Dillon Colorado Tourism

The town of Dillon has quite a unique history. The town was first settled in the 1880’s at the scenic confluence of the Blue, Snake and Ten Mile Rivers, but the residents of Dillon were forced to move in the 1960s when the rivers were dammed to create the Dillon Reservoir.

Locally the body of water is known as Lake Dillon. Today, the Lake provides drinking water to the residents of Denver and recreational boating and fishing opportunities for Summit County’s visitors and residents. Dillon is very comfortable in its new location along the scenic banks of its namesake lake with many amenities in addition to the lake.

In the summertime, Dillon is alive with events, outdoor recreation opportunities and scenic views that will take your breath away. Lake Dillon thrives with sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and motor boating.

Above the lake is the Lake Dillon Amphitheatre, the venue for summer local theater, family programs and the ever popular free Saturday evening “Sunset at the Summit” concert series. Between the Marina and the Amphitheatre is the Marina Park, a public park, which is also home to the Friday Farmer’s Market. The Market runs mid-June through the middle of September.

In the wintertime, Dillon’s quaint and cozy atmosphere is a great alternative from the larger resorts for lodging, shopping and dining. Dillon is centrally located along the free bus routes and less than 20 minutes from any of the county’s ski areas. If you are looking for alternative outdoor activities, there are wonderful intermediate snowshoe and cross-country skiing opportunities at the Dillon Nature Preserve, which also offers some of the most spectacular views within Summit County. Another great option is Dillon’s self-guided historic walking tour around downtown Dillon, that focuses on the buildings and homes moved from the town’s original site prior to the completion of the dam.

With a large theater complex, the county’s only bowling alley, great shopping and dining, Dillon is one of the top attractions for family activities in the county. Shopping is abundant in Dillon from the Red Mountain Plaza to the Dillon Ridge Marketplace on Highway 6 and La Riva Del Lagos, a renaissance of commercial and new residences located in the heart of Dillon. Dining options range from Japanese to American to Italian, or pick up a picnic lunch at the deli. Dillon is home to two of Summit County’s most popular micro-breweries.

A variety of lodging opportunities are available in and around the town. Many of the accommodations provide spectacular views of Lake Dillon and the mountains as well as easy access to the county’s free transportation and just steps away from miles of paved bike path.

Lake Dillon Colorado