Discover the West: Major Developments and Attractions from Colorado to Utah
The western United States is experiencing a wave of transformative projects and updates that highlight the region’s vibrant culture, storied history, and dynamic recreational opportunities. From the state-of-the-art National Western Center in Denver to the breathtaking expansion of Deer Valley in Utah, these developments promise to captivate visitors of all interests. Iconic hot springs in Glenwood Springs, the groundbreaking Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota, and the towering Mutual of Omaha skyscraper in Nebraska are just a few of the standout attractions. Whether you’re drawn to architectural marvels, restorative wellness retreats, or thrilling Broadway performances, this guide provides an exciting overview of what’s on the horizon in the West.
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Garden of the God’s credits to Visit Colorado Springs
Colorado
DENVER – Renovations at the Denver Coliseum, two miles north of downtown, will result in the National Western Center, a 246-acre campus to preserve the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo as Denver’s largest event and add state-of-the-art spaces to hold concerts and festivals, farmers’ markets, sporting events and trade shows. It also will feature shops and public art. More than 2.2 million square feet of indoor and outdoor space is being developed for this epicenter of agribusiness, including 20 acres of public plazas and flexible stockyards. The site will include historic buildings, including the Stadium Arena—restored and remodeled to become Denver’s first public market—and the Livestock Exchange Building, an icon of local agricultural heritage. The National Western Stock Show has been a global attraction on the site for more than a century. nationalwesterncenter.com
The 2025 calendar for the Buell Theatre at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts will include Back to the Future: The Musical, Jan. 22-Feb. 9; Mean Girls, Feb. 25-March 2; Life of Pi, March 18-30; The Wiz, April 8-26; The Addams Family, May 2-4; The Book of Mormon, May 6-18; & Juliet, June 4-15; Mamma Mia!, June 25-29; Some Like It Hot, July 8-20; and Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Aug. 5-10. denvercenter.org
Built in 1982, the 40-year-old 16th Street Mall in Denver is undergoing a major restoration. The project will reconfigure the Mall’s layout to create wider sidewalks, a new amenity zone and center-running Free Mall Ride shuttle service. The renovation will also replace and expand the existing tree canopy, creating a refreshing green space in the center of the city. The project includes plans for interactive elements, along with new collections of site furnishings to help encourage more people to engage in a fun and vibrant environment along Denver’s version of a Main Street. The first four blocks have opened for business as of September, and the entire project is scheduled to wrap up in 2025. denvergov.org
In April 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed a new list of One, Two, and Three Key hotels in the United States. Three Denver hotels were among properties that received this distinction: Clayton Hotel and Members Club, Four Seasons Denver and The Crawford Hotel.
GLENWOOD SPRINGS – Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has added five new mineral spring pools. Called Yampah Mineral Baths, they include waterfall features and two cold plunges. The attraction is also in the midst of remodeling the former Spa of the Rockies to add 16 boutique rooms dubbed Hotel 1888 and is in process of updating the 107 rooms at the lodge. Iron Mountain Hot Springs has opened its 21 and older section called World Springs. The new area has 11 pools inspired by famous mineral springs from around the globe, a freshwater pool and a cold plunge. The Legacy side of the facility still offers 16 natural mineral pools, one inspired pool, a freshwater pool and an elevated jetted spa. Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves has new owners who have updated and refreshed their facility and spa offerings.
Sandhill Crane Migration on the Platte River in Nebraska
Nebraska
OMAHA – Construction has begun on the 44-story Mutual of Omaha Tower in the heart of downtown. The stunning $433 million glass tower will provide a picturesque backdrop to the newly re-developed Gene Leahy Mall. Highlighting the structure will be an inviting street-level lobby featuring conference space as well as an “experience center” spotlighting the Fortune 500 company’s history, brand and impact on customers and the community. Upon its completion in 2026, the 677 ft.-tall tower will be the tallest building in a multi-state region including Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Wyoming and the Dakotas.
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North Dakota
Medora – Construction has begun on the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A grand opening is set for July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of American independence. The 26th U.S. president lived and ranched in North Dakota after the death of both his wife and mother on February 14, 1884, and he often returned to the area. The site is on land purchased by the Roosevelt family from the U.S. Forest Service, which was founded in 1905 during Roosevelt’s administration. His Elkhorn Ranch is now part of the national park, the only one named for a person. trlibrary.com
Fishing in Joe’s Valley Utah
Utah
SALT LAKE CITY – The multi-year renovation project in Temple Square, the heart of downtown tourist activity and world headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is expected to be completed in 2026. The Salt Lake Temple, surrounded by scaffolding that is finally starting to be taken down, is being fitted with upgraded electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. Its foundation is being strengthened to protect against earthquakes, and historic rooms are being restored. The site will see modified plazas and landscaping, plus new pavilions, including one with exhibits explaining the purpose of Mormon temples (which are off-limits to non-church members). A panoramic view of the construction site is available from the church’s Conference Center across the street. The Salt Lake Tabernacle, where Temple Square visitors can attend organ recitals and rehearsals of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, is open during renovation work, as are other areas of the five-block complex. templesquare.org.
Upcoming Broadway shows at the Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City include The Book of Mormon, Jan. 21-26; Les Miserables, Feb. 26-March 9; Life of Pi, April 1-6; Wicked, April 16-May 25; and & Juliet, June 17-22. saltlakecity.broadway.com
PARK CITY – Anchoring Deer Valley’s major terrain expansion to become the third-largest ski resort in the United States will be Deer Valley East Village, coming online for winter 2024/2025. The new village will feature a state-of-the-art skier services facility, restaurants, a ski school, an ice-skating facility and the largest “ski beach” in North America. Upon completion, it will include nearly 1,700 residential units and 800 hotel rooms across multiple properties, plus retail, commercial and recreation space. The new village promises to not only elevate the arrival experience but also ease traffic flow within Park City. deervalley.com
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