Things To Do Near Sand Creek Massacre National Historic
Join a park ranger-led tour to learn more about the events surrounding the Sand Creek Massacre. The Visitors Area is a great place to reflect while being surrounded by nature. Stop at the Repatriation Area to pay tribute to those who died that brutal day. There are great hiking trails to explore in this area as well.
Hiking Trails
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Monument Trail
The Monument Trail starts near the ranger's station at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site and ends in the monument area. This trail is lined with interpretative panels to help you better understand the events of that fateful 48 hours. Much of this trail runs along a creek bed.
Location
Ranger station, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, 55411 County Rd West, Eads, Colorado 81036
Length
0.5 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Ridge Trail
The Ridge Trail starts at the ranger's station and follows the Monument Trail to the Repatriation Area. Then, it runs along the top of the ridge for another mile. This allows you to see the entire area, including where the calvary mounted its attack.
Location
Rangers Station, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, 55411 County Rd West, Eads, Colorado 81036
Length
1.5 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Bent's Old Fort Hiking Trail
Hike under cottonwood trees along the Arkansas River on this trail at Bent's Old Fort. Interpretative panels along the path tell you more about this ecosystem. It is a fantastic place to go bird-watching.
Location
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, 35110 Colorado 194, La Junta, Colorado 81050
Length
1.5 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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John Martain Reservoir State Park
Enjoy a day of water fun at John Martain Reservoir, where you can go boating, swimming, and kayaking. This park is a fantastic place to go bird-watching as well. There are even several geocaches that you can search for during your visit.
Location
30703 County Road 24, Hasty, Colorado 81044
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Amache
At Amache, you can learn about how people with Japanese ancestors were put in this incarceration camp during World War II. See how they lived and what they experienced. Learn about how the school was established for children.
Location
County Road 23 5/10, Granada, Colorado 81041
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Queen's State Wildlife Area
The Queen's State Wildlife Area is a fantastic place to go fishing at Nee Gonda Reservoir. It also offers seasonal hunting for quail, deer, pheasant, rabbit, and waterfowl.
Location
Nee Gonda Reservoir, US-287 South Eads, Colorado 81036
Museums
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Boggsville
See some of the oldest territorial farms in Colorado by stopping at Boggsville. The farms have been restored with period tools and equipment. There is also an early pioneer cemetery to explore.
Location
SH 101, Las Animas, Colorado 81054
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Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Visit the reconstructed fort at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. The original fort was constructed in 1833, and it served as the only major white American permanent settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements. The fort was destroyed in 1849, but it has been reconstructed.
Location
35110 Colorado 194, La Junta, Colorado 81050
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Forty Mile Feed Store
Get propane and firewood at Forty Mile Feed Store. Your pets will love food and treats from this shop. Be sure to leave time to browse their collection of novelty items.
Location
10240 Colorado 86, Kiowa, Colorado 80117
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Be True Western
Find cute western clothes at Be True Western. You can also find fabulous jewelry to dress up your current western wardrobe.
Location
102 US-287, Kit Carson, Colorado 80825
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Trading Post Restaurant
Start your day with one of their great skillet scrambles. At lunchtime, you may want to try their country-fried steak or a delicious hamburger. This restaurant opens early in the morning, so you can get your day off to a great start.
Location
602 US 287, Kit Carson, Colorado 80825
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Big Dawg BBQ
Find terrific Texas-style barbecue at Big Dawg BBQ. They also do steaks and have amazing sides. All food is served from a food trailer.
Location
Kit Carson RV Park, 201 US 287, Kit Carson, Colorado 80825