Steamboat’s LEED-Silver-certified public library graces the banks of the Yampa River downtown. In addition to the expansive book and magzine collection, there are public computers, library-wide wireless access, a lively children's section, story times for kids and adults, free films and author talks, a local history room and plentiful artistic and architectural details to enjoy. 970-879-0240 www.steamboatlibrary.org

Steamboat Art Museum Visit rotating Western art exhibits at the Steamboat Art Museum, housed in the historic First National Bank building, downtown. On exhibit (Dec. 17 - April 10) are paintings by Jim Norton, a member of the Cowboy Artists of America. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and noon-4 p.m. on Sundays. Located at 807 Lincoln Ave. 970-870-1755 www.steamboatartmuseum.com

Old Town

Downtown Steamboat is the heart of this historic ranching and skiing community. Howelsen Hill looms over streets lined with historic buildings, century-old businesses and quaint neighborhoods, plus modern shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.www.mainstreetsteamboatsprings.com

Howelsen Hill


Check out the oldest continuously operting ski area in the United States. You're bound to fnid future winter Olympians training on the slopes, the 70- and 90-meter ski jumps, and Nordic trails that rise behind downtown Steamboat. Try out ther training ground with a night ski or skate ski around the track.
970-879-8499

The Depot

Home of the Steamboat Springs Arts Council, this historic 1909 railroad-station-turned-gallery houses a wide variety of chnaging art xhibits, dance classes, theater and singer-sngwriter shows, and free foreign films on the thrid Friday of each month. Open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. and noon-5 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 1001 13th St., along the Yampa River  970-879-9008 www.steamboatspringsarts.com


Fish Creek Falls

Four miles east of downtown Steamboat Springs, a 283-foot waterfall pours out of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. This is an ideal spot for a short, handicap-accessible hike to the base of the falls; it is also jumping off point for miles of unpaved day hikes. From Lincoln Avenue, turn north on Third Street, then right on Fish Creek Falls Road. Folloit to the end. Daily parking fee: $5

Yampa River Core Trail

Seven scneic mile of multi-use paved trails wind through downtown and slong the Yampa River for walking, running and access to fishing holes. During Steamboat notorius three-wire winters, when the snodepth is known to exceed all three levels of barbed wite surrounding local ranches, the city's little blue tractors keep the rial clear of snow. Dotted with sculptures and natural springs along the way, the year-round trail acesses Howelsen Hill, prime fishing holes, the rodeo grounds, the Depot, quiet residentila neighborhoods and tranquil natural areas.970-879-4300

Tread of Pioneers Museum

Visit the museum housed in a 1908 Queen Anne-style Victorian home with turn-of-the-century furnishings for exhibits about local ranching, mining, Native American history and pioneer life – plus a comprehensive history of skiing exhibit tha includes a Snurfer, the first incarnation of a snowboard invented by part-time Steamboat resident Sherm Poppen. On display this winter s "Enduring voices: An exhibit celebrating the Ute people of the Yampa Valley." Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the corner of Eighth and Oak streets. $5 for adults; $4 for seniors over 62; $1 for children ages 6-12; 5 and under are frere. 970-879-2214 www.treadofpioneers.org