If you happen to find yourself in the Western region of the United States, be sure to drop by the town of Grand Junction in the state of Colorado. Known for its rocky and mountainous landscape, Grand Junction has become a popular destination for mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts. The vast scenery is also one of the reasons why the visitors flock to Grand Junction. Colorado River, flowing from the mountains adds a glistening touch to the rocky background. That being said, there’s lots of nature and wildlife to explore and admire here. With its abundant agriculture, Grand Junction has also been dubbed as the center of Colorado’s wine country, giving tourists more reason to visit. These are just a few of the many activities to check out in this quaint town. Check out our extensive list below for more exciting things to do at Grand Junction, Colorado!
1. Explore firearms and pottery exhibits at Museum of the West, Museums of Western Colorado
Immerse into history at the interactive Museum of the West, one of the four facilities under Museums of Western Colorado. Experience the Wild West at its best by taking a “ride” on a stagecoach or a “flight” on board a 1958 Cessna aircraft. Or perhaps admire some Anasazi artifacts and check out the actual firearms people used to carry back in the day. For an additional dose of history, the Loyd Files Research Library is full of photographs, books, maps, and historical documents waiting to be explored by history enthusiasts and dorks.
Museum of the West, Museums of Western Colorado
Address: 462 Ute Ave., Grand Junction, CO 81501
Website: Museums of Western Colorado
Opening hours: (Summer, May 1 - Sept 30) Mon - Sat : 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun); (Winter, October 1 to April 30) Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 7 USD (adult) / 6 USD (senior) / 4 USD (children) / 20 USD (family groups of 6)
2. Discover over 600 types of orchids at Western Colorado Botanical Gardens
For nature lovers, a trip to the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens is sure to be a favorite. Admire the various and colorful varieties of flowers and plants within the several specialty gardens like the Cactus Garden, Antique Rose Garden, Children’s Secret Garden, Western Heritage Garden, Japanese Garden, and Celebration, among others. Wonder at the different beautiful species of butterflies at their Butterfly House, and meet some koi fish, turtles, and frogs over at the tropical rainforest area.
Western Colorado Botanical Gardens
Address: 655 Struthers Avenue, Grand Junction, Colorado
Website: Western Colorado Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 5 USD (adult) / 4 USD (seniors/students/military/children 12+) / 3 USD (children 3-11) / Free (children below 3)
3. Enjoy a fun-filled day at Bananas Fun Park
A perfect stop for families, Bananas Fun Park offers a variety of exciting activities and attractions for all ages. Make a splash at Coconut Cove (waterpark), have fun at Laser Tag, play some Mini Golf and bounce to your heart’s content at Inflatable Playland! Kids and kids at heart will surely enjoy a fun-filled day here. Visitors may also take a break from the fun and grab a pizza or spaghetti at Congo Cafe. Whether you’re with family or friends, this is one destination you’ll surely not miss out on!
Bananas Fun Park
Address: 2469 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, CO 81505
Website: Bananas Fun Park
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 10am - 10pm
Price: 21.50 - 37.50 USD
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4. Bounce at Get Air Trampoline Park
Get Air Trampoline Park has many locations throughout the United States but while at Grand Junction, be sure to check this one out. Surely anyone who wishes to jump on their adrenaline rush (pun intended) will enjoy the vast activities in Get Air. It’s also a great place for exercising and work out. Aside from trampolines, Get Air offers activities such as Dodge Ball, Ninja Park, and Foam Pit among other obstacle courses. They also have special services such as Toddler Time for kids under 46 inches (116.8 cm) and their parents, Club Air on a Friday or Saturday night for the partygoers, and even Massage Chairