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<div>Get ready to take the kiddos' learning to new heights with Colo-Road Trips Educational Itineraries, trips crafted with plenty of hands-on learning, educational adventures and, of course, stops for ice cream. Each was designed with kids from kindergarten to 5th grade in mind, but the activities, outings and accommodations will be enjoyed by children of all ages — yes, that’s you Mom and Dad. Supplement your trip with trivia, educational videos and games — or just hop in the car and go!</div>
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<div>During this trip to the Canyons and Plains region, kids will travel back in time and discover the region's diverse history. While the trip centers on the history of the Santa Fe Trail, it also includes other intriguing subjects like Native Americans, frontiersmen, adventurers and the earliest inhabitants — the dinosaurs! </div>
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<div><a href="https://www.colorado.com/educational-colo-road-trips">Get more educational Colo-Road Trips</a></div>

Time Travelers in Colorado’s Canyons & Plains

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While all that is truly needed is your kid's sense of adventure, a notebook, a writing utensil and plenty of colored pencils will come in handy.

What You Need

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Please call for current hours.
A knowledgeable staff and volunteers provide destination information, routing suggestions, road conditions, weather information, and brochures and information for state and local points of interest. Stop for fresh coffee and the opportunity for a relaxing walk, stretch and chance to breathe some of the freshest air around. Free WiFi,  indoor and outdoor eating areas available. Free Trolley tours shuttle visitors to the Historic downtown area for a 45 minute tour. War Veterans memorials and Bicycle rental /repair tools also on site. Children's play area , free activity books and scavenger hunt keep youngsters entertained.

Colorado Welcome Center at Trinidad

Day 1, Activity 1

While at the Trinidad Welcome Center, explore the path you will take during your road trip. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_One_Activity_One_UPDATED.pdf">Get activity</a>.

All the Places You Will Go!

Spend some more time at the Trinidad Welcome Center exploring the maps and orient yourself for the trip. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_One_Extra_Credit_UPDATED.pdf">Get extra credit activity</a>.

Do You Have a Future Cartographer On Your Hands?

Bringing Trinidad a freshly made menu, craft beers and cocktails with excellent customer service!

Las Animas Grill

Day 1, Lunch

Trinidad History Museum features the historic Bloom Mansion and Baca House, two residences built in the late 19th century, as well as heritage gardens and the Santa Fe Trail Museum. Learn all about the region’s diverse cultural and ethnic heritage through lively events and exhibitions such as <a href="https://www.historycolorado.org/exhibit/borderlands-southern-colorado-santa-fe-trail">Borderlands of Southern Colorado</a> and <a href="https://www.historycolorado.org/exhibit/children-ludlow">Children of Ludlow: Life in a Battlezone, 1913-1914</a>, an award winning display that examines the Colorado Coalfield Strike and Ludlow Massacre through the eyes of the more than 9,000 children who endured the strike. 
Tours of the historic Baca House take place each day at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Trinidad History Museum

Day 1, Activity 2

Explore Trinidad’s past and its deep-rooted history in the old American West with a trip to the Trinidad History Museum. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_One_Activity_Two_UPDATED.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Channel Your Inner Detective!

On a hot day, nothing is better than an old-fashioned ice-cream cone from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TuttiScoops/">Tutti Scoops</a>, with 16 rotating flavors, malts, shakes and other frozen delights.

Cool Down

Signature barbecue favorites with delish sides Southwest tacos and fried pickles We also offer great steaks and limited sea food selection. With two bars to serve you

Trinidad Smokehouse

Day 1, Dinner

Corazon Gallery

Day 1, Activity 3

Take advantage of our pet-friendly hotel's many modern amenities, free hotel features, friendly service, and convenient location near the city's downtown hub.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Trinidad

Day 1, Lodging

Providing great food since 1993. Here you can leave the mood of the Interstate behind, and pick up the quieter rhythm of a historic two-lane road on Hwy 12.

Bob & Earl's Cafe

Day 2, Breakfast

The museum features the paintings, illustrations, and sketches of Arthur Roy Mitchell, known as "King of the Pulp Magazine Covers". The collection includes over 350 of Mitchell's works, Spanish folk art, and Native American artwork.

A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art

Day 2, Activity 1

Here’s your chance. At the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art, find questions to ask, details to notice and different ways to think about artwork. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/day_two_educational_activty_one.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Ever Wanted to Be an Art Critic?

