Big Timbers Museum in Lamar, CO 719-336-2472
Fowler Historical Society Museum 719-263-4046
The exhibits in the museum will give you a brief description of the land: as the Indians knew it; of prairie and rivers and canyons; where the natives chipped their spear points in order to secure food, where they wrote their histories, drew their maps, painted and drew pictures of everyday life and their beliefs on the rock walls.
Rocky Ford Museum 719-254-6737
Follow the history of Rocky Ford from its founding through the 20th century. Featured exhibits include a history of the Arkansas Valley Fair, and agricultural history highlighting the world famous melons and beet sugar industry.
Otero County Museum 719-384-7500 www.coloradoplains.com/otero/museum
Exhibits portray life and business during the early years of the lower Arkansas Valley, including feature displays focusing on railroads, military, postal, agricultural, business, transportation, schools, and all other aspects of pioneer life.
Koshare Indian Museum 719-384-4411 www.kosharehistory.org
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site 719-383-5010 www.nps.gov/beol
Located 8 miles east of La Junta on Hwy 194, the Fort is open for self guided tours daily from 9:00–4:00. Cost $3 adults, $2 for ages 6-12.
John W. Rawlings Heritage Center & Museum 719-456-6066 https://www.bentcountyheritage.org/
Located in Las Animas this facility serves as headquarters of the Bent County Historical Society.
John Martin Reservoir State Park 719-829-1801 https://cpw.state.co.us/
Sometimes called a sapphire on the plains, John Martin is a peaceful paradise in which people play, birds flock and wildlife roams. 400 Species of birds have been recorded in Bent County. Majestic Bald Eagles roost here in winter. Threatened and endangered Piping Plovers and Least Terns nest here. Great-horned Owls, Pelicans and all kinds of waterfowl can be seen as well as deer and bobcat are often spotted. Very nice exhibits in the visitor center.
John Martin Reservoir Army Corps of Engineers Visitors Center 719-336-3476
Dinosaur exhibit - The tracks are from the Iguanodon dinosaur that lived around 95 million years ago. The John Martin tracks are located on what Dr. Martin Lockley refers to as the "dinosaur freeway" which followed the inland sea of that period. The exhibit has been designed by the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center in Woodland Park. The tracks are those found at several sites in 2003 exposed by low water levels due to drought conditions.
Blue Rose Ranch Birding Tour
Blue Rose Ranch is a working horse ranch and non-profit Horse Rescue operation located 40 miles south of Lamar. Join us for a hearty breakfast and a day in the Old West you will never forget! A hay ride will escort you through horse country to the Bear Creek Tour starting area. If you prefer, you can just enjoy the horses or even ride. Dress for the elements and for walking through open country and creek beds.
Colorado Birding Trail at Blue Rose Ranch
In addition to being a beautiful horse ranch, Blue Rose Ranch is also an extraordinary opportunity for Birders. Blue Rose Ranch is situated in an area of southeast Colorado renowned for its location on the migratory route of many varieties of birds, some that are quite rare. Bear Creek winds through Blue Rose Ranch, with cottonwoods, shrubs, and grassland habitats providing outstanding birding, especially during migration. Two ephemeral ponds attract a variety of waterfowl and water birds at times of the year.
Blue Rose Ranch has first class overnight facilities available to special guests with the option of evening fine dining and breakfast. Also available are horse back rides, tours and interaction with the horses, summer camps, campfires, and a variety of activities to suit your special needs.
Overnight guests are by reservation only:
303-796-7739
All proceeds from overnight guests, dining, and horse riding go directly to the care of horses at Blue Rose Ranch, Inc., Horse Rescue and Adoption.
Expect an immersion into the Old but Elegant West.
We are a working horse ranch and farm. Bring sleeves that can be rolled up.