to book a charter cruise. The marina even has a sailing school, where you can take an introduction to sailing course or get basic keelboat instruction. A water shuttle that takes people (and their bikes) back and forth between the marinas in Dillon and Frisco. It’s a great way to spend some time on the water and enjoy a one-way bike ride back to your home base.

The Lakeside Amphitheatre

Catch a free lakeside concert at the newly renovated Lakeside Amphitheatre every Friday and Saturday night from June through early September. Taking place each weekend, the concerts feature a wide variety of acts, including national headliners like George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, in addition to local favorites. You’ll find rock, jazz, folk, and orchestral offerings throughout the summer. Movies on the Water are offered on Sundays in July and August, and classic films are shown at the amphitheater weekly. Behind the amphitheater, you’ll find a sandy beach known as Dillon’s North Shore, which is a great spot for relaxing and enjoying the lake.

Farmers Markets

The Farmers Market features a wide variety of Colorado-grown produce, artisan goods, and crafts, with live music giving it a festive flair. This Market runs every Friday from June through September, making it the perfect place to grab something to go for a picnic on the reservoir. Visitors will find one of the state’s best-known farmers markets with lots of Colorado-grown produce in addition to locally produced cheeses, meats, honey, confections, and bread, just to name a few.

Local artists exhibit unique clothes and jewelry, handmade pottery and crafts, health/beauty products, and even home goods. Live music gives the market a festival-like atmosphere and a kid’s area with games, entertainment, and live performances. It’s a family-friendly way to spend the morning. You can even start the day right with Yoga in the Park, which is available just as the market opens at 9 a.m.

Dillon for Kids

Bring the kiddos to Marina Park, a great spot to play and have lunch with the family. You can also learn and observe at Dillon’s Nature Preserve or relax at the Town Park. If the Wild West has you hungry for knowledge, check out the Summit Historical Society’s Schoolhouse Museum. Don’t forget to check out the numerous tennis, basketball, and bocce ball courts. If the Wild West has you hungry for knowledge, check out the Summit Historical Society’s Schoolhouse Museum.