Jul 29, 2026 - Things to Do
What makes someone a Coloradan?
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
In honor of our state's 150th birthday, we pose the question: What makes someone truly a Coloradan?
Why it matters: In a state with more transplants than "NATIVES," is being a resident as simple as a line on a birth certificate, or is it a state of mind?
Let's imagine you can earn the distinction. What would that entail?
- Saying, "We need the moisture" when it rains? Triggering DIA's booming, "You are delaying the departure of this train," announcement at least once?
- Heck, moose reclaimed the title, and to my knowledge no moose has ever put a brewery sticker on their Nalgene.
How it works: As a transplant from Hawaii — another place fiercly proud of its identity — I think you can earn your stripes.
- So we've come up with a collection of things you can do to prove yourself a Coloradan.
Yes, but: Remember, this is BINGO, not blackout. No matter how much of a Coloradan you are, there are some things you might just never get to.
- For instance, my fear of heights means you'll never catch me rock climbing. Or even watching people rock climb.
Let us know: How many items have you crossed off?
- What do you think we missed?