Places to visit in Grand Junction, CO.
Grand Junction is a fantastic place to explore, whether looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure or something to do inside the city. With 250 days of sunshine per year, this area is perfect for year-round outdoor recreation.
If you are planning a trip to Grand Junction, there are many things you can do. This mountain town is located in the Western Slope region of Colorado and is known for its wine country. You can also explore the Colorado National Monument, located west of the city.
Colorado National Monument
The Colorado National Monument is a popular area for hiking. The monument has 14 hiking trails to explore. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the canyons and rock formations. They can also take a short day hike.
If you want to see more of the Colorado National Monument, you can start with a hike along Rim Rock Drive. This 23-mile route offers fantastic vistas. It’s also popular with cyclists. There are several pullouts to stop at, including Artist’s Point, Grand View, and Independence Monument View.
In addition to the drive, there are 19 viewing areas throughout the monument. You can see colossal sandstone monoliths and sheer-walled canyons.
The best time to visit is spring, summer, or autumn. However, winter can be beautiful as well. During the winter, you can see snow covering the red-rock formations.
The Colorado National Monument is an ideal destination for hiking and camping. The park’s campground is open year-round. In addition, several trails are available for visitors, including the Corkscrew Trail, which skirts cliffs. Another trail, the Liberty Cap Trail, climbs to the rim of the monument and provides a breathtaking view of the Grand Valley.
If you’re looking for a challenging hike, the Ute Canyon Trail is worth a try. It starts at the eastern park boundary and winds through a seven-mile canyon. A trail for more experienced hikers, the trail requires careful route finding.
Western Colorado Botanical Gardens
The Western Colorado Botanical Gardens is a 15-acre park on the Colorado River in Grand Junction, Colorado. It features a plethora of outdoor gardens and demonstrations to make your day a special one. You can see a cactus and succulent garden, a small orchid display, a flower exhibit, and even a butterfly house.
There are also several other noteworthy gardens to explore. Perhaps the most enlightening is the Heritage Garden which is an impressive display of the horticultural history of the area. Not only is the Garden special in its own right, but it also serves as a backdrop for many community events.
In addition to the nirvana, the Grand Junction Botanical Garden is also home to the large butterfly display, a nifty little Japanese garden, and a host of other fun and educational activities.
Studt’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
Studt’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Grand Junction, CO, is a family farm in operation for over 30 years. It is owned and operated by Ward Studt and his wife, Jennifer. They farm pumpkins, hay, and grain crops.
While visiting Studt’s Farm, you can participate in activities like corn mazes, petting zoos, and more. This is an excellent way to spend time with the whole family. You can also go on hay rides and horse-drawn hay rides.
In addition to the pumpkin patch, Studt’s Farm has a large petting zoo and a farm stand. If you want to buy pumpkins, you can choose from 50 varieties. The price varies according to the size of the pumpkin.
The corn maze at Studt’s is a fun and educational activity for the whole family. There are two corn mazes, which are over eight acres in size.
Eureka! McConnell Science Museum
The Eureka! McConnell Science Museum in Grand Junction, Colorado, is one of the unique museums in the state. Founded by an eponymous scientist, it offers hands-on science education and the latest technology. It’s also a family-friendly museum with over 100 educational exhibits.
Located at 1400 N Seventh St, Grand Junction, this science museum is the brainchild of Mr. Bubbles. This 92-year-old retired physicist has a flair for the dramatic. He brings science to life in the most fun way possible.
The Eureka McConnell Science Museum has been in business for the past five years. The museum has updated exhibits and features over 150 interactive and educational displays. They are aimed at a younger audience, from ages three to ninety.
Museum of the West
The Museum of the West in Grand Junction, Colorado, offers a diverse range of museum exhibits. Its collections include art, prehistory, cultural, and natural history specimens. Guests can also participate in several educational and historical programs.
Visitors to the museum can explore interactive exhibits such as a fire engine, airplane cockpit, and stagecoach experience. In addition, they can take a ride on a vintage LaFrance fire truck and enjoy an elevator that gives visitors a 360-degree view of the city.
The museum’s collections also include guns used by famous explorers such as John Charles Fremont and Kit Carson. They also have firearms belonging to Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley.
In addition to the many artifacts on display at the museum, there is also a full-scale model of a uranium mine. It is also possible to visit the Loyd Files Research Library, a repository of primary sources such as manuscripts, photographs, and maps. This library is associated with the Mesa County Oral History Project, which collects interviews with Mesa County pioneers.
