Things to Do in Dillon

It’s surrounded by natural beauty that begs to be explored. Whether you’re an adventure lover or just looking for a getaway, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Dillon.

Dillon Marina, A Local Gathering Place

Dillon Marina, also known as Lake Dillon, sits on the edge of the new reservoir. It is the highest deep-water marina in the world, sitting at nearly 2 miles above sea level in its Rocky Mountain perch. Launch a boat or a kayak here, and you’ll have access to 25 miles of shoreline. Kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and boats of all sizes are available for rent. If you've brought your own, take advantage of the public boat ramp and courtesy trailer parking. Interested in sailing? Lessons are available using small, single-sail watercraft. Dillon Marina is open seasonally, usually from mid-October until the spring thaw.

Dillon Schoolhouse Museum, A Step Back in Time

The Dillon schoolhouse was moved from its original location and now sits at the bottom of Lake Dillon. Today it's the local museum, run by the Summit Historical Society. Bringing the kids? They’ll get a kick out of the recreated classroom with its kerosene slide projectors, wooden desks, individual slates and chalk for classwork. A recreated early 20th-century store sits next door, featuring everything from vintage clothing to beaver traps.

Country Boy Mine, Gold Panning and More

Country Boy Mine, about 15 miles south of Dillon near the village of Breckenridge, invites you to tour their mine and do a bit of gold panning. Venture 1,000 feet below the surface to learn how the gold-bearing rock made it out of the mineshafts. Afterwards, get lessons on gold panning in the nearby stream; you may get lucky and take home some real gold. Don't forget to visit the burros, check out the general store and "shoot the chute": a ride down a 55-foot ore chute that's been converted into a slide.

From Breakfast Tamales to Lakeside Burgers

The Arapaho Cafe and Pub (626 Lake Dillon Drive, Dillon) offers some tantalizing breakfast entrees, such as pork tamales and roadhouse hash. The pub, open in the evening, shares the cafe's menu and adds some "pub grub specials" of its own. Adriano's Bistro (240 Lake Dillon Drive, Dillon) features homemade pasta, thick-crust pizzas and fresh salads. Check out Pug Ryan's Tiki Bar (150 Marina Drive, Dillon) for a fun, casual waterfront dining experience. Overlooking Lake Dillon, you'll find everything from burgers with grilled pineapple to mile-high nachos, all served out of a deck-side grille. One of the first signs of spring is when Pug Ryan's tows its portable kitchen into place for the season.

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