Gilcrest ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gilcrest, Colorado.
1. Fritzler's Corn Maize
FAMILY-FRIENDLY CORN MAZE
Fritzler's Corn Maize is a popular seasonal attraction in Gilcrest that offers visitors an intricate corn maze experience. The maze features different designs each year and provides hours of fun for families trying to navigate through the pathways. Beyond the maze, visitors can enjoy additional fall activities including hayrides, pumpkin patches, and seasonal foods.
2. Gilcrest Municipal Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Gilcrest Municipal Park offers a variety of recreational facilities for locals and visitors alike. The park features a playground, walking paths, a pavilion with picnic benches, bathrooms, a duck pond, and a basketball court. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day outdoors while taking in the small-town charm of Gilcrest.
3. Mile High Wakeboarding
WATER SPORTS ADVENTURE
Mile High Wakeboarding provides thrilling water sports experiences near Gilcrest for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Visitors can learn wakeboarding techniques from experienced instructors while enjoying the pristine waters of the area. The facility offers equipment rentals and lessons that make this exciting sport accessible to beginners and challenging for veterans alike.
4. Fort Vasquez Museum
HISTORIC TRADING POST
Fort Vasquez Museum is a reconstructed 1835 fur trading post that offers visitors a glimpse into Colorado's early European settlement history. The museum houses exhibits displaying artifacts from the fur trade era and showcases the interactions between Native Americans and European traders. Visitors can explore the adobe structure and learn about the significant role Fort Vasquez played in the development of commerce in the region.
5. Centennial Village Museum
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Centennial Village Museum is an open-air living history museum that transports visitors back to Colorado's pioneer days. The museum features over 35 historical buildings, including original and reproduction structures from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Visitors can experience demonstrations of blacksmithing, printing, and other traditional crafts performed by costumed interpreters throughout the grounds.
6. Union Colony Civic Center
PREMIER PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Union Colony Civic Center serves as Greeley's cultural hub, hosting a variety of performances from Broadway shows to symphony concerts. The center features two performance venues, including the 1,686-seat Monfort Concert Hall and the 214-seat Hensel Phelps Theatre. Art enthusiasts can also explore the center's two art galleries that showcase rotating exhibitions of local and regional artists.
7. Meeker Home Museum
HISTORIC FAMILY RESIDENCE
The Meeker Home Museum is a well-preserved 1870 adobe brick home that once belonged to Greeley's founding family, the Meekers. Filled with period furnishings and family artifacts, the museum provides insight into the early days of Greeley and the Union Colony. Visitors can tour the two-story landmark and learn about Nathan Meeker, the agricultural editor of the New York Tribune who established the town as a utopian agricultural colony.
8. Glenmere Park
SCENIC URBAN OASIS
Glenmere Park is a picturesque 15-acre park in Greeley known for its recreational amenities and abundant wildlife. The park features a large playground for children, walking paths around a central pond, and beautiful landscaping throughout the grounds. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching opportunities and the serene atmosphere that makes this park a beloved local destination.
9. Poudre Learning Center
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION HUB
The Poudre Learning Center provides hands-on educational experiences about the natural history and ecology of the Cache la Poudre River region. Located adjacent to the Poudre River Trail, this center offers interactive exhibits and outdoor learning spaces for visitors of all ages. Families can participate in educational programs, explore nature trails, and gain a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem.
10. Signature Bluffs Natural Area
RIVERSIDE NATURE PRESERVE
Signature Bluffs Natural Area spans 86 acres along the Cache la Poudre River, offering diverse habitats including cottonwood stands and cattail marshes. The natural area features trails that wind through riparian landscapes, providing opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Visitors can experience the beauty of the river corridor while observing native flora and fauna in their natural environment.
11. Saint Vrain River Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Saint Vrain River Trail stretches from Pierce Road to Sandstone Community Ranch, offering a peaceful route for walking, running, and cycling. The trail follows the meandering Saint Vrain River, providing users with scenic views of the water and surrounding natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the riverside environment while spotting local wildlife along the well-maintained path.
12. Cache La Poudre River
HISTORIC WATERWAY RECREATION
The Cache La Poudre River is a significant waterway in northern Colorado that offers numerous recreational opportunities including fishing, tubing, and kayaking. Designated as Colorado's first National Wild and Scenic River, the Poudre provides both peaceful stretches for beginners and challenging rapids for experienced water enthusiasts. The river corridor is also home to abundant wildlife and scenic beauty that draws nature lovers throughout the year.
13. Coal Creek Trail
MULTI-USE REGIONAL PATH
The Coal Creek Trail is an approximately 14-mile multi-use path that connects the towns of Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, and Erie. This scenic trail runs through open spaces and along Coal Creek, providing an easy, beginner-friendly route perfect for cycling, walking, and running. The path links several parks and natural areas, making it ideal for experiencing the region's diverse landscapes.
14. Jim Hamm Nature Area
PEACEFUL WILDLIFE WATCHING
Jim Hamm Nature Area in Longmont is a small park centered around a pond that has become a popular spot for walking and birdwatching. The area features an easy walking path that encircles the water, offering visitors serene views and multiple opportunities to observe local wildlife. Benches placed strategically throughout the park provide perfect resting spots for enjoying the natural surroundings.
15. Pope Farms Produce & Garden
LOCAL FRESH MARKET
Pope Farms Produce & Garden offers visitors a chance to purchase locally grown produce and garden supplies in a charming farm setting. This family-owned business provides seasonal fruits and vegetables, plants, and garden accessories that appeal to both serious gardeners and those looking for fresh food. Visitors can enjoy the rustic atmosphere while selecting from a wide variety of high-quality agricultural products grown in the fertile Colorado soil.