Julesburg ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Julesburg, Colorado.
1. Colorado Welcome Center
GATEWAY TO COLORADO
The Colorado Welcome Center is the ideal starting point for exploring Julesburg's rich history and attractions. Surrounded by designer tepees sheltering picnic tables and buffalo-shaped cutouts, this center provides visitors with information about local sights and activities. It serves as the beginning of the South Platte River Trail scenic byway, which showcases Julesburg's famous and infamous historical locations.
2. Fort Sedgwick Museum
HISTORIC MILITARY POST
The Fort Sedgwick Museum, located at 114 East 1st Street, is Colorado's only Pony Express Home Station and a former U.S. military post. This historically significant location operated from 1864 to 1871 and was prominently featured in the 1990 film Dances with Wolves, though filming took place elsewhere. The museum offers free admission with donations appreciated and provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's military history.
3. Depot Museum at Julesburg
RESTORED RAILWAY HISTORY
The Depot Museum at Julesburg is a fully restored railway station located at 201 West 1st Street that preserves the town's railroad heritage. The museum is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, offering visitors a seasonal opportunity to explore local transportation history. Like other Julesburg museums, it is volunteer-run and offers free admission with appreciated donations.
4. Old Ford Garage
VINTAGE AUTOMOTIVE COLLECTION
The Old Ford Garage, situated at 112 East 1st Street, houses a privately owned collection of antique Ford vehicles, signage, and gravity-fed gas pumps. This unique museum captures the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era in automotive history. The one-time city garage offers visitors a nostalgic journey into America's car culture past.
5. Hippodrome Arts Centre
COMMUNITY CULTURAL HUB
The Hippodrome Arts Centre serves as Julesburg's primary venue for cultural and artistic events. The center hosts various performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings throughout the year. Visitors can experience local talent and traveling shows in this historic building that has been preserved as an important part of Julesburg's cultural landscape.
6. South Platte River Trail
SCENIC HISTORIC BYWAY
The South Platte River Trail is a designated Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway that takes travelers through Julesburg's famous and infamous historical sites. This 19-mile-long trail follows the path of early pioneers, revealing the area's significance in America's westward expansion. Visitors can walk portions of the trail or drive the byway to experience the natural beauty and historical significance of the region.
7. Julesburg Tavern
HISTORIC LOCAL WATERING HOLE
The Julesburg Tavern offers visitors an authentic taste of local culture and cuisine in a historic setting. This establishment serves up hearty meals and cold drinks, providing a gathering place for locals and travelers alike. The tavern's rustic atmosphere reflects the frontier spirit that has defined Julesburg throughout its history.
8. Devil's Dive
HISTORIC TRAIL FEATURE
Devil's Dive is a steep draw near Julesburg that played an important role in early transportation routes. This natural feature was once so challenging that passengers on stagecoaches often chose to walk the last half-mile into town rather than ride through it. Today, while appearing tamer than in its heyday, Devil's Dive remains a visible reminder of the challenges faced by early travelers and settlers in the region.
9. Lodgepole Creek
HISTORIC NATURAL LANDMARK
Lodgepole Creek is a significant natural landmark that originates in Wyoming and flows 150 miles to join the South Platte River below present-day Ovid. Native Americans used this waterway as an important landmark for centuries before European settlement. Both the Oregon and Mormon trails turned north at this location, headed for Scotts Bluff and Fort Laramie, making it a crucial junction in America's westward expansion.
10. Julesburg Historical Site No. 1
ORIGINAL TOWN LOCATION
Julesburg Historical Site No. 1 marks the original location of the town before it was moved multiple times throughout its history. This site represents the beginning of Julesburg's complex story of development and relocation in response to changing transportation routes and economic factors. Visitors can learn about how the present-day Julesburg evolved from this initial settlement, offering insight into frontier town development patterns.
11. Sedgwick County Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND GOODS
Sedgwick County Market offers visitors and locals access to fresh, locally-produced goods and agricultural products from the surrounding area. The market showcases the agricultural heritage that has long been central to the economy and culture of Julesburg and Sedgwick County. Shoppers can find seasonal produce, handcrafted items, and specialty foods that reflect the region's rural character.
12. Buffalo Bill Historical Marker
WILD WEST LEGEND
The Buffalo Bill Historical Marker commemorates William F. Cody's connection to Julesburg and his transformation into an American legend. The marker notes how writer Ned Buntline met Cody in Julesburg and, combining fact with fiction, lionized him in books, articles, and a stage show. This encounter eventually led to the creation of Cody's popular turn-of-the-century Wild West Show, which brought frontier stories to audiences around the world.
13. D&J Cafe
HOMETOWN COMFORT FOOD
D&J Cafe serves as a beloved local dining establishment offering classic American comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere. The cafe provides hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that satisfy hungry travelers and locals alike. With its friendly service and home-style cooking, D&J Cafe embodies the warm hospitality characteristic of small-town Colorado.
14. Jumbo Reservoir
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Jumbo Reservoir, located near Julesburg, provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in a scenic rural setting. The reservoir attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy water activities and observe the diverse bird populations that frequent the area. This recreational site offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can experience the natural beauty of northeastern Colorado away from the bustle of larger tourist destinations.
15. Ovid Community Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION
Ovid Community Park, located in the nearby town of Ovid, offers recreational facilities including playgrounds, picnic areas, and open spaces for community gatherings. The park serves as a hub for local events, sports activities, and family outings throughout the year. Visitors to the Julesburg area can enjoy this well-maintained green space as part of their exploration of Sedgwick County's small towns.