Julesburg | COME TO LIFE GATEWAY TO COLORADO Union Pacific Railroad moved in. The population soared to 4,000 and Julesburg sprouted saloons and dance halls — and some interesting characters. At Fort Sedgwick Museum , artifacts tell of this gritty era when gamblers, cowboys and railroad workers ruled the “Wickedest City in the West.” The Union Pacific Railroad Depot Museum also reveals relics from this time. DEPOT MUSEUM promote excellent hunting conditions as well. Stop by the Julesburg Family Market for a hunting license and directions to key spots, or to enjoy the abundant wildlife found along the river and among the fields. Join the race fans flocking to the Julesburg Drag Strip , a launch pad for hot rods that dates back to the late 1950s when the Platte Valley Customs Club started the local tradition. COLORADO PIONEERING PLAINS MILES/ANDREA BUROLLA. QUICK TIP MANY VISITORS COME FOR EXCELLENT TAILWATER FLY-FISHING ALONG THE SOUTH PLATTE RIVER THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. Tucked in the state’s northeast corner, Julesburg holds history at a crossroads for explorers, farmers, gold-seekers and others looking to find their place out West. Hit the Colorado Welcome Center for maps, brochures and tales of how Julesburg was burned to the ground in the 1860s. After the town was rebuilt, the Walk part of the 19-mile South Platte River Trail , peppered with Pony Express stops and pioneer landmarks. Bring your binoculars; sightings of warblers, vireos and other birds are highly likely. The region’s two harvest seasons — July for wheat and October for corn and sugar beets — Stay & Play Options Julesburg COLORADO . COM 177