Durango State Fish Hatchery, Durango Travel Guide

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Explore Colorado's oldest fish hatchery, witness fish rearing, and discover local wildlife in Durango.

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Durango State Fish Hatchery

Established in 1903, the Durango State Fish Hatchery is Colorado's oldest state-owned fish hatchery, raising millions of trout and salmon annually for stocking local waters. Visitors can explore the hatchery grounds, observe the fish-rearing process, and discover regional wildlife at the museum.

A brief summary to Durango State Fish Hatchery

151 E 16th St, Durango, Colorado, 81301, US

Monday 8 am-4 pm
Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
Thursday 8 am-4 pm
Friday 8 am-4 pm
Saturday 8 am-4 pm
Sunday 8 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Durango State Fish Hatchery.

Bring quarters to operate the 'Feed the Fish' dispensers for an interactive experience.
Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for updates on museum construction and tour availability.
Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride on the scenic Animas River Trail.

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Animas Museum

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Explore Durango State Fish Hatchery on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Durango State Fish Hatchery, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From downtown Durango, head north on Main Avenue (US-550). Turn right onto E 16th Street. The hatchery is a short walk from the intersection. No costs involved.
Public Transport

Durango Transit offers bus and trolley services throughout the city. Check Durango Transit routes and schedules for the nearest stop to the hatchery on 16th Street. A single ride fare is typically $1. Free Durango Transit services will return this summer! From June 1-August 31, Durango Transit fixed-route services and evening DuranGO! service will be free of charge.
Driving

From Main Avenue in downtown Durango, drive north. Turn right onto E 16th Street, and follow it to the hatchery. Parking is available. Limited parking is available on-site, and there is no on-site parking during construction. Free overnight parking is available at any of the municipal parking lots (including the Transit Center and East Lots along 2nd Avenue) after 5 p.m.

Discover more about Durango State Fish Hatchery

The Durango State Fish Hatchery, a cornerstone of Colorado's wildlife conservation efforts, has been operating since 1903. As the oldest state-owned fish hatchery, it plays a vital role in stocking local rivers and reservoirs with various species, including rainbow, brown, Snake River cutthroat, and native cutthroat trout, as well as kokanee salmon. Each year, the hatchery produces approximately 150,000 catchable-size and 1.3 million sub-catchable fish, contributing significantly to the region's aquatic ecosystems and angling opportunities.Visitors can explore the hatchery grounds and witness the fascinating process of fish rearing, from egg to release. The hatchery also features a wildlife museum with exhibits showcasing over 50 species of local animals, offering insights into the diverse wildlife habitats of the Durango area. Please note that the Wildlife Museum is currently closed for construction. The hatchery is located on the banks of the Animas River, which is part of the Colorado Birding Trail, making this a great place for birdwatching.The hatchery's location along the Animas River also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Animas River Trail passes near the hatchery, offering a scenic route for walking, biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.