Fort Morgan is a town of approximately 11,000 people in Morgan County, Colorado. Due to its rural location on the high plains overlooking the South Platte River, Fort Morgan is an ideal getaway for those who want to get away from the city but close enough to the city, if needed. The nearest major city is Denver, 70 miles from Fort Morgan.
In addition to being a quiet, relaxing getaway, Fort Morgan is known for many other things, including its numerous parks and green spaces, agricultural history, vibrant music scene, and charming downtown. It’s also famous for being the home of big-band musician Glenn Miller.
For travelers looking to explore the area with ease, Amtrak service passes through Fort Morgan.
Several nearby towns have a variety of attractions including Brush, Orchard, Weldona and Wiggins. Throughout the year, Fort Morgan hosts a variety of special events, including the Glenn Miller SwingFest, the BobStock Music Festival and the Fall Harvest Auto Show.
Here are 15 of the best things to see and do in and around Fort Morgan, Colorado.
1. Pawnee Pioneer Trail Scenic and Historic Trail
North of Fort Morgan is a stunning natural landscape that was once home to the Plains Indians. The Pawnee Pioneer Trail Scenic and Historic Byway retraces the route these people took. Small towns in this area were later founded and settled by fur trappers, ranchers and pioneers who also followed this route in search of settlements.
Along the way, you’ll pass through Colorado Piedmont and see soaring Pawnee Hill. You can also see wildlife including coyotes, antelope, rattlesnakes, marmots and many different species of birds. Eventually, you’ll pass through the Pawnee National Prairie, which has camping areas and some of the best bird watching in the country.
There are hiking trails in the area. The best time to visit is in the early morning or early evening, when the sky is at its most colourful.
2. Tee off at Petty Park
Spend the day on well-preserved greens at Pettey’s Park in nearby Brush. This 9-hole public golf course is one of the best in the state because of its combination of surrounding scenery and unique challenges. On-site amenities include a golf pro shop and The Course Cafe restaurant and bar.
3. Lake Jackson State Park
Lake Jackson State Park is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy the great outdoors. A large reservoir with sandy beaches and warm water is the main attraction. Swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing are some of the activities you can do, and if you want to spend the night, there are 20 campsites in the park.
Other facilities include laundry facilities and a bathroom with shower.
4. Rainbow Bridge
One of the famous swamp arch bridges, and one of the last of its kind, the Rainbow Bridge in Fort Morgan is a popular attraction. These days, you can only walk across the bridge, which has 11 arches across the scenic South Platte River.
It is one of the largest arch bridges in the country and was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
5. Fort Morgan Museum
For travelers who want to learn more about the history and culture of Fort Morgan and the surrounding area, the best place to start is with a visit to the Fort Morgan Museum. Through the various temporary and permanent exhibitions, you can learn all about the area and how it came to be.
Exhibits include historical artifacts related to Plains Indians and local art. There is an entire exhibition dedicated to the life and times of Glenn Miller, who lived in the town. There is a museum shop on site.
6. GoJump Denver Skydive
If you are more adventurous, why not try skydiving in the Fort Morgan area? Go Jump Denver offers the safest skydiving experience, and its friendly, professionally trained experts will help you get there.
Take in the spectacular views as you climb over the clouds and witness the same stunning views as you fall back to Earth.
7. About Smoked BBQ
If friendly staff serving delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere is your thing, look no further than All About The Smoke BBQ.
This Fort Morgan grill restaurant serves a variety of dishes made from scratch using the freshest ingredients. Some of the most popular choices on the menu include slow-smoked brisket, chicken breast, pulled pork, chicken wings, tacos and a variety of dessert desserts.
8. Little Monkey Business
On a cold or rainy day, families with children can enjoy indoor fun at Little Monkey Bizness in Westminster. Children under the age of eight can enjoy a variety of classic entertainment including inflatables, obstacle courses, trampolines, climbing frames and play equipment.
This is the perfect place for kids to have fun, stay healthy and make new friends. There is also an area dedicated to toddlers and babies on site.
9. Club Faucet
After a long day of exploring, enjoy a cold beer or cocktail at The Club Tap in Fort Morgan. If you’re not ready to unwind in the evening, you can play billiards, take on a game of poker, enjoy a game of beer pong, watch a football game on TV or dance the night away.
Specials are offered daily, with a special ribs dinner every Thursday night.
10. Gentle Spirit Alpaca Farm
Visitors looking for unique handcrafted clothing and accessories can find quality merchandise at the store at the Gentle Spirit Alpaca Farm in Wiggins. The store has a wide variety of exquisite items made from luxurious alpaca fibers. What makes this store unique is that customers can visit the on-site alpaca farm and get to know the alpacas that provide these beautiful fibers.
Some of the items available for sale include hats, sweaters, gloves, socks, mittens and vests. If you want to start your own project at home, there are free knitting patterns available. 150 alpacas were raised in a loving and caring environment.
11. Pope’s Pumpkin Field and Corn Maze
If you happen to be in the Wiggins area during the fall months, Pope’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze offers fun for the whole family.
The highlight of the farm is the 10-acre corn maze, but there are many other attractions including a cow track, duck races, Hay Hill slides, hay carts, pedal karts and a u-pick pumpkin patch. Various events take place throughout the season, including campfires, zombie hunts, and paintball.
12. Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Refuge
In the nearby Merino area, Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Refuge is full of outdoor activities and facilities for an adventurous and active day outdoors. Within the 3,047-acre park, there is a beautiful lake and areas of grassland and wetlands.
This unique ecosystem is home to a variety of bird and animal species that are often found in the park. On the lake, visitors can boat and fish for trout, crappie, catfish and walleye. A gravel road winds around the lake, perfect for hiking, and free camping is allowed in certain areas around the lake.
On-site amenities include a boat ramp, picnic area, and bathrooms.
13. Greeley Family FunPlex
For a variety of family fun, visitors can head to The Greeley Family FunPlex for many different activities – both indoors and out. The on-site Adventure Island Aquatic Park features several waterslides and wave pools.
This is also where you can find the entrance to the beach. River Run is a large 18-hole miniature golf course and Twin Rivers Park has a large playground. The park’s sports center has a variety of different facilities to meet the needs of various sports activities.
14. Brush District Museum and Cultural Center
The nearby Brush is full of interesting history, and you can learn all about it at the Brush District Museum and Cultural Center, where exhibits showcase the Texas-Montana Trail and Morgan County that served on various military missions over the years. Veteran.
The building itself was the Knearl School and is an important landmark for the community.
15. Brush Prairie Pond State Wildlife Area
Visitors looking to see the area’s wildlife can do so at the Brush Prairie Pond State Wildlife Area. The best viewing areas feature benches to view wildlife while minimizing disruption to their habitat and personal space.
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife species, including rabbits, deer and a variety of birds such as waterfowl and pheasants.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Fort Morgan, Colorado (CO)
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