Colorado Gators Reptile Park

* In the town of Antonito, you can jump aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. It's one of America's oldest existing railroads, constructed in 1880 to service the mining industry. It originally ran from Alamosa through Antonito, Chama, Durango, and Silverton, CO. Today you can ride the train between Antonito and Chama, N.M. and view 64 miles of the beautiful San Juan Mountains, the Mud and Rock Tunnels, Toltec Gorge, Phantom Curve, and many other breathtaking views. Call 888-286-2737 or visit www.cumbrestoltec.com

* In the winter of 1807, Lieutenant Zebulon Pike built a small stockade near McIntire Springs, warm natural springs that thawed the frozen Conejos River. Not knowing he was on Spanish soil, Pike was captured and taken to Sante Fe. Pike's Stockade is a Colorado State Historical Society site and located approximately 7 miles east of La Jara. Directions from Alamosa, take Main St. east to Ladue, south on Ladue to 12th St., left on 12th St. and take South River Road south for 13 miles. Check out www.zebulonpike.net

* Manassa's most famous figure was heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey, who left the community to make a life outside the San Luis Valley. He won the heavyweight championship in 1919, after knocking out Jesse Willard, but he lost it to Gene Tunney in 1926. The Jack Dempsey Museum, in his honor, was dedicated in Manassa in 1966, is housed in the cabin in which Dempsey was born. It contains several artifacts of the Manassa Mauler's career, including the gloves he wore in the New York fight and numerous black-and-white photographs, which line the walls. Open Memorial Weekend and close Labor Day weekend also. Call (719) 843-5207 or visit: www.museumtrail.org/JackDempseyMuseum.asp 
 
* Three miles east of Manassa on Hwy 142 go 1/2 mile north on the dirt access road to the Colorado Division of Wildlife area. 719-587-6900