Pawnee Pioneer Trails / COME TO LIFE PAWNEE PIONEER TRAILS MORNING Stop into the Sterling Information Center for maps and travel advice; and visit the parks that pepper the town to see why it was christened the “City of the Living Trees.” The downtown dis-trict features 54 historic buildings, many of which are adorned by murals paying homage to the area’s history and culture. Check out Sterling Creatives , the town’s new artist co-op, for workshops and artist demos and sales. Get a look at life on the range at the Overland Trail Museum , dedicated to the branch of the Oregon Trail that weaved through northeast Colorado and is said to be the most heavily traveled road in the world from 1862–68. Walk the Overland Trail Recreation Area for wildlife watching or fishing; or drive through Chimney Canyons to see stunning mesas, bluffs and buttes. Then pop into the town’s new brewery, Parts & Labor , for a taste of the local craft. COLORADO Our peaceful northeast corner stretches out into plains known for an unhurried rural pace in Sterling, Brush and Fort Morgan. Pawnee Pioneer Trail . The 135-mile scenic and historic byway leads to Pawnee National Grassland , a popular birding and wildlife area. Trek around the 300-foot-tall Pawnee Buttes (1) and take advantage of the striking photo ops the sandstone formations create within the landscape. farming, ranching and military roots. In addition to American Indian exhibits and 1920s soda fountain culture, the museum pays tribute to local star — Ameri-can big band-leader Glenn Miller. West of Fort Morgan, Jackson Lake State Park was listed as one of the top 15 best park beaches in the U.S. and awarded Reserve America’s Outdoor Recreation Award — the only one on the list not close to an actual coast. Late summer and fall are chock full of fairs, festivals and concerts in all three towns. PAWNEE NATIONAL GRASSLAND, TONY LITSCHEWSKI. AFTERNOON North Sterling State Park is a relaxing juxtaposition of high plains and bluffs. Fish the stocked lake’s 3,000 uncrowded acres for rainbow trout, set up camp in one of its sites, search for soaring bald eagles or walk 6 miles of trails. Spend time on the birding trails north and south of the town of Brush ; or follow the footsteps and wagon tracks of Plains Indians and frontiersmen along the EVENING Migrate to Fort Morgan (just over an hour from Denver) to roam its pedestrian-friendly downtown. Then head to the Fort Morgan Museum for a nod to the region’s STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Brush (page 192), Fort Morgan (page 197), Orchard (page 202), Sterling 1 EVENTS EAT PLAY M RGAN COUNTY STAY Perfect Moments Exist... Experience Yours Here! Only 60 minutes from Metro Denver! EAT PLAY STAY Enjoy our div erse Culinary establishments! With limitless choices to: See, Do & Explore! We have a multitude of Lodging choices for every budget! #MyMomentInMoCo | #MakeYourMoment | #VisitMoCo | MorganCountyTourism.com COLORADO.COM l Located on Colorado’s Eastern Plains along Interstate 76 EVENTS Check out our year-round Festivals & Events ! / 185
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2019: Page 185
