You have heard of Switzerland with its Alps, chocolate, and watches, but did you know that Colorado is home to its own “Little Switzerland?” While it may not have the exact same attractions, ours also has majestic mountains, tantalizing foods, and shops, and you are going to want to take a weekend to visit it:

Welcome to Ouray, dubbed the “Little Switzerland of America!”

jmhules/Wikimedia Commons

Incorporated as a mining town in 1884, Ouray has managed to stay alive and relevant since its inception, as it turned to the railroad industry once mines ran dry and is now known near and far for its ample activities and recreation.

Bede735/Wikimedia Commons

What makes Ouray the “Little Switzerland of America?” It is because of the town’s quaintness and dramatic landscape, as the Colorado community - much like the European country - is encompassed by stunning mountains.

Flickr/Mike McBey

Skiiers from both near and far have made the trek to Switzerland to ride the slopes, as they do with Ouray, which not only has its own hills but is close to other resort communities like Telluride.

Flickr/James Lavin

In addition to skiing, Ouray is home to other world-class outdoor activities like hiking, biking, climbing, and more.

Flickr/Dave Dugdale

Do you consider yourself to be a foodie? If so, you have come to the right place, as Ouray has a restaurant for every taste and preference, including saloons, coffee houses and bistros, steakhouses, and bakeries.

Flickr/Ken Lund

After you eat, be sure also to explore Ouray’s charming downtown area, which is chock full of galleries, shops, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. 

Flickr/Mike McBey

To learn more about all there is to see and do around Ouray, check out Visit Ouray’s website.

PCN02WPS/Wikimedia Commons

For even more to see and do around Ouray, check out This Might Just Be The Most Beautiful Campground In All Of Colorado.

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Address: Ouray, CO, USA

Welcome to Ouray, dubbed the “Little Switzerland of America!”

jmhules/Wikimedia Commons

Incorporated as a mining town in 1884, Ouray has managed to stay alive and relevant since its inception, as it turned to the railroad industry once mines ran dry and is now known near and far for its ample activities and recreation.

Bede735/Wikimedia Commons

What makes Ouray the “Little Switzerland of America?” It is because of the town’s quaintness and dramatic landscape, as the Colorado community - much like the European country - is encompassed by stunning mountains.

Flickr/Mike McBey

Skiiers from both near and far have made the trek to Switzerland to ride the slopes, as they do with Ouray, which not only has its own hills but is close to other resort communities like Telluride.

Flickr/James Lavin

In addition to skiing, Ouray is home to other world-class outdoor activities like hiking, biking, climbing, and more.

Flickr/Dave Dugdale

Do you consider yourself to be a foodie? If so, you have come to the right place, as Ouray has a restaurant for every taste and preference, including saloons, coffee houses and bistros, steakhouses, and bakeries.

Flickr/Ken Lund

After you eat, be sure also to explore Ouray’s charming downtown area, which is chock full of galleries, shops, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. 

Flickr/Mike McBey

To learn more about all there is to see and do around Ouray, check out Visit Ouray’s website.

PCN02WPS/Wikimedia Commons

For even more to see and do around Ouray, check out This Might Just Be The Most Beautiful Campground In All Of Colorado.

jmhules/Wikimedia Commons

Bede735/Wikimedia Commons

Flickr/Mike McBey

Flickr/James Lavin

Flickr/Dave Dugdale

Flickr/Ken Lund

PCN02WPS/Wikimedia Commons