A town just outside Mesa Verde National Park has been named one of the 20 Best Small Towns to visit in 2016 by Smithsonian Magazine.
"For those who dream of the Wild West, the historic town of Mancos, Colorado, located 10 minutes from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park, offers a vibrant portrait of this American ideal," Smithsonian wrote. "Western novelist Louis L’Amour once described Mancos by saying 'this was country I loved. It was high mountain country and I was happy.'"
"A visit to downtown requires navigation among stagecoaches and cattle drives, enabling visitors to see and live the 'Cowboy Code' culture," according to Mesa Verde Country's Visitor Information Bureau.
Smithsonian raves about Mancos' nationally registered historic district, thriving artisan community and the recreational opportunities that include rafting, kayaking, boating and, of course, Mesa Verde National Park.
Smithsonian only ranked two towns ahead of Mancos -- Seward, Alaska and Mammoth Lakes, California.
See the full list on Smithsonian's website.
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