Dillon and Silverthorne

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Dillon and Silverthorne are adjacent towns in Northwestern Colorado. They offers outdoor activities in the Rocky Mountains, along with a thriving arts and shopping scene.

Understand

Silverthorne seen from Ptarmigan Peak. In the background Buffalo Mountain is on the left, while Red Mountain and Mount Silverthorne are located adjacent to each other to the right.

History

The original town of Dillon was built as a stage stop and trading post on the northeast side of the Snake River. By 1892 the town had been relocated twice, both times in order to be closer to railroad lines that were extended into the area. All three of these historic townsites were situated very close to the Blue River Valley confluence where the Snake River and Tenmile Creek flowed in, and this area is now referred to collectively as "Old Dillon".

During the Great Depression, Denver Water began acquiring land around Dillon. In 1956, residents and business owners in Dillon were notified that they would need to sell their property and move out, because Denver Water was about to begin construction on a dam just downstream from the town, and the resulting reservoir (which would help supply water to Front Range communities) was going to flood Dillon and the surrounding valley. About a mile to the north, some land on a hillside was set aside for the current townsite, which is now situated on the shoreline of Dillon Reservoir.

Silverthorne served as a makeshift camp for workers during the construction of the Dillon Reservoir from 1961 to 1963, and later as a stop along Interstate 70; it was eventually incorporated on April 5, 1967. Since 2016, the town of Silverthorne has hosted the Silverthon Games, an annual competition featuring a seasonally-based slate of individual and team events.

Local information

Get in

Dillon and Silverthorne are located on I-70 (exit 205), which is generally open year-round. The nearest major airport is at Denver.

Get around

See

  • 🌍 Silverthorne Performing Arts Center (Lake Dillon Theatre Company), 460 Blue River Pkwy, Silverthorne, ☏ +1 970-513-9386. The Silverthorne Performing Arts Center is a contemporary venue for creative and performing arts. Home to the Lake Dillon Theatre Company, the center features three performance spaces including two intimate “black box” theatres, two theatre classrooms, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, art exhibition areas, a full bar, and a kitchen. It’s open year-round and offers rotating exhibits. (updated Aug 2024)
Dillon Amphitheater

Do

  • 🌍 Dillon Reservoir (Lake Dillon). The Dillon reservoir supplies water for the City of Denver. It’s owned and operated by Denver Water, which is Colorado’s largest public water company. The U.S. Forest Services manages the surrounding campgrounds, which reside within the White River National Forest. Water sports are the main draw of Lake Dillon. (updated Aug 2024)

Buy

  • 🌍 Outlets at Silverthorne, 246-V Rainbow Drive, Silverthorne. M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Save 30-70% in name-brand stores such as Williams-Sonoma, Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Under Armour, GAP, Coach, Banana Republic, J Crew, Levi's and more. (updated Aug 2024)
  • 🌍 Dillon Farmers Market (Dillon Town Park along Buffalo and LaBonte Streets). Jun-Sep: F 9AM-2PM. Many Colorado products including produce, artisan goods and crafts. (updated Aug 2024)

Eat

  • 🌍 Bluebird Market, 325 Blue River Pkwy, Silverthorne, ☏ +1 303-216-0420. Su-Th 7AM-9PM, F Sa 7AM-10PM. Summit County's only food hall. Restaurants inside Bluebird Market include Summit Scoops Ice Cream, The Mighty Bar, Baja Chimayo, Colorado Marketplace & Bakery, Hook & Harvest, The Mighty Burger, Crepes A La Cart, Nomad Coffee House, Lazo Empanadas, Melody's Trattoria and Lucky Bird Chicken. (updated Aug 2024)
  • 🌍 Enza's Delicatessen & Market, 358-A Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne, ☏ +1 970-468-7518. Daily 7AM-3PM. (updated Aug 2024)
  • 🌍 Mint Steaks and Seafood (The Historic Mint), 347 Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne, ☏ +1 970-468-5247. Daily 5-9PM. Grill your own steaks and choose your sides and salads. Established in 1862, it is one of Colorado's oldest restaurants. (updated Aug 2024)
  • 🌍 Sauce on the Blue, 358-H Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne, ☏ +1 970-468-7488. Su-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F Sa 11:30AM-10PM. Italian (updated Aug 2024)
  • 🌍 Sunshine Cafe, 250 Summit Place, Silverthorne, ☏ +1 970-468-6663. Daily 7AM-2PM. Breakfast and lunch spot. (updated Aug 2024)
  • 🌍 Timberline Craft Kitchen, 246-Y Rainbow Drive, Silverthorne, ☏ +1 970-455-8385. M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa Su 10AM-9PM. (updated Aug 2024)

Drink

Sleep

Connect

Go next

Nearby ski resorts include:

Routes through Dillon and Silverthorne
Grand Junction ← Frisco ←  W  E  → Georgetown → Denver
Grand Junction ← Frisco ←  W  E  → Keystone → Denver
Ends at W E ←   N  S  → Frisco → Breckenridge


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