by Michele Kadison

Here is a chance to experience a short Colorado vacation without the mountains.  And if you think that means there’s nothing happening, think again!  The northeastern corner of this amazing state is filled with rich pioneer history, mysterious ghost towns, and much, much more.  Just travel 60 miles from Denver International Airport where you can enjoy a truly historic grassland region before setting out to other locales.  For a three day vacation adventure, be sure to check out the following destinations:

Fort Morgan
This is a beautiful town that is home of the Rainbow Arch Bridge, an open spandrel bridge built in 1923.  Located on Colorado 52 at Riverside Park, the bridge stands as a testimonial to inventive and utilitarian architecture.  Stride over to the Fort Morgan Museum on Main Street where you will learn about a famous resident, Mr. Big Band himself, Glenn Miller.  Jackson Lake State Park is another place to explore, just 10 miles east on Morgan County Road 3.  Take a camping detour in this lush park where you can enjoy the lovely beaches and the great fishing.  Back in town, be sure to check out the Queen Lounge for a 23 ounce beer and a glimpse of all the vintage décor that makes this hang-out one of the best in the area.

Brush
Moving on from Fort Morgan, drive east on U.S. 34 to this little Colorado town where you can enjoy the Brush Area Museum and Cultural Center.  The 1910 schoolhouse on South Clayton Street is where you can learn about the 2,000 mile cattle trail that ranchers followed way back when.  Be sure to go to Brush Prairie Ponds where you can take great photos of the wide range of waterfowl playing in and around the water.

Sterling
Back on the road, take Colorado Highway 52 north to Highway 14, arriving at the Pawnee National Grasslands.  This 200,000 acre area begs you to spend some time hiking under the 350 foot Pawnee Buttes that erupt from the plains.  The wildlife is abundant, with antelope and coyotes galore.  Driving east on Colorado 14 brings you to the town of Sterling where you can visit the Overland Trail Museum to learn more about the early life on the range, as well as the Tenant Collection of Western Art housed in Northeastern Junior College.

Julesburg
Take U.S. 138 to Julesburg, located near the border of Nebraska.  Here you can walk the 19 mile South Platte River Trail, a former frontier trail that passes Fort Sedgwick where the film “Dances With Wolves” was shot.  In town, don’t miss the Depot Museum on West 1st Street.  Stop at the Welcome Center here if there are any questions you need answering and for more information about vacation travel in Northeast Colorado.

Driving back to Denver on U.S. 385, U.S.34, and I-76 you will pass through the little towns of Wray and Yuma.  In Wray there is an amazing Ice Age bone collection at the Wray Museum.  Check out Beecher Island/Summit Springs where the U.S. Army waged its last two battles in Colorado.

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