Sheridan Lake ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sheridan Lake, Colorado.
1. Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
HISTORIC MEMORIAL SITE
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site commemorates one of the darkest moments in American history, where U.S. troops attacked a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho village in 1864. Visitors can explore the interpretive trails and monuments that honor the victims and learn about this tragic event. The site offers educational programs that promote healing and reconciliation while preserving the memory of those who lost their lives.
2. Amache Museum
JAPANESE INTERNMENT HISTORY
Amache Museum preserves the history of the Granada War Relocation Center, one of ten Japanese American internment camps during World War II. The museum features artifacts, photographs, and personal stories from those who were incarcerated at the camp. Visitors gain insight into this important chapter of American history through thoughtfully curated exhibits that highlight both the struggles and resilience of the Japanese American community.
3. Big Timbers Museum
FRONTIER LIFE COLLECTION
Big Timbers Museum showcases the rich history of Colorado's plains and frontier life. The museum houses extensive exhibits dedicated to pioneer settlement, Native American culture, and the devastating Dust Bowl era of the 1930s. Visitors can explore artifacts that tell the story of how early settlers adapted to the challenging environment of Eastern Colorado.
4. North Gateway Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
North Gateway Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat with scenic walking paths and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park features well-maintained picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings and outdoor meals. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse bird species that can be observed throughout the different seasons at this tranquil destination.
5. Petrified Wood Gas Station
UNIQUE HISTORIC BUILDING
Petrified Wood Gas Station stands as a remarkable architectural oddity constructed entirely of 175-million-year-old petrified wood pieces. This unusual building represents a creative use of natural materials and has become a distinctive landmark in the region. Visitors are fascinated by the prehistoric building materials and often stop to photograph this one-of-a-kind historical structure.
6. John Martin Reservoir State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION PARADISE
John Martin Reservoir State Park, known as the "sapphire on the plains," offers excellent opportunities for camping, fishing, hunting, and boating. The reservoir attracts numerous bird species, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Visitors can enjoy water activities during summer months while taking in the expansive views of the Eastern Plains landscape.
7. Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
RECONSTRUCTED TRADING POST
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site features a meticulously reconstructed 1840s adobe fur trading post that once served as a cultural crossroads on the Santa Fe Trail. Costumed interpreters bring history to life, demonstrating traditional crafts and daily activities from the era. The fort provides visitors with an immersive experience of what life was like at this important commercial and diplomatic center of the American frontier.
8. Madonna of the Trails Monument
PIONEER WOMEN TRIBUTE
Madonna of the Trails Monument stands 18 feet tall as a powerful tribute to the courage and determination of female pioneers who traveled westward. The monument depicts a pioneer woman holding a baby with a young child clinging to her skirt, symbolizing the strength of frontier mothers. This impressive sculpture is one of twelve identical monuments placed along the National Old Trails Road, highlighting the often overlooked contributions of women to American western expansion.
9. Dead Hippie Brewing
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Dead Hippie Brewing offers visitors a unique craft beer experience with a nostalgic atmosphere featuring classic hippie music and culture. The brewery produces a variety of distinctive craft beers that appeal to both casual drinkers and beer enthusiasts. Patrons enjoy the relaxed environment where they can sample creative brews while soaking in the laid-back vibe that pays homage to 1960s counterculture.
10. Primal Axe House
AXE THROWING ENTERTAINMENT
Primal Axe House provides visitors with the exhilarating experience of recreational axe throwing in a safe, supervised environment. Guests receive professional instruction before testing their skills at hitting bullseyes on wooden targets. This unique entertainment venue offers a perfect activity for groups looking for an exciting alternative to traditional outings.
11. Sloan's Lake Park
URBAN LAKE RETREAT
Sloan's Lake Park features a stunning urban lake surrounded by walking and biking trails that attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The park offers spectacular views of the Denver skyline against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can enjoy water activities, picnicking, or simply relaxing by the shoreline while taking in the scenic beauty.
12. Trail End State Historic Site
ELEGANT HISTORIC MANSION
Trail End State Historic Site showcases the magnificent 13,748-square-foot Kendrick Mansion, built between 1908 and 1913 in the Flemish Revival style. The mansion provides visitors with a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Wyoming's wealthy cattle barons during the early 20th century. Guided tours reveal the original furnishings, artwork, and state-of-the-art technology that made this home one of the most advanced of its time.
13. King's Saddlery
WESTERN GEAR EMPORIUM
King's Saddlery combines a world-renowned saddle shop with an impressive rope-making business that attracts visitors from across the globe. The adjacent Don King Museum houses an extensive collection of Western artifacts including saddles, wagons, chaps, and Native American crafts. This iconic establishment has been serving the needs of working cowboys while preserving Western heritage for generations.
14. Mint Bar
HISTORIC WESTERN SALOON
Mint Bar has been a Sheridan institution since 1907, featuring an iconic neon sign and authentic Western decor that includes wildlife mounts and cowboy memorabilia. The walls are adorned with thousands of cattle brands from local ranches, creating a museum-like atmosphere within this working bar. Visitors and locals alike gather to experience this piece of living history while enjoying drinks in a genuine Western saloon environment.
15. Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway
HISTORIC TRADING ROUTE
Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway follows the historic trading route that connected Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico, passing through the plains near Sheridan Lake. The byway features interpretive signs and historic sites that tell the story of the merchants, soldiers, and settlers who traveled this important commercial pathway. Drivers can experience the same vast landscapes and open skies that greeted 19th-century travelers while learning about this pivotal chapter in American westward expansion.