No matter which part of Colorado you are in, you are guaranteed to find something fun, exciting, or unique to do! Are you visiting the Western Slope? Be sure to check out Colorado Wine Country and the iconic Four Corners. That’s a bucket list item that you will remember forever. Are you headed south anytime soon? Make reservations to eat at Romero’s Cafe (AKA the best green chile in Colorado!) and walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge for an excellent meal and some striking views. Is NoCo on your agenda? Then the Shambhala Mountain Center and Totally 80’s Pizza it is! You can’t beat an afternoon of mountains and pizza. What are the best things to do in eastern Colorado, you ask? We recommend beginning with these eight way-out-east destinations:
1. Paint Mines Interpretive Park - Calhan
Paint Mines Interpretive Park, 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808, USA
One of the most colorful spots in all of Colorado is the incredible Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Calhan, which is a vibrant collection of canyons, gullies, and majestic spires that span a whopping 750 acres. How did the Mines come to be? Legends say that Native Americans once painted these formations with colorful clays, which can still be enjoyed some 9,000 years later. The sights here are simply unmatched anywhere else in the state, or, for that matter, anywhere else in the country! Take your time as you explore so you don't miss anything and can take in the full and gorgeous views all around you.
2. Kit Carson County Carousel - Burlington
Kit Carson County Carousel, 815 N 15 St, Burlington, CO 80807, USA
Located near the Colorado/Kansas border is the charming town of Burlington and its must-see Kit Carson County Carousel! Originally manufactured for Elitch Gardens in 1905, the Kit Carson Carousel still boasts most of its original hand-carved animals and intricate details, making for an experience the entire family will enjoy! This attraction is open seasonally, in the summertime. (Even better? Rides on the carousel cost a cool $0.25.)
Are you ready for some of the most mouthwatering prime rib, crab legs, and steak you have ever had? Believe it or not, the best place for all of the above is the small, hole-in-the-wall Bully's Restaurant in Fleming! In addition to the aforementioned, be sure to check out their killer drink specials, Rocky Mountain Oysters, and made-from-scratch desserts. When it comes to places to visit in eastern Colorado, Bully's a great one.
Do you dig fossils and dinosaur track sites? Then you are going to go crazy for Picketwire Canyon (or Purgatoire River Track Site)! Featuring more than 100 dinosaur trackways and 1,500 individual footprints, Picketwire Canyon is not only fascinating but also the largest track site in America. Bring your whole family with you and have fun teaching the kids about the fascinating history of these ancient creatures.
After you finish following in the dinosaurs' footsteps, it is time to discover even more hidden treasures at La Junta's 1st Street Emporium, which is home to 25 unique booths plus 37 different artists, collectors, and crafters. You can be certain that everything you find here will be completely unique. You won't be able to find these special items anywhere but right here at the 1st Street Emporium in La Junta.
6. Limon Heritage Museum - Limon
Limon Heritage Museum, 701 1st St, Limon, CO 80828, USA
Arguably one of the best free museums in all of Colorado is the Limon Heritage Museum, a multi-acre complex complete with trains, beautiful exhibits, and history galore. In addition to the museum itself, the Limon Heritage Society hosts several exciting events year-round, including the famous Limon Heritage Festival, which takes place on the last Saturday of July. If you're in town during the summer, be sure to put this stop on your list of fun activities to do in Colorado.
Is all of this traveling making you tired? Then you will want to stay the night at the beautiful Claremont Inn in Stratton! It's one of the prettiest things to see in eastern Colorado. Boasting beautiful and comfortable rooms, the Claremont Inn also offers homemade meals, wine tastings, and tours of their on-site winery. How many hotels can claim that they have their own winery? The outside of the Claremont Inn is so picturesque that you will want to remember to take some excellent photos while you are here. Cheers to a wonderful stay!
Are you a fan of county fairs, 4-H exhibits, and rodeos? Then why not enjoy all of the above in Deer Trail, which is home to the world's first rodeo? (The Deer Trail Rodeo takes place the first weekend of July.)
How many of these eastern Colorado attractions have you visited and which one was your favorite? Let us know all about your experiences in the comments section! For even more Centennial State fun, you can’t afford to miss these 9 Free Outdoor Activities In Colorado. There’s something fun for everyone to enjoy on that list!
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