Colorado Experience Historical Documentary Series

Motivated by a bet in the late 1940s, two Swiss brothers on small wooden folding boats raced 57 miles down the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge from Salida to Cañon City. The race would inspire what is now the oldest and longest whitewater festival in the United States. 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the “First in Boating the Arkansas” whitewater festival, or FIBArk. Discover the adventurous evolution of the festival and how it has shaped whitewater sports across America and fortified a small town in central Colorado.

The history of Colorado may best be seen through the bottom of a beer mug. From quenching the thirst of Gold Rush miners in the 1800s to modern craft brews pouring $3 billion into Colorado’s economy, beer has either borne witness to or helped create some of the most interesting chapters in the state’s history. From stowaway Adolf Coors to craft brew revolutionist Charlie Papazian, meet the pioneers of this now booming industry. Cheers!

Check in to Denver's "Oasis of Elegance": The Brown Palace Hotel. As Denver's longest operating hotel, this "Palace" was an engineering marvel for its time and today serves as a time capsule in the heart of modern downtown Denver. Explore the halls that have hosted cultural icons and discover the secrets of this magnificent hotel that have enticed its guests since 1892.