Northeast Itinerary
The Facts:
Start Location: Byers
Distance: 357 miles
Suggested Duration: 3-4 days
Map of Route
Start your vacation in Byers and explore Colorado’s rural roots at May Farms. Fun for the whole family, this working farm and its festivities and events are located on acres of corn—with sunflowers as far as the eye can see and a fresh water fish pond. From here head east on I-70 toward Limon. Located just one hour from Denver and Colorado Springs on I-70, Limon is known as the "Hub City" due to its close location to these and other Front Range cities. But Limon has a history and personality all its own. Not to mention birds. Birding enthusiasts love to walk and bike the trails of the Limon Wetlands. This area contains 8.2 acres of wetlands and 1.2 acres of open water and is an outstanding location to view a wide variety of waterfowl. From Limon, hop back on I-70 going east and make a pit stop in Genoa to climb up the World’s Wonder View Tower. Built in 1926, it was, at the time, the tallest building between Denver and New York City—six states can be seen from the top.
Continue east on I-70 and spend the evening in the quaint town of
Burlington. Here, you can take a 25-cent ride on the
Kit Carson County Carousel and Museum, one of the oldest merry-go-rounds in the nation. After the carousel, explore the
Old Town Museum. A treasure of the pioneer days, the museum will give you a chance to experience life in the simpler, nostalgic days of the Wild West. Stop by Old Town’s drug store for an old-fashioned soda or chocolate-covered sundae. If time allows, licensed hunters will love the pheasant, deer and rabbit hunting at the
Flagler State Wildlife Area.
Head north on Highway 385 to
Julesburg. Enjoy a meal at one of the numerous cafés in the quaint downtown area, and follow the South Platte River Trail Scenic & Historic Byways to the monument honoring the
Pony Express Trail. Continue on the byway to the town of Ovid, then drive southwest on I-76 and take a quick break in
Sterling to visit the
Overland Trail Museum, a reproduction of Fort Sedwick. From here, continue on to
Fort Morgan. Spend the night at a local hotel and enjoy the following day at
Jackson Lake State Park—which has become one of Colorado's finest outdoor recreation and water sports sites. A wide variety of activities such as boating, waterskiing, fishing and swimming can be enjoyed on the 2,700-acre lake.
Inside Tip:
If you're traveling through the Northeast in late March or early April, stop in Wray to watch the courtship dance of the greater prairie chickens. In the early hours of the morning, these unique creatures congregate in the clearings and display their prowess for potential mates. This ancient spectacle is not to be missed. The town also hosts a number of festivals to celebrate this unique event.
Travel Information
Colorado Welcome Center, Julesberg
I-76 at exit 180
(970) 474-2054
Colorado Welcome Center, Burlington
I-70 between exits 437 and 438
(719) 346-5554