Sitting high on a mesa overlooking downtown Durango, Fort Lewis College is a bustling campus full of trails, museums, and the arts. With incredible views of the La Plata Mountains and quick access to trails, town, and adventure, the campus is a hub of activity.
The college’s deep connection to the Durango community and strong sense of history makes Fort Lewis college so unique. Its welcoming atmosphere and rich culture makes it a gathering place for the Durango community. Whether you are a visitor, local, or student, Fort Lewis College is an experience worth checking out.
Why Fort Lewis College is Worth Exploring
Fort Lewis College is a one-of-a-kind setting full of vibrant community. Perched on a mesa, the campus offers panoramic views of the Animas River Valley, downtown Durango, and the San Juan Mountains. The college’s close proximity to the outdoors and downtown allows you to get the best of both worlds. With trails surrounding the campus that connect to Durango below, it’s easy to get around.
Beyond academics, the college hosts events, concert performances, and athletics that welcome everyone. From nearby hiking trails like the Telegraph Trail to engaging with Native American heritage at the Center for Southwest Studies, Fort Lewis College is a place where scenery, culture, and connection blend in some pretty awesome ways.
Top Things to Do on Campus
Enjoy the Views from the Mesa
Atop the mesa you are gifted with stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. Along the campus there are plenty of scenic lookouts where you can stop off and catch a view of the Southwest sunset or take in the mountain air. The best part, the mesa overlooks the bustling city of Durango.
You can sit on benches and rocks along the mesa and watch the Animas River flow by or pack a lunch and eat amongst the stunning backdrop. By taking the Sky Steps up to campus you can access Fort Lewis College from the heart of downtown and get a little workout in.
Visit the Center of Southwest Studies
One of the things that makes Fort Lewis College so special is the Center for Southwest Studies. This museum, gallery, and research center curates museum quality exhibits on Indigenous cultures and regional history. Until November 13 the center is hosting an exhibit titled “From the Fringes: Diné Textiles that Disrupt”. This extensive exhibit features textiles from the Center’s large collections and contemporary weavings from Diné artists.
The Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College hosts plenty of events that talk on the history of the region, as well as film screenings that highlight Indigenous filmmakers and artists. At Fort Lewis College the Center of Southwest Studies is a “must check out” when visiting the campus.
Attend a Concert, Play, or Gallery Opening
The arts have a way of bringing community together. You can see this with Fort Lewis College’s art and music community. Right on campus is the Community Concert Hall which is known for hosting everything from touring acts like Roger McGuinn on September 27 to local musicians in the San Juan Symphony.
Theater productions let student talent shine. Each year the Fort Lewis College theatre department puts on an array of amazing shows from musicals to heart-pulling dramas. Over at the Art Gallery, rotating exhibits highlight a mix of student creativity and professional artists. Best of all, these events are open to everyone, so whether you’re a student, local, or just visiting, you can catch a concert, enjoy a play, or stop by an exhibit at the Art Gallery.
Explore the Rim Trail
Fort Lewis College’s connection to the outdoors is seen in the expansive trails that run through and around the campus. Along the mesa is the Rim Trail which takes you past sweeping views of the mountains and Durango. Fort Lewis College’s Rim Trail is perfect for hiking, biking, and running.
This well maintained dirt trail that allows you to link up to other popular trails in the area like the Sky Steps and the Horse Gulch Trail System. If you are looking to get out and catch some views or ride some simple terrain the Rim Trail is perfect.
Cheer on the Skyhawks
There’s nothing like joining the crowd to cheer on the Skyhawks at Fort Lewis College. Skyhawks athletics is busy on campus and during the fall there are plenty of home games you can attend.
On September 20 the Fort Lewis Football team will take on Black Hills State University at home. That same day the Women’s Volleyball team will battle it out with South Dakota Mines at the Whalen Gymnasium. All throughout the fall season Women's soccer and Men’s soccer games will be happening on campus as well. What is great about Skyhawk home games is that students, locals, and visitors can attend and support the Skyhawks, creating a sense of community and pride.
Tips for Visiting Fort Lewis College
When you visit campus there are a few tips and tricks that will help you get around. Campus visitors are required to purchase a short-term parking permit online. The best time to visit is during the week day after 3:30 P.M. or on the weekend. By visiting at these times, you miss the rush of student activity and don’t have to pay for a permit.
Do not interact with the mule deer, Fort Lewis is home to many mule deer and when they get used to human interaction it can affect their natural behaviors. If you don’t feel like parking, Durango Transit has a route that takes passengers up to the college. When you first arrive on campus stop by the Fort Lewis College Student Union Building to pick up a handy-dandy map of campus.
Conclusion
Fort Lewis College is more than a campus, it’s a place anyone can enjoy. The college offers unbeatable views along the Rim Trail, plus it's a welcoming vibe that makes visitors feel right at home. You don’t have to be a student to enjoy all the fun campus has to offer. Visitors and locals are welcome to catch a concert, browse a student art show, walk through an exhibit at the Center for Southwest Studies, cheer on the Skyhawks, or just soak up the scenery on the mesa. It’s the perfect blend of culture, recreation, and mountain beauty all in one spot.
