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There are ghost towns throughout Colorado, with silent, abandoned buildings and streets’; allowing you to imagine what life in the old west was like. Then there is Buckskin Joe Frontier Town, which shows you what the old west was about! Located just outside of Cañon City Colorado, Buckskin Joe’s is as close an opportunity, as you will ever get to step back through time.
After entering the gate of the town, you literally feel as if you have been transported back over 100 years into the past. Follow the wooden sidewalk and you will soon see a saloon off to your left. Look to your right and laid out before you, a town that appears to be from long ago. In actuality, it is. Many of the log buildings are restored, and have been moved to the site from other Colorado locations. The original town of Buckskin Joe actually existed roughly 90 miles northwest of the current town, which is approximately 8 miles west of Cañon City Colorado. Walking into the buildings will bring you further into the past, giving you views of an old jail, bank, livery stables, a dentist office, and much, much more. Be careful as you walk about though, as you never know when a gunfight or two may break out. Be prepared to ride the stagecoach or even be a witness to an outlaw’s hanging. Remember that this is the old west!
Costumed actors are about, giving even more of an illusion into the past. Gunfights are recreations of actual historic events, giving a very real feel to the ensuing displays of street shootouts and fights. A sheriff, on the lookout for disruptive folks, saloon gals, even that outlaw I mentioned before, trying to avoid the hanging noose at the center of town can be seen walking amid the crowds. Stop at the trading post to purchase a modern day souvenir, or a kit for panning gold like they use to. Gold panning is also available for anyone that would like to give it a go! A visit to the candy store is essential for anyone with a sweet tooth! All those jars filled with colorful hard candy and other goodies will be a sure end to anyone counting calories. Do not miss the shooting gallery, where you can try your best shot at all sorts of fun.
At the end of the street you will find the stables, which offer horse rides by the hour or even the day. Ponies are available for the little tykes. If your not up to a ride, at least stop by to say hello to all the friendly horses waiting to provide hours of fun. The mystery house is also located down at the far end, and while the building does not look like much from the outside, be prepared to have your equilibrium tested once you enter. As you walk back towards the center of town, make sure to stop and the photographers. You can have your photo taken in clothing styles from the late 1800’s, cowboy, saloon entertainer, even an outlaw in black, by a camera that is over 100 years old. Make sure and stand still as they snap the photo though, as the camera is authentic, and is not prepared for motion. Behind the main street, you will encounter the San Isabelle Mine. This is a short tour with displays recognizing the hard times early miners encountered in the area. On the opposite side of the main throughway, you will find the dentist’s office. This buildings display is cordoned off, but the visual of the old-tyme chair and instruments are more than enough to make one very glad that dentistry has come as far as it has!
Right down from the dentist you will discover a building that has been turned into a museum of sorts. The walls are decorated with pictures of movie stars that filmed onsite many famous western classics. ‘Cat Balou’, 1965, was a comedy western starring Jane Fonda and Lee Marvin. ‘Conagher’, 1991, starred Sam Elliot and Katherine Ross. Sam Elliot had filmed at this beautiful location before also, in 1979, himself, Tom Selleck, and a cast of many others filmed ‘The Sacketts’. The famous John Wayne himself filmed at Buckskin Joe Frontier Town in 1972, when along with Bruce Dern and Slim Pickens, they filmed ‘The Cowboys’. Many other classic westerns were filmed here besides these, including ‘True Grit’ and ‘Lightning Jack Flash’.
As with most any attraction that you visit in the state of Colorado, the view is nearly enough of an attraction in itself. At the end of the main street, there is such a vivid display of mountains at there majestic best, you will want to use up a whole roll of film just on them. Royal Gorge, the world’s highest suspension bridge is only a few minutes from Buckskin Joe Frontier Town. After spending the day, if you decide to pass on the food available on-site, which only a crazy person would as they offer some of the best food, including buffalo burgers, you can drive into Canon City for a meal at one of their many fine establishments.
Whether looking for a place to go on a family vacation, or somewhere to hold a special gathering, such as a family reunion or even a wedding, this is the perfect spot for those individuals enamoured with anything ‘old west’ style. The only downfall will be at the end of the day and you have to return to the modern world!
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