|
Southeastern Colorado Area Attractions
There is fun for all ages in Southeast Colorado.
Whether you enjoy historic sites and museums or strenuous outdoor
activities, you will have a great time exploring the area
attractions. Many of the sites listed here hold special events during
the year, so please check the Events
Calendar to make the most of your visit.
- Visit Rocky Ford and the lower Arkansas Valley
every November for the only Hot Air Balloon Festival
in Southeast Colorado. This annual event takes place
the first weekend in November and should be included
on everyone's calendar...more>>
-
Hundreds of species of birds, several wildlife areas and prairie as far as the eye can
see, make this area a bird watcher's paradise.
There are many diverse habitats in this part of the state which attract
a wide variety of birds. Many of the sites listed are noted as "hot
spots" and several birdwatching tour groups frequently visit this area. Migratory
songbirds can easily be found in the spring and fall and several rare
species are right at home on the grasslands...more>>
Boating
-
Pioneer life of the Old West comes alive at the
Boggsville Historic Site near Las Animas. The
Purgatoire river valley serves as a beautiful setting for this historic
homestead site. Stand in the wagon tracks of the Santa Fe Trail and
follow the paths of Kit Carson, Clay Allison, Chief Black Kettle and
Wild Bill Hickock as you tour the area. The reconstructed homes of
Thomas O. Boggs, John W. Prowers and Kit Carson display period
furnishings and give you a sense of life in the 1860s...more>>
Comanche National Grasslands
-
Over 400,000 acres of range land provide excellent opportunities for hiking,
horseback riding, biking, sightseeing and bird watching. This massive expanse is home to over 40 species of
mammals and 275 species of birds. Self-guided hikes may be taken
every day of the year. To enhance your experience on the Grasslands,
explore Vogel Canyon and
Picketwire Canyon.
Fairs
-
With three fairs and several one-day celebrations, you will enhance your trip if you
visit during one of these events. Whether you want to eat some World
Famous Rocky Ford watermelon at the Arkansas Valley Fair, have the best
barbecue this side of the Mississippi at Crowley County Days,
watch the Ranch Rodeo at the Bent County Fair, or shop at the dozens
of booths at Early Settler's Day in La Junta, you will
have an unforgettable time. To make the most of your visit,
explore the Events Calendar for
more information.
Fishing
Golf Courses
-
There are 4 uniquely challenging 9-hole courses in this area,
and for under $20 you can play 18 holes at any of these courses.
Tournaments are held during the summer and many are open to the
public, so check out the Events
Calendar for more information.
-
The Bent County Municipal
Golf Course in Las Animas is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, year-round and weather
permitting. There is a pro shop on site and cart rentals are available. Located on the north edge of town
off Hwy 50. Phone:
719.456.2511
-
The La Junta Golf Club,
located north of town off Hwy 109, is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until dark.
There is a pro shop and restaurant on site. Phone: 719.384.7133
-
The Rocky
Ford Golf Course, located on Play Hill Drive at the end of Main Street, is open 8
a.m. to 5:30
p.m. during the cooler months and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer. There
is a pro shop on site as well as a restaurant serving American
fare at affordable prices. Phone: 719.254.7528
-
Cottonwood Links in Fowler is a well maintained course near the river bottom on the
west edge of town with a pro shop, cart rentals and refreshments onsite. Phone: 719.263.4500
Hiking & Biking
-
Easy walks down
country lanes, tramping along with the pioneers on the
Santa Fe
Trail, excursions into canyons to observe Native American rock art,
and wildlife viewing in wetlands are some of the many opportunities
for hikers and bikers in this area. For the best hiking and biking,
try Vogel Canyon,
Picketwire Canyon and the Red Shin
Trail at John Martin Reservoir State Park.
