When it comes to small towns in Colorado, there is no shortage of amazing places to visit and explore; however, with so many options, which one do you make a priority to visit first? While it’s a tough call, we feel pretty confident in recommending this one out-of-the-way Colorado town that you need to spend more time in.

Located in the beautiful San Luis Valley is the town of Monte Vista. It was once a watering stop for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, but it is now home to nearly 5,000 residents.
City of Monte Vista, CO Facebook
Incorporated in 1886, Monte Vista is the poster child for a small town, thanks to its charming downtown area, delicious restaurants, and ample farmland that makes up a majority of the surrounding area.
Wikimedia Commons / Jeffrey Beall
What makes Monte Vista stand out from all the other small towns in Colorado? It’s thanks to their big-time attractions, like the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge...
Gary Gray / Getty Images
Stretching across an incredible 14,800 acres, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge witnesses a natural occurrence unlike any other: the mass migration of more than 20,000 sandhill cranes every spring and fall.

You can learn more about this epic event in our previous article about the crane migration here.
...one-of-a-kind accommodations...
Star Drive In Theatre/Movie Manor Motel Facebook
A comfortable room with views, sounds, and snacks from the next-door drive-in movie theater? Say no more, I'm there!

Check out our previous feature article about Movie Manor Motel for details!

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...and a number of different festivals, galleries, and special events that are truly a must-see!
Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce Facebook
As if the town itself wasn't reason enough to visit, it is also in close proximity to Colorado icons, like the Great Sand Dunes and Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic & Historic Byway.
Google Reviews / Paul Osterhus
If you think the food in this picture looks good, wait until you get a taste of it at Baldo's Mexican Restaurant in Monte Vista!
Google Reviews / Mike Hedman
Baldo's is one of the dozens of highly-rated eateries in town. It's located at 1100 Park Ave., Monte Vista, CO 81144.
This small town may be off-the-beaten-path, but it's bursting with personality and truly is a must-visit.
Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce Facebook
To learn even more about Monte Vista and its upcoming events, please visit the city’s official website.

For even more small-town goodness, check out These 2 Colorado Small Towns Were Just Named Some Of The Best In The Country.

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