Ignacio, CO completes the three incorporated towns in La Plata County, along with Durango and Bayfield. With less than 1,000 residents, this Southwest Colorado town offers a quiet, rural, yet culturally vibrant community.
The History
The Town of Ignacio was officially founded in 1913 and is a part of the Southern Ute Reservation. The Mouache and Caputa bands make up the Southern Ute Tribe, which is headquartered here. Today, the Southern Ute Tribe is the largest employer in La Plata County, with diverse business interests in oil and gas, real estate development, sand and gravel products, media, and gaming.
The Ignacio School District offers an elementary, middle, and high school serving local families. There are local establishments including restaurants, cafes, and other stores, and the Los Pinos River (Pine River) runs through town, adding to the scenic Southwest Colorado landscape. The Southern Ute and general Colorado culture is vibrant in this little town and adds unique options to the events and activities found in our area.
Things to Do in Ignacio, CO
- Perhaps the largest landmark in Ignacio is the Sky Ute Casino Resort where you’ll find the Rolling Thunder Lanes (bowling), gambling, mini golf, conference space, resort rooms, a pool, spa, and RV spots. Enjoy slots, bingo, and table games including poker, blackjack, and roulette paired with fine dining at the Seven Rivers Steakhouse or Rolling Thunder Bar & Grill.
- The Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum aims to educate people on the Ute People’s origin, culture, language, and history through exhibits and programs. This nationally accredited center offers a museum, archives, and library, as well as events, meeting space, and a gift shop featuring products from Native-owned companies.
- Fox Fire Farms Winery & Vineyard is open to the public seasonally for wine tastings, live music, a Spring Fair, and more fun events. For over 100 years, this farm has been in the Jones family as a working farm with cows, goats, chickens, and more. Their wine list is extensive and features award-winning varieties.
- Jack-a-lope Acres comes alive during the fall with family-friendly activities and events ranging from the pumpkin patch and corn maze to potato cannons, hay rides, and a petting zoo. Giant slides, swings, a jump pad, corn pit, tire mountain, and a plethora of yard games make this a full-day destination. Picnics, photography, sunset tours, and private birthday parties are other great ways to enjoy this working farm.
- Western heritage takes center stage at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds. The indoor arena hosts many events throughout the year, along with an exhibit hall, horse boarding, and storage unit rentals. There are 64 full hook-up RV spots along the Pine River that are offered at nightly, weekly, and monthly rates with seasonal tent spots as well.
- The ELHI (Education, Literacy, Health, and Inspiration) Community Center is a wonderful resource and gathering place for residents of all ages. This nonprofit organization provides space for businesses, nonprofits, and community engagement and continues to expand its programs and offerings, serving the Southwest Colorado region.
Real Estate
While there are many in-town homes available in Ignacio, the area sees more movement in its rural and agricultural properties. In general, real estate here is offered at a lower price point within La Plata County, in comparison to Durango and Bayfield, helping meet a critical need for more affordable housing. Rock Creek Housing Project is dedicated to workforce housing and works closely with HomesFund to provide first-time homebuyers a great option in the Ignacio area.
Nearby Places - Durango & Bayfield
Ignacio is about 30 to 40 minutes from Durango and easily accessible from Colorado Highway 172 from U.S Highway 160, or via County Roads 318 and 310 from U.S. Highway 550. Buck Highway connects Ignacio to Bayfield, another small La Plata County town with a historic Main Street and rural charm. Navajo State Park is a Colorado State Park that stretches over 5,000 acres including 20 miles into New Mexico. The Two Rivers Marina is located in Arboles, CO, just 18 miles east of Ignacio.
With a culturally significant history and way of life, Ignacio plays an important role in the character of La Plata County and Southwest Colorado. For more information about Ignacio and the surrounding areas, please contact The Durango Team at The Wells Group.