Hunting
-
Sportsmen will find that hunting in Southeast Colorado is just what
they have been looking for. The mild year-round climate creates a
pleasant environment for every hunting season. The area lakes are
stops on the migration paths of waterfowl, and antelope and deer
inhabit the area. Small game hunters won’t be disappointed with
the abundance of doves, quail, pheasant and rabbits. Public hunting
is allowed near Lakes Henry and Meredith and also in the John Martin
Reservoir area. Check with the
Colorado Division Wildlife
for season dates and licensing information
-
If you love history, then there is a lot to love in this area!
Six
museums, with collections ranging from Native American artifacts to
train memorabilia and a little of everything in between. Native
Americans have called the Colorado Plains home for thousands of years.
Western Pioneers visited and settled Southeast Colorado, including
the Bent Brothers on the Santa Fe Trail, Kit Carson, Clay Allison, Bat
Masterson, Wild Bill Hickock, and many other famous and notorious Western characters. The
Burlington Northern, Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, and Kansas Pacific
Railroads have played major roles in this area...more>>
-
For an unforgettable experience, explore Picketwire (Purgatoire) Canyonlands
on the Comanche National Grasslands south of La Junta. These primitive
canyons are home to the largest known set of dinosaur tracks in North America,
Native American rock art, early Hispanic settlements and a historic
ranch. A variety of wildlife inhabits the area, including deer..
more>>
-
Sk8-Way Park, a Tony
Hawk design skate and BMX park, is a 15,000 square foot concrete
monster for skateboarders, roller-bladers and BMX bike enthusiasts.
Rails, jumps, 9 foot bowls and an awesome street section bring hot-doggers from
all over the valley for some friendly competition. Located
at the south end of La Junta City Park, Sk8-Way is open from 7 a.m.
- 10 p.m. and admission is free...more>>
-
The towns of Fowler,
Ordway, La Junta and Rocky Ford each have
special celebrations with parades, food and craft booths, dances and much more. Each event
offers a variety of entertainment and fun for the whole family. Be
sure to check the calendar from late spring to early fall for
information on racing at the La Junta Raceway. From March through
October you can enjoy free or low cost races featuring motorcycle,
Porche Club, Miata Club and many more groups. For
more information please see the Events Calendar.
Swimming Pools
-
Cool off and enjoy
the summer sun at any of the public pools in the area. Spend the
morning taking in a local attraction and refresh yourself in the
afternoon at Fowler, Las Animas, Rocky Ford or La Junta.
Theaters
-
 Movies are always
more enjoyable on the big screen, and Rocky Ford has the only historic
single screen theater in the valley. The Grand theater located at
405 South Main is on the historic
register and has a beautiful art deco style interior. Current movies
are shown every weekend. You might catch yourself marveling at the
architecture as much as the movie. Phone 719.254.6006 to find what
movie is currently showing.
-
Visit La Junta when
the Picketwire Theater players are performing and you are sure to
have a great time. Local thespians bring large plays to the small
stage several times during the year. Stop by the box office at 802
San Juan Ave. and get
your tickets to join in the fun. Phone 719.384.8320 for show times
and advance ticket purchases.
-
There are several
large lakes and numerous small lakes in the area that are a water
lovers paradise. If fun in the sun is what you are after, then bring
your boat or jet ski and your gear and spend a few days. There are many no-fee
lakes and reservoirs like Meredith and
Henry near Ordway and nominal
fee recreation areas like John Martin Reservoir and
Lake Hasty near
Las Animas where you can drop your line or ski to your hearts
content. Crowding is not an issue so feel free to spread out and
relax.
Wildlife Viewing
-
Nature lovers will
delight in the variety of wildlife in southeastern Colorado.
Mammals such as Antelope, deer, fox, coyote, prairie dogs, raccoons, and badgers are
plentiful. The canyons in the southern section are home to mountain
lions and bighorn sheep. Lizards, snakes, tarantulas, as well as
other reptiles and
amphibians are also bountiful.
For the bird watchers, there are over 300 species of
birds
frequenting the area. For some great
viewing, try Vogel Canyon,
Picketwire Canyon, John Martin Reservoir State Park
and the lakes around Ordway. Your camera and binoculars will thank you for bringing
them along!
|
