Most people passing through Durango are sure to realize what a special place it is. They admire the mountain views, explore the miles of trails, and enjoy the quaint charm of our restaurants, cafes, boutiques, outdoor stores, and more.
But those of us who have had the pleasure of living here know it’s more than just special; it’s truly one of a kind. Horsefly History Tours shares this sentiment and believes the soul of our town is embedded in close-knit storytelling and its rich history.
Horsefly History Tours is a locally owned Durango tour company rooted in real research, sharing macabre history that is sure to leave visitors pondering long after the tour ends. Laine Johnson, owner of Horsefly History Tours, launched the business to share stories that leave a lasting impact—stories that encourage people to reflect on life's possibilities and the consequences of their choices. In doing so, she hopes to broaden understanding and inspire new perspectives.
Growing up, Johnson possessed an innate sense of curiosity that fueled her eagerness to explore and ask deeper questions. Raised in a small mountain town west of Boulder, she was particularly fascinated by the local one-room schoolhouse and the stories it might hold. She found herself captivated by questions of how, when, and why.
“I feel like my heart and soul were connected to that place,” Johnson said. She felt it was her duty to learn as much as she could in order to better understand it, chasing that connection to its depths and uncovering the many memories and histories it held.
“Maybe I can get a piece of that back—the sparkle, the connection—wherever I am living by learning about a place: learning its stories, tragedies, and love stories,” Johnson said. As she explores and unpacks these histories, she sees the work as a larger act of service and remembrance. “We have to remember,” she said. Through storytelling and sharing these experiences with others, those moments continue to live on.
Horsefly History Tours offers an array of experiences geared toward exploration and fun for everyone. Their tours include River of Lost Souls: A Nature and History Walk, a Quick and Dirty Western History Tour, Ghost Train: Hauntings on Main Avenue, and the Haunted Tunnel Ghost Tour. Each tour is thoughtfully written and led by locals who are well-researched and invested in our community. They draw on reputable sources such as historical newspapers, local archives, and conversations with descendants of those who lived through these experiences.
A strong connection to place truly changes the lens through which you view the world, community, and landscapes. When exploring Durango’s rich history, it’s important to think about the multigenerational roots of longtime local families and their attachment to this place. “People experience the same town as generations after them, but in a different way. It’s a different town, but still rooted in some of the same things,” Johnson said, whether those things are economic struggles, dreams, aspirations, conflicts, or something else entirely.
As we look through this new lens, it is vital to proceed with the utmost respect—respect for factual history and for the local families connected to these stories. Johnson said, “Horsefly wants to do right by the families that are still here. And tell the stories of what happened factually, but also honor that these are people’s ancestors. And respecting that, these are real people.” There is no reason to drape finery over historical fact because, more often than not, “the truth is stranger than fiction,” Johnson said.
Durango is a beautiful place, and it is our responsibility to preserve its charm and intrinsic beauty for generations to come. Horsefly History Tours aims to do just that: share the history and stories that make this place so rich and endearing. Durango has always been, and will forever be, ever-changing. It is up to us to continue learning and keep these histories at the forefront of our minds.
Visit Horsefly History Tours to learn more about the tours being offered and book your next adventure!
Johnson enjoys seeing familiar faces on her tours and considers them her best audience because she learns so much from them. Johnson said, “It means so much for older generations to be able to share their memories and stories.” Listening to their experiences and insights is one of her favorite parts of the business.
Horsefly’s tours reveal a historical lens that many locals may not have explored before. As we learn new things about our familiar streets, we come to better understand and appreciate the rich histories of generations past. In that way, Horsefly’s tours become an immersive experience, creating meaningful connections to the place so many have grown to love and call home.