Restaurant serving delicious meals, wine and beer. We also sell T-shirts and souvenirs and have an awesome courtyard that is open during the summer. Our Restaurant hours are 11am–3pm but our retail hours are 9:30am–4pm. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/teesmetreatme?source=note&amp;epa=HASHTAG">#teesmetreatme</a> #TrinidadPatio #Courtyard

Tees Me Treat Me

Day 2, Lunch

As you head out for lunch, review your trip to Trinidad with five trivia questions. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_Two_Trivia_UPDATED.pdf">Get trivia</a>.

How Much Do You Remember?

Head northeast on Hwy. 350 toward La Junta to embark on the next learning adventure.

Hop on the Road

Comanche National Grassland located in Southeast Colorado

U.S. Forest Service, Comanche National Grassland

Day 2, Activity 2

This National Historic Trail site has wagon ruts, trail markers and exhibits that detail life along the Santa Fe Trail. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_Two_Activity_Two_UPDATED.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Discover the Comanche National Grassland.

Learn about the ecosystems and wildlife found in Comanche National Grassland. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_Two_Extra_Credit_UPDATED.pdf">Get extra credit activity</a>.

Become an Ecosystem Explorer.

Mexico City Cafe originated over 15 years ago. It was started by Mona Munoz Chaparro. It has grown steadily from it's inception. We now offer an outdoor patio when the weather is warm. As well as an outside bar area with tables and umbrellas.

Mexico City Cafe

Day 2, Dinner

Autumn evenings in La Junta come alive in the most unusual way. It's tarantula migration season! Head toward Comanche National Grassland to spot these large, leggy arachnids on their annual march to find their mates. Don't worry, they're harmless!

Tarantula Migration

Day 2, Activity 3

Our Holiday Inn Express hotel is located on US Highway 50, just minutes from downtown and close to area attractions.

Holiday Inn Express La Junta

Day 2, Lodging

Christine’s is housed in a former church, with plenty of outdoor seating and space for the tykes to roam. This dining gem has all the classics, but don’t pass up the chance to try their famous cinnamon rolls.

Christine’s, Rocky Ford

Day 3, Breakfast

Stop by roadside produce stands like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KnappsFarmMarket/">Knapp's Farm Market</a>, located off of Hwy. 50, to support local farmers. Make sure to get some famous Rocky Ford melons — the perfect sweet snack for epic road trips.

Support Local Farmers

Reconstructed fort temporarily closed to address building safety. Park grounds &amp; trails remain open. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/beol/planyourvisit/fort_status.htm">More information</a>
A reconstructed trading post where traders, trappers, travelers and the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes gathered for peaceful trade. 
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/beol/planyourvisit/calendar.htm">Calendar of events &gt;&gt;</a>

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Day 3, Activity 1

Find a living historian at the Bent's Old Fort and learn more about the way each group lived back in the day. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_Three_Educational_Activity_One.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Imagine You're a Trader on the Santa Fe Trail.

Dishing up fresh tortillas and even fresher ingredients from downtown La Junta.

Lucy's Tacos

Day 3, Lunch

Reflect on your trip to Bent’s Old Fort with five trivia questions. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_Three_Trivia_UPDATED.pdf">Get trivia</a>.

Located in the Comanche National Grassland, just south of La Junta, these primitive canyons are home to North America's largest dinosaur tracksite. The round-trip hike to the dino tracks is 11.2 miles, so plan to head out early and take plenty of water — about a gallon per person.

Become a Dino Tracker: Dinosaur Tracks at Picketwire Canyon

Day 3, Activity 2

Become a dino-tracker during a guided tour of Picketwire Canyon to view dinosaur tracks and rock art. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_Three_Educational_Activity_Two.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Ready For an Off-Road Adventure?

You might come to The Railyard for well-crafted cocktails, great beer, fresh food, or the mellow atmosphere. No matter what, you’re in the right place.

The Railyard

Day 3, Dinner

Self-serve frozen yogurt store with a variety of frozen yogurt flavors and toppings.

SoCo FroYo

Day 3, Activity 3

Stay at the Hampton Inn La Junta hotel located off Highway 50 and accessible to a variety of popular cultural attractions. Spend a day on the water at nearby John Martin Reservoir or dive into the local history of La Junta at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, where costumed guides bring Santa Fe Trail-era frontiersman to life.

Hampton Inn La Junta

Day 3, Lodging

Biscuits and gravy, huevos rancheros and other breakfast and lunch delights. Friendly waitstaff and locally owned.

Copper Kitchen

Day 4, Breakfast

Exhibits include early 1900's storefronts of a post office, barber shop, jewelry store, candy shop, and the Bent County Bank, Kit Carson, Festus, and many more.

John W. Rawlings Heritage Center and Museum

Day 4, Activity 1

Get ready to play “I Spy” at the John Rawlings Heritage Center. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_Four_Activty_One_UPDATED.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Whoever Guesses Right Wins!

An authentic Mexican Restaurant serving up an ocean of flavor on its menu and outdoor seating.

Carmen's

Day 4, Lunch

Come visit this restored mid-19th-century settlement.

Boggsville Historic Site

Day 4, Activity 2

Learn how Boggsville became the center of commerce and agriculture for the region after the decline of the fur trade. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_Four_Activty_Two_UPDATED.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Learn About Thomas O. Boggs.

Youngins and the young-at-heart will enjoy the nostalgia of ordering from a phone at the table. Be sure to order a classic shake!

BJ’s Burgers, Lamar

Day 4, Dinner

Only the Lamar locals know that the <a href="http://www.washspott.com/index.php">Wash Spott Car Wash</a> has an excellent old-timey soda fountain ice-cream shop tucked inside. It’s worth a visit whether you're getting a car wash or not.

Sweet Cravings

A sportsman's paradise, the park offers fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, bike riding and boating. Features 109 electrical campsites and 104 non-electric sites, which can accommodate RVs, trailers and tents. Wildlife properties also surround the reservoir.

John Martin Reservoir State Park

Day 4, Activity 3

With charm, convenience and cleanliness to boot the Holiday Inn Express Lamar is an ideal vacation spot.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lamar

Day 4, Lodging

Whether it's a cup of coffee, a fresh homemade treat or some wholesome food, we strive to provide quality products and an environment where you can meet.

Brew Unto Others

Day 5, Breakfast

This National Historic Landmark is home to the Amache Museum and several interpretive kiosks, which help to tell the story of the site and the people who were imprisoned here. Visitors can experience a driving audio tour of its history and significance, narrated by camp survivors.

World War II Comes to the Canyons and Plains Region: Granada Relocation Center

Day 5, Activity 1

Explore the history of the Granada Relocation Center, one of 10 internment camps during World War II. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, more than 7,300 Japanese Americans lived at this camp from 1942–1945. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_Five_Educational_Activity_One.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Tour Camp Amache.

If you have a little extra time, the <a href="https://thegreathighprairie.com/the-willow-creek-nature-trail/">Willow Creek Nature Trail</a> is a short hiking path with some great bird spotting in the town of Lamar.

Go Birding

La Mission Villanueva brings you 40+ years of Mexican food traditions, starting with the current owner's mother's recipes.

La Mission Villanueva

Day 5, Lunch

Please call for current hours.
Located in the heart of downtown Lamar in the Historic Lamar Railroad Depot, which still services daily Amtrak arrivals and departures. The center provides free coffee, WiFi, book exchange and restrooms. Volunteers help with travel plans and advise of road and weather conditions. A Madonna of the Trail statue, steam locomotive and an immense windmill blade are on-site.

Colorado Welcome Center at Lamar

Day 5, Activity 2

Head back toward Lamar on Hwy. 50 as your trip through Canyons &amp; Plains winds down.

Only One Stop Left

Mexican classics like tacos, enchiladas and plates full of Colorado green chili.

Los Hermanos Restaurant

Day 5, Dinner

Building erected 1929-American Telephone &amp; Telegraph Co housed repeater equipt for Den-Kans City long distance lines. WWI Poster Collection,10-star Confederate flag, Native American Artifacts, Sand Creek, Fleagle Gang. Transportation Museum: wagons, cars, fire equipt.

Big Timbers Museum

Put your detective skills to the test with a museum scavenger hunt. Draw or write what you saw. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_Five_Educational_Activity_Three.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Go Treasure Hunting at the Big Timbers Museum.

Test it out by creating a mental map of your adventure. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/Day_Five_Extra_Credit.pdf">Get extra credit activity</a>.

How’s Your Memory?

Down the street lies a quirky roadside attraction we’re sure your kids will get a kick out of — the world’s only petrified wood gas station, made out of 175 million-year-old wood. (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/14-quirky-roadside-attractions-colorado">See this article for more info</a>.)

Check Out this Eccentric Stop

You will find that the west is the best at Days Inn Lamar hotel off Highways 50 and 287 near John Martin Reservoir State Park. Get a deep sleep on a comfortable pillow-top mattress, then begin your morning with free Daybreak continental breakfast with hot items.