Strange Colorado Melissa Hodges

Everyone has at least heard of Ouija boards at one point. Mysterious, fun, eerie, dangerous, fake... most people have a strong feeling one way or the other regarding this game you can find at your local Target. But what is it about this simple game that has us spooked? How did it get its name? How is it tied to Colorado's history? In this episode, we answer all of these questions WITHOUT having to contact "the other side."

Once dubbed "The Richest Square Mile on Earth," the small 19th-century mining town of Central City still boasts being the richest square mile. The riches have changed, however, from gold to ghosts.

What is now essentially a stop to grab gas or a snack on your way into or out of the state along I-25, Trinidad Colorado is a dichotomy of wild west architecture, rural lifestyles, an edgy art scene, and an epicenter of counterculture in our state. What stories lay buried beneath it's streets and watch over the land from Simpson's rest? In this episode, we find out.

You've heard about the gold rush, but did you know that another type of rush brought fame and fortune to those men tough and smart enough to discover a different type of precious material in the dirt of our state? While silver and gold are great, the object of this frenzy was something even more unique... dinosaur bones. In this episode we learn how and why the Morrison formation was discovered and the reality TV-level drama that spurred it all on.

What do you think of when you hear the word “Elitch?” Elitch Gardens is part of the fabric of Colorado. It's a summer rite of passage. Standing too long in the line for a ride, the bland food, the nodding lifeguards in the waterpark, if you know--you know. But the story behind the REAL gardens and the woman who spent her life fighting to keep the gates open is an inspirational tale many of those who have lived here their whole lives in this state have never even heard, until now.

The darkest day in Colorado was also this state's dirtiest secret for many, many years. The atrocities and violence that were perpetrated against innocent men, women, and children were covered up to save face for many of our state's historic leaders. In this episode, we are going to take a long look at the dark side of humanity and uncover the truth behind the Massacre at Sand Creek.