A visit to Colorado affords an opportunity to step back in time, reliving the history of the state's early Ancestral Puebloan people and the explorers, pioneers and prospectors who've left an indelible imprint on the state's past. Landmark neighborhoods, museums, restored homes and historic byways tell a fascinating story of Colorado's well-preserved history and rich cultural traditions. For those who appreciate history, few destinations deliver such a powerful historical punch.

Among the not-to-be-missed attractions: the Colorado Chautauqua at the foot of the Flatirons in Boulder. This National Historic Landmark recalls the turn-of-the-century movement to further educate and enlighten working-class citizens by creating gathering places dedicated to learning. In continuous operation since July 4, 1898, the Colorado Chautauqua is one of only three remaining Chautauquas in the country. Today, it is home to concerts, cultural events, educational programs, recreation and historic preservation.

Kids and kids at heart won't want to miss the Kit Carson County Carousel in Burlington, a charming National Historic Landmark and thrill for anyone who marvels at historic merry-go-rounds. This 1905 gem features 46 hand-carved animals, including zebras, camels and giraffes.

Along the Santa Fe Trail National Scenic and Historic Byway near La Junta, Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is an 1833 restored trading post that was once the area's most important settlement. And for those seeking a glimpse into Colorado's authentic Old West, a stop in Silverton is a must. Housed in a 1902 county jail, the San Juan County Historical Society Museum displays artifacts of the town's exuberant heyday and the Old Hundred Gold Mine features a subterranean guided tour and opportunity to play prospector and pan for gold.

Grandiosity is often best enjoyed from a distance, where the beauty can be discovered in its entirety. Air travel into and around Colorado is an easy and scenic way to travel point to point. Nearly every corner of Colorado has an airstrip with a bevy of incoming and outgoing flights.

While Denver International Airport (DEN) carries the bulk of air traffic into Colorado, there are a number of other airports found throughout the state. Travelers to Colorado originating in Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and other points on the map can take a non-stop flight to popular Colorado destinations like winery-rich Grand Junction (GJT) and the Southwestern town of Durango (DRO). Colorado Springs' airport (COS) has daily flights to a number of U.S. cities, including San Diego, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Dallas, Houston and San Francisco, to name a few. With direct flights into these and other Colorado cities, it's easy to access nearly every area of the state.

And once you're in Colorado, these same airports make it easy to travel from one end of the state to the other, without renting a car. After all, a visitor's travel time is considerably abbreviated when traveling by plane, providing them with more time to indulge in their interests — be they running the rapids, meandering through a farmer's market or perusing art galleries.

To discover the many airports peppered throughout Colorado and see more of the state than you thought possible, click here.