Is it just us, or are Colorado’s plains often overlooked in place of the mountains? Sure, our mountains are downright spectacular but so are the Eastern Plains, as they are both colorful and full of surprising things to see and do. To experience the plains for yourself, we recommend escaping the city for a day or two and visiting a town like La Junta:

Located in southeast Colorado, La Junta is a small town that is home to 7,000 residents and some of the most surprising attractions in the state!
Jeffrey Beall/Wikimedia Commons
Incorporated in 1881, La Junta was established as a resting spot and trading post along the Santa Fe Trail and has since evolved into both the home of Otero Junior College and historic sites galore.
Wyvonne Phillips/Wikimedia Commons
What kind of history will you find in La Junta? For starters, there is the first prominent white American settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and Mexico (Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site), the largest track site for dinosaurs in the United States (Picketwire Canyon, pictured), and several impressive museums.
TripAdvisor/Linda T

Related Stories

The Small Town In Colorado Boasting World-Famous Pie Is The Sweetest Day Trip Destination

The Small Town In Colorado Boasting World-Famous Pie Is The Sweetest Day Trip Destination

 Just 30 Minutes From Denver, Bennett Is The Perfect Colorado Day Trip Destination

Just 30 Minutes From Denver, Bennett Is The Perfect Colorado Day Trip Destination

 Colorado Is Officially Home To 3 Of The Best Scenic Train Rides In America

Colorado Is Officially Home To 3 Of The Best Scenic Train Rides In America
In keeping with history, La Junta is also a fantastic place for antiquing, thanks to places like the giant 1st Street Emporium!
Google Street View
While you're visiting, be sure to stroll the downtown area, which houses the aforementioned 1st Street Emporium, plus other shopping and dining opportunities.
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
Depending on when you visit, you may also get a chance to see thousands of tarantulas, as La Junta is home to the state's biggest migration site!
Visit La Junta Facebook
The annual migration takes place from August to October.
To learn more about all there is to see and do around La Junta, please visit the La Junta Chamber's website.
Visit La Junta Facebook

To learn more about the annual tarantula migration, check out The Small Town In Colorado That’s Invaded By Thousands Of Migrating Tarantulas Each Year.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Colorado

Featured Addresses
La Junta, CO 81050, USA