About the Gateway Depot & Plaza
The Gateway Depot & Plaza is the new heart of community connection and visitor experience in Cañon City. Located in the beautifully restored historic 1909 Denver & Rio Grande train station at the crossroads of US-50 and CO-115, this landmark facility is more than just a building—it’s a vibrant hub for tourism, business, and community development.
Operated by the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance and Foundation, the Gateway Depot & Plaza is home to three vital community functions: the Royal Gorge Region Visitor & Discovery Center, the Chamber of Commerce & Foundation Headquarters, and business Co-Op Office Suites. Together, these spaces foster growth, connection, and regional pride. The visitor center highlights the region’s businesses, outdoor adventures, and attractions—with interactive exhibits and rotating displays coming soon to further enhance the experience. Local businesses also benefit from a central resource hub offering coworking offices, business education, digital media tools, and meeting/conference space.
The adjacent Depot Park/Depot Plaza, soon to be transformed in collaboration with the City of Cañon City, will feature outdoor art, events, and pop-up vendors and markets—making it a lively extension of the center itself. As an anticipated member of the Colorado Welcome Center Partner Program, the Gateway Depot & Plaza is positioned to welcome, inform, and inspire travelers venturing into Colorado’s scenic Royal Gorge Region.
Rooted in history and built for the future, the Gateway Depot & Plaza is where community, commerce, and culture come together.
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Four Components of the Gateway Depot
The Gateway Depot is a reimagined historic landmark designed to serve as a modern hub for tourism, business, and community engagement in the Royal Gorge Region. Originally built in 1909 as a Denver & Rio Grande train station, the facility now blends rich heritage with functional innovation.
Key features include a grand central visitor center crowned by a stunning punched tin ceiling, offering space for interactive exhibits, rotating displays, and regional showcases. The East Wing houses the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance & Foundation headquarters, complete with business resource spaces, rentable workstations, digital media and podcasting studios, and meeting rooms. The West Wing offers a flexible Co-Op Office Suite with private offices, shared amenities, and support for startups through incubator partnerships.
Adjacent Depot Park offers space for outdoor events, local markets, and art installations—making the Gateway Depot not just a facility, but a destination for connection, collaboration, and community pride.
Chamber of Commerce Headquarters
The Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance (RGCA) supports business, tourism, and economic growth throughout the Royal Gorge Region. As a trusted advocate and resource, RGCA connects members with tools, events, and networks that drive success. From hosting ribbon cuttings to running the official visitor center, RGCA champions local business, promotes regional assets, and fosters a strong, vibrant community.
Visitor & Discovery Center
Located in the grand foyer of the historic depot, the Royal Gorge Region Visitor & Discovery Center is a welcoming hub for travelers in Cañon City. Staffed by local volunteers, it offers maps, personalized tips, and resources to explore top attractions, outdoor adventures, and local businesses. Soon, interactive exhibits will enhance the experience. As a future Colorado Welcome Center, it connects visitors to all that Colorado offers.
Gateway Plaza
Depot Park & Plaza at Gateway Depot is a vibrant outdoor space along US-50, welcoming locals and visitors alike. It hosts favorite events like the Spring Arts & Crafts Fair, Royal Gorge Farmers Market, and Hwy 50 Yard Sale. Planned enhancements include art installations, merchant pop-ups, and more. As a hub for celebration and connection, the plaza reflects Cañon City’s community pride and serves as a place to gather, relax, and enjoy.
Co-Op Office Suites
Discover a flexible, professional space for small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs at the Co-Op Offices in Gateway Depot & Plaza. Enjoy private or shared offices, high-speed internet, a business center, conference room, lounge, and 24-hour secure entry—all in a vibrant, community-driven setting. With competitive rates and a collaborative atmosphere, it's more than just an office - it’s where innovation meets community.
Office Suite Business Directory
Be A Part of the Gateway Depot Community!
Showcase your products, connect with the community, and grow your business by becoming a vendor at the Royal Gorge Farmers Market! This exciting market is a hub for fresh produce, handmade goods, unique crafts, and more, attracting locals and visitors alike.
As a vendor, you’ll benefit from:
- Weekly exposure to a vibrant and engaged audience.
- A supportive and welcoming atmosphere for small businesses.
- Opportunities to network with other local vendors and community leaders.
Spaces fill quickly, so don’t miss the chance to be part of this thriving community event. For more information or to apply, contact Brenda McKay at foundation@royalgorgechamberalliance.org.
Join us in creating a vibrant marketplace that supports local businesses and enriches Fremont County!