2026 Schedule of Events

You assume the risks of any communicable diseases by participating in any of the events. The High Plains Snow Goose Festival will not be liable for any illness as a result of your participation. By signing up and attending, you agree to any and all risks as mentioned above.

JOIN US FOR HOSPITALITY GATHERINGS THURSDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT

6:00pm-8:00pm Hospitality Gathering - unwind after your adventurous day and come meet folks, ask questions, and enjoy some deserts and friends. Take this opportunity to get to know fellow birders and historians, share some photos and memories.  Sign up so we know you are coming. This will be held at Lamar High School, 1900 S. 11th Street.  

TOUR AROUND LAMAR AND THE MUSEUM

Friday and Saturday catch the Welcome Center’s bus in the Big Timbers Museum parking lot at 7515 US 50 Scenic Lamar CO 81052. Bus will leave each day at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm for a tour around the city with experts to share about the historical sites. Stop into the museum before or after your tour and gain a better understanding of the History and Heritage of Southeast Colorado. Check out the 1927 Buick that was owned by the Fleagle Gang and learn about the famous robbery as well as how that case made FBI history. These are free tours for the Snow Goose Festival participants.  

7:00am-10:00am Black Hole / Two Buttes TOUR. $30.00 Join birding expert Debbie Barnes-Shankster for a birding opportunity below the Two Buttes Reservoir Dam. Enjoy this beautiful birding hotspot on the Baca/Prowers County Line. This tour involves walking on some uneven trails. The Emicks will be joining us on this tour and on the ride back, this tour will take you to see the amazing windmills on the Emick Farm. Meet at Lamar High School, 1900 S. 11th Street. 

10:00am-12:00pm John Martin Dam TOUR - Free with LIMITED SPACE. Join U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rangers for an interpretive tour of the historic John Martin Reservoir! Learn about the history and importance of the dam as you explore the dam inside and out. There is no cost for this tour, reservations are required as there is a limit on the number of individuals that can go. Transportation is on your own. You will meet at the Dam. 

1:00pm-3:00pm John Martin Dam TOUR - Free with LIMITED SPACE. Join U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rangers for an interpretive tour of the historic John Martin Reservoir! Learn about the history and importance of the dam as you explore the dam inside and out. There is no cost for this tour, reservations are required as there is a limit on the number of individuals that can go. Transportation is on your own. You will meet at the Dam.

2:00pm-Sundown Snow Goose TOUR- $30 Join birders Steve and Sue Keefer on a tour to see the snow geese. Tour includes a school bus, snacks, water, and a tour guides. (Return times are approximate).  Meet at Lamar High School, 1900 S. 11th Street.

3:00-Sundown Birding TOUR - Free. Join Debbie Barnes-Shankster on a tour of Lamar’s Willow Creek. This area is renowned for exciting and unusual birds, year-round. Join us for a tramp through the riparian area looking for these avian gems. Space is limited so sign up early. Meet behind the Lamar Community College at the north end of the nature area. 

 6:00am-10:30am Raptor and Snow Goose TOUR - $30. Join Debbie Barnes-Shankster as we tour the grasslands in an area known for several species of raptors, and then the Arkansas River bottom for ducks and passerines.  Bus included. Indoors and outdoors with minimal walking. (Return times are approximate). Meet the bus at Lamar High School, 1900 S. 11th Street. 

7:30am Birding TOUR - Free. Join Dotti Russell on a tour of Lamar’s Willow Creek. This area is renowned for exciting and unusual birds, year-round. Join us for a tramp through the riparian area looking for these avian gems. Space is limited so sign up early. Meet behind the Lamar Community College at the north end of the nature area. 

11:30am-5:30pm The Wild Animal Refuge - $100.  This tour of the near 10,000-acre wild animal sanctuary will allow you to see lions, tigers, wolves, alpacas, wild mustangs, and more. Get a chance to see for yourself this amazing creation. These rescued animals have been given a second chance at a better life. Hear amazing stories and get an opportunity to see the largest carnivore sanctuary in the world. This specific location is not open to the public, but we have special permission to do a tour. Sign up now. You will not want to miss this unique experience. Tour includes a school bus, snacks, water, and a tour guide. (Return times are approximate). Meet at Lamar High School, 1900 S. 11th Street. 

1:00-3:00pm Boggsville TOUR - Free. Take a tour of Boggsville, Colorado, a historic town that was an important center of commerce and trade. Learn about the important role this town played in the history of the American West along the Santa Fe Trail. 28120 CO-101 Las Animas CO 81052 

2:00pm-Sundown Snow Goose TOUR- $30.  Join birder Debbie Barnes-Shankster on a tour to see the snow geese. Local historian, Polly will join this tour to tell you about the local history of the area you will tour.  Tour includes a school bus, snacks, water, and tour guide. (Return times are approximate). Meet at Lamar High School, 1900 S. 11th Street. 

3:00pm-Sundown North Gateway Park TOUR - Free. Meet birder Dotti Russell for a walk around the Valco ponds to find some local birds. This tour is free and requires quite a bit of walking. Meet at the West Pavilion 1402 Valco Road Lamar CO 

3:00pm Birding TOUR - Free. Join us on a tour of Lamar’s Willow Creek. This area is renowned for exciting and unusual birds, year-round. Join us for a tramp through the riparian area looking for these avian gems. Space is limited so sign up early. Meet behind the Lamar Community College at the north end of the nature area. 

SATURDAY PROGRAM 

1:00pm Birds of Prey - FREE - Diana Miller from the Raptor Center will present lots of great information with all the wonderful raptors to see. She will be here with hawks, eagles, and owls. See the big predators in the bird world!  See the live birds from the Pueblo Raptor Center and hear of the efforts to rehabilitate injured or orphaned raptors.  This program will be held in the Lamar High School auditorium 1900 South 11th Street.  

5:30-10:30am Sunrise Tour - $30. Watch the snow geese wake up and fly off to their feeding grounds. Tour State Wildlife Areas and farm fields to see a variety of waterfowl including some raptors. Tour includes a school bus and a Colorado Parks and Wildlife tour guide. (Return times are approximate). Meet at Lamar High School, 1900 S. 11th Street.