Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide - Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide
History Hound
2025-12-26 06:30:05
HISTORY HOUND
From disco-era muscle cars to dinosaur bones and beyond, this educational yet exhilarating itinerary looks to both earth and sky in its search for enlightenment.
MORNING:
Start your journey into the past at Dream Cafe, where the owners promise to help you “dine on Cloud 9.” Order their daily specialty: fluffy, house-made cinnamon rolls roughly the size of your head.
This sugary sustenance will energize you through an informative morning walking the Dinosaur Hill Interpretive Trail, a mile-long self-guided hike that hits 10 points of geological and paleontological interest. For a more unstructured exploration, visit the nearby Fruita Paleontological Area; this half-mile patch of scrubby bentonite cradles a perfectly preserved slice of the Jurassic Period. Keep your eyes peeled for real-life fossil hunters.
AFTERNOON:
Break for lunch in historic Downtown Grand Junction at one of the longest-operating businesses in the downtown area, Blue Moon Bar & Grille, where the globally inspired menu feels like a journey in and of itself. Then head over to the Museum of the West, where the interdisciplinary Western Investigations Team works to solve enduring mysteries of local heritage — including the gruesome tale of Colorado’s infamous prospector turned cannibal, Alferd Packer. Learn about their latest project before making your way over to Cross Orchards Historic Site for a look into the agricultural history of Grand Junction. Spanning 12 acres, Cross Orchards is a living farm complete with vintage equipment, railroad cars and historic buildings. The large barn and bunkhouse were built in the 1890s and are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
EVENING:
Pair a night of fine dining with authentic French cuisine at Bistro 317, whose owners were born and raised in France. Finish off your meal with one of their famous macaroons. Then, it’s time for the ultimate nightcap: stargazing at the Colorado National Monument.
Honoring Heroes
Visit the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado to honor the sacrifice and service of Colorado veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
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History Hound
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