America 250 / Colorado 150 Commemoration

Discover our official America 250 event—simply click the image above to learn more.

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood,
Bear’s Ranch will host a special two-day community gathering on July 4–5, 2026 to honor American service and the history of our nation.

The event will mark the public launch of the Home of the Brave Museum project and the beginning of the Phoenix Campaign — a national effort to rebuild and expand the museum for future generations.

Event highlights will include:

• Veteran recognition and patriotic ceremonies
• Historical displays and WWII artifacts
• Special Guest Speakers, live music and community gatherings

  • Corral rides from 10:30am to 12:30pm, then wagon rides from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
    • Ranch activities and family programming
    • Wagon rides, pony rides, and kids games
    • Food, drinks, and local vendors
    • Silent auction and fundraising activities

The celebration will bring together veterans, families, and the wider Durango community to reflect on the meaning of service and the shared heritage that connects generations of Americans.

HOME OF THE BRAVE – AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION
Bears Ranch | July 4–5, 2026
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily
Free Family-Friendly Community Event

Saturday, July 4

10:00 AM – Gates Open
Parking available inside Bears Ranch in the north field facing Highway 550.

10:00 AM – 5:30 PM – Beer Garden Open

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Corral Horse Rides

1:00 PM – Special Presentation
Eric Burgos, La Plata County Veterans Service Officer, introduces our special guest speaker, Retired U.S. Air Force General and Former Chief of Staff Ronald Fogelman.

Following the Presentation – Live Music by Brendan Forrest, Folk/Americana/Bluegrass Artist

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Wagon Rides Around the Ranch

5:30 PM – Beer Garden Closes

6:00 PM – Event Closes

Sunday, July 5

10:00 AM – Gates Open

10:00 AM – 5:30 PM – Beer Garden Open

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Corral Horse Rides

1:00 PM – Special Presentation
Southern Ute Tribal Historian Johnny Valdez shares stories and perspectives on the rich history and heritage of the region.

Following the Presentation – Live Music by Black Diamond Bluegrass, High Energy Bluegrass Band

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Wagon Rides Around the Ranch

5:30 PM – Beer Garden Closes

6:00 PM – Event Closes

Additional Attractions Throughout Both Days

• Military vehicle displays
• Veteran recognition and storytelling
• Museum exhibits and historical displays
• Kids games activities and family fun
• Food vendors
• Open house for the future Home of the Brave Museum Heritage Campus

Remember • Honor • Salute

MISSION

Home of the Brave is a non-profit WWII and veterans history museum founded over 30 years ago by the Tomlinson family in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

Our mission is simple: Remember. Honor. Salute. We preserve the stories of the men and women who served, so future generations understand the cost of freedom.

In 2020, COVID shut down our Hawai‘i museum and destroyed the business that supported it. Rather than walk away, we made the decision to rebuild — relocating the Home of the Brave mission to Durango, Colorado, at our family property— Bears Ranch.