History of the Park
Durango Riverside Resort and RV park provides a safe place and a real community feel. It was established in 1996 as a KOA, but soon emerged into a private getaway. Today, Durango is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers accomodations for tent campers, RV stayers, and cabins for those who want the convenience of the indoors, but still the ruggedness of the outdoors. From the camp itself, you can bike, both mountain and road, hike, fish, and float down the river. This is an enticing park for exuberant vistitors year after year.
It all started with the Puebloans
The Puebloans were among the first residents of Durango. They discovered and developed the mesas in the south and western parts of Durango; today it is known as the Mesa Verde National Park. The Puebloans left their homes and hundreds of years later their abandoned city was discovered by the Ute Indians who enjoyed the plentiful land Durango had to offer. Much like the residents today, the Ute Indians thrived in Durango due to the abundant hunting and fishing the environment provided. As Mesa Verde shows, the homes were close together, providing a real sense of place and community nestled in the side of the mountain.
Trasnportation: The Railroad System
Due to the new railroad system built in the 1800's, the Silverton Branch which travled from Durango to Silverton through the Animas River Valley's mining camps, emerged as the center of industry and commerce. The town's main transportation before the railroad consisted of pack animals to haul materials over the rugged Continental Divide. The new railroad meant materials could be transported at high speeds throughout Durango. The railroad system has been attributed to the flourishment and creation of Durango and the building of hotels which brought in tourists and helped the economy grow.