With a population of just about 6,000 people, the southwestern Colorado town of Delta may be small, but it's never sleepy. Located in the state's "Banana Belt," Delta's mild weather offers plenty of year-round recreational, cultural and educational experiences for vacationers of all ages.

Those who love the outdoors can enjoy nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where the Gunnison river has carved beautiful 2,900-foot gorges into the land. Grand Mesa National Forest is also a must-see. The forest is home to the world's largest flat-top mountain and offers dozens of trails for hiking and horseback riding.

Kids and adults alike will love the Dry Mesa Quarry, the archaeological site where the first Brachiosaurus and Ultrasaurus bones were discovered. And the Fort Uncompahgre Living History Museum features interpreters in authentic clothing, who guide visitors through life at an old fur trading post.

Vacationers can also stroll Delta's downtown, where several buildings are covered in murals painted by local artists, and visit the old firehouse, which now houses the Delta County Historical Museum. The Ute Council Tree standing at the town's entrance beckons visitors - the 85-foot cottonwood was once used as a gathering point for tribal discussions. And every September, the town plays host to the Council Tree Pow Wow American Indian Cultural Festival, a days-long event featuring Native American vendors, dancers, singers and cultural workshops.

Delta is near: Crawford, Grand Mesa Area & North Fork Valley