Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide - Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide
Downtown Grand Junction
2025-12-23 09:52:35
DOWNTOWN GRAND JUNCTION
Downtown Grand Junction is the perfect place to rest and refuel before getting back out on the trails. Downtown is a designated park with over 115 sculptures and murals that line the sidewalks. The investment in the arts has been recognized through the state by becoming one of 29 designated Colorado Creative Districts. The artistic beauty of this large outdoor exhibit provides endless visual surprises as you pop into the boutique shops, peruse the antique stores, and grab a bit to eat at the many restaurants open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night bites.
Because Downtown is a city park, there are also play areas for the kiddos where they can crawl on the gorillas, located between 4th and 5th Street, or rock climb at the play area between 5th and 6th street. There are plenty of benches and shaded sitting areas for you to relax while the youngsters play around. Downtown is super dog-friendly, so bring Fido. Many of the cafes have dog treats and water bowls to keep your fourlegged friend happy and comfortable.
DIY Activities
To immerse yourself in the arts, Downtown Grand Junction also offers a variety of DIY activities to bring out your artistic side. For an activity that just makes “scents,” concoct a custom-scented candle at Candle Kitchen. Design ready-to-paint ceramics at Fat Cat Pottery or create a masterpiece while you sip and paint at The Palette. Whatever creative activity you decide, let Downtown Grand Junction be your muse.
Events
Downtown Grand Junction also plays host to some of the most popular events in the area. The vibrant streets come alive for the Downtown Market on Main farmer’s market. Local artisans, farmers, and craftmakers display their products every Thursday night from July through September. Other events include Downtown Rides & Vibes, the Fourth of July Parade, Downtown Spooktacular, the Downtown Art Festival, the Christmas Tree Lighting, and the Parade of Lights. Combine that with other concerts and events at the Historic Avalon Theatre, and there is always something to do in Downtown Grand Junction.
History
Downtown Grand Junction was redesigned in 1962 to intentionally create wide sidewalks with a serpentine street layout which naturally slowed traffic.The project, which provided a comfortable pedestrian area for patrons to relax, was the first of its kind in the United States and won many awards.
Many historical and prominent founders of Grand Junction have been memorialized along the sculpture park walk. On the 100 block of Main Street, resides John Otto, mounted on his horse. John Otto was the most influential advocate for Colorado National Monument to be adopted into the National Park System, which happened in 1911.
On the other side of Downtown, you can find Chet and Vernie Enstrom, founders of Enstrom Candies. This sculpture shows Vernie holding a recipe while Chet stirs butter and sugar in the original copper kettle that they used while making their “World Famous Almond Toffee.” Enstrom Candies is still in operation today and can be found just one block south of the Chet and Vernie Enstrom sculpture, so you can pop in to try this famous toffee for yourself, as well as see it made!
Next to the Avalon Theatre is Dalton Trumbo sitting in his bathtub reviewing a manuscript. Kirk Douglas hired Trumbo to write the screenplay for “Spartacus,” Trumbo’s most famous work.
©Grand-Junction. View All Articles.