Sterling’s story began in the 1860s and 1870s, when pioneers settled along the South Platte River, drawn both to the fertile river bottomlands and to the chance to claim homesteads. The arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad in 1881 sparked rapid growth and commerce. By 1887, Sterling was incorporated and designated the county seat of Logan County. Today, Sterling is a regional hub and a shining star in northeastern Colorado.
HAVE AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
North Sterling State Park is just 11 miles north of town. With 5,000 acres of park and a 3,000-acre reservoir, it’s a perfect getaway for an outdoor adventure, offering about everything you can imagine — boating, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, birding, and stargazing. Learn more online at cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/north-sterling-state-park.
TAKE A SENIC DRIVE
Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic Byway is a 128-mile drive through the Great Plains from Sterling to Ault. Highlights include the Pawnee Buttes, which rise 250 feet above the plains, and the Pawnee National Grassland, home to hundreds of bird species, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and prairie dogs. The route features historic sites and scenic pull-offs. Find more information online at colorado.com/articles/colorado-scenic-byway-pawnee-pioneer-trails.
STAY A NIGHT OR TWO
For a charming, locally owned stay in Sterling, The Crest Motel stands out as the town’s only boutique-style hotel, conveniently located in the heart of downtown. Guests can unwind in the outdoor garden and courtyard seating areas and enjoy easy access to nearby restaurants, parks, and downtown Sterling. Book your stay at tinyurl.com/y6smpdfa.
GRAB A BITE
Simkins Parlour is a local and traveler favorite. Cozy and welcoming, it’s loved for friendly staff and fresh, made-from-scratch food. Enjoy premium ice cream, coffee drinks, soups, sandwiches, and a customer favorite: a cabbage pocket. Check their Facebook page for hours.
EXPLORE ART & HISTORY
Known as the City of Living Trees, Sterling showcases wood and bronze sculptures throughout downtown and its parks. Explore at your own pace with a quiet scavenger hunt-style art walk, discovering public sculptures tucked among trees and sidewalks. It’s a fun, self-guided way to enjoy local art while strolling through the heart of town. Learn more about artist Bradford Rhea and his tree sculptures at onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/colorado/coolest-little-known-attraction-co.
Sitting along the 19th-century Overland Trail, the Overland Trail Museum lets visitors step back in time. Since 1936, people have enjoyed exhibits that teach about early settlers, Native American History, pioneer life, and early rural electrification. The grounds feature a historic village with a one-room schoolhouse, church, general store, blacksmith shop, filling station, barbershop, barns, and farm machinery. Learn more about the museum at tinyurl.com/OverlandMuseum.
Celebrate the Fourth of July at the Overland Trail Museum during the Heritage Festival. Enjoy live music, hands-on historical and craft decorations, family-friendly games, and local food vendors. Stroll the grounds, explore pioneer culture, and cap the day with an Independence Day fireworks show. The date may vary yearly. View the schedule at tinyurl.com/sterlingheritagefest.
Written by Robin Bradfield
Photos courtesy of Chris Coleman
