The Town Of Erie In Colorado Just Turned 150 Years Old And It's The Perfect Spot For A Day Trip
By Christy Articola|Published March 09, 2024
×
Christy Articola
Author
Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
If you’re in a celebratory mood and are looking for a quick day trip from Denver, then you should head on up to Erie! Erie, Colorado’s 150th Anniversary is this year and you might as well visit this lovely and welcoming small town that’s just outside of both Denver and Boulder to commemorate this important local milestone. Erie has a population of just 30,000 residents, but there’s still quite a bit to do in town during your visit. I think Erie is super adorable and that it is a perfect example of an all-American town. You’ll love exploring this small city for the day or longer! Read on to learn more.
Erie was settled and named in 1867, but it wasn't incorporated until 1874. Coal was discovered here in the early 1860s, so the town quickly grew up around coal mining after that.
In most coal mining towns, the coal mining company owned the homes for the workers, or simply set up a temporary mining camp for the workers' residences, but in Erie, the workers owned their homes themselves. This was rather unique at the time.
In the early days of Erie, i was also one of the only towns in the area that allowed alcohol to be served. By 1895, there were 12 saloons in town.
The Wise Homestead Museum is operated by the Erie Historical Society. If you want to learn more about what life was like back when Erie was founded, it's a great first stop.
This homestead belonged to Oliver and Ada Wise and their three children and was founded in 1869 when the family moved to Colorado from Wisconsin to farm.
Anderson Farms is one of the most popular attractions in Erie. It's open to visitors in the summer and fall. In the summertime, you can pick your own flowers at this farm - which is a lot of fun - but you especially don't want to miss Anderson Farms' Fall Festival.
The Anderson Farms Fall Festival is one of the best fall events in the entire region and is fun for the whole family.
Erie is also home to the Luvin' Arms Animal Sanctuary. This non-profit is dedicated to giving abused and neglected farm animals a happy and safe home that they can enjoy without fear for the rest of their natural lives.
Tours must be booked in advance. You'll love meeting the animals that live at this farm sanctuary!
Want to see even more animals in Erie? You can also visit Lil' Buckaroos Petting Zoo! Meet sheep, goats, cows, donkeys, alpacas, and more and give them all pets along the way.
Erie is a great place to visit anytime, but it’ll be especially fun to discover and explore it this year during the town’s 150th Anniversary year! You’re going to fall in love with this enchanting Colorado town. Have a great visit!
Looking for somewhere to stay in Erie? Check out VRBO.com for inviting vacation rentals!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
