about steve's original salida walking tours
SALIDA'S STORIES DESERVE TO BE TOLD RIGHT.
Local stories. Researched here. Told here.
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Steve's Original Salida Walking Tours was founded in 2018 by historian, author, and broadcaster Steve Chapman to preserve and share the remarkable stories of Salida and the Arkansas Valley.
SINCE 2018
35,000 + GUESTS
1,200 + 5-STAR REVIEWS
6 BOOKS
IT STARTED WITH THE STORIES
More than a decade ago, Steve Chapman became fascinated with Salida's past. He began researching old newspapers, historic photographs, maps, public records, and oral histories. The deeper he dug, the more remarkable stories he uncovered—stories about real people, real events, and the places where history actually happened.
The more he uncovered, the more he realized Salida's stories were too good not to share—where they happened.
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the stories come from salida.
so does the research.
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NEWSPAPER ARCHIVES
Decades of articles, reports, and local stories.
HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS
Vistual history that brings the past to life.
PUBLIC RECORDS
Following the paper trail of people and events.
ORAL HISTORIES
Stories presented by the people who lived it.
CEMETERY RECORDS
Unearthing names, lives, and connections.
MAPS & FIELD RESEARCH
Digging deep for actual locations and details.
Historian, author, broadcaster, and Salida local, Steve Chapman combines years of historical research with decades of professional storytelling and audio production experience. His tours bring Salida's remarkable—and sometimes notorious—past to life, right where it happened.
Author of the Salida True Crime series
Award-winning podcaster
Thousands of tours led • Over 35,000 guests
Author of the Salida History series
Salida's storyteller since 2018
Award-winning radio producer
salida's storyteller
steve chapman
steve's stories
have traveled
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the tours the locals take
"Every time I tour with Steve I learn more about Salida - history, crime, ghosts. So much in such a small town."
- Timothy, Salida, CO
"I grew up here and learned things I never knew about my own city. How cool is that?"
- Michelle S., Salida, CO
"I've lived in Salida over 20 years and learned this on his tours I had no idea about."
- Michael, Salida, CO
ready to HEAR salida'S STORIES?
SELF-GUIDED AUDIO TOURS OR PRIVATE TOURS
The stories are waiting.