The mere mention of the word “Colorado” brings to mind pictures often endless, snow-capped peaks, world class resorts, unparalleled skiing and mirror alpine lakes.  Without a doubt, Colorado’s Rockies and the activities centered around them, are the premier attraction in the state.  But there’s so much more to Colorado.  The wind-carved sandstone sculptures, canyons and mesas in the western part of the state, as well as eastern plains, are every bit as much a part of Colorado has those imposing peaks.  The history of individual towns, told with colorful stories of pioneers, prospector and the American Indian, are a very important part of what Colorado has to offer.

Just as it would take a lifetime to experience all that the centennial state has to offer, it would take a volume of considerable length to even begin to describe all there is to see and do.



When one is asked about the cities in Colorado, Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft Collins and Grand Junction will always topped the list.



I’m going to try to introduce you to some of the smaller towns.  I’ll tell you where they’re located, how to get to them, and what you might see and do when you visit.



I’ll start with my hometown, Ft. Morgan, Colorado located 81 miles northeast of Denver, on interstate 76.



Let’s take a close look at this town with either a walking or driving tour; the whole town is a historical treasure.  It was founded in 1864 as a military post to protect travelers and gold rushers on the Overland Trail.  It was originally called Fort Tyler then camp Wardell.  It was given its current name in 1866 to honor Colonel Christopher Morgan who was killed on January 20^th 1866 when the fire went out in his gas stove while he was warming his room.  Pick up a historical downtown walking tour map and read about the 44 buildings in this nine block area that makes up the early town of Ft. Morgan.  Or, obtain a historical driving tour map and check out 13 historical markers and buildings in the form Morgan, Weldona, Orchard, Snyder and Goodrich area.  This tour includes stops at the old Fort Morgan site, established in 1964, Centennial at Orchard (where part of the TV mini-series centennial was filmed), and the Texas-Montana trial.  Both maps are available at the Fort Morgan museum.



Don’t miss the James Marsh Arch Bridge (better known by locals as the Rainbow Bridge).  This is the only rainbow arch Bridge and Colorado and is designated and Colorado historic site.  Adjacent to the rainbow bridge, Is Riverside Park the park has a huge array of amenities for any age.  The South Platte River runs alongside Riverside Park and provides spectacular opportunities to view wildlife.  At any given time you may see geese, dear, quail, wild Turkey, or an occasional bald eagle.



The Sherman historical district is also a popular venue for tourists in Ft. Morgan.  Designated a National historic place, this picturesque street is lined with beautiful houses from our past,



Visit the Ft. Morgan museum to see magnificent exhibits, including an old times soda fountain, and a first class exhibit on the Glenn Miller, who graduated from high school in Ft. Morgan.  March- kicks off a summer packed with activities.  Join us for the Glenn Miller- Dancing on the Plains, Festival in the park, Fall Harvests car show as well as the Windmill Century Classic and Petal the Prairies Bike Rides.  Ft. Morgan provides a wide range of restaurants and lodging to accommodate your travel needs RV parking and camping are available in the area.  Bring your family down for a day, or stay a week to explore the scenic beauty of Morgan County-A place that seems a world away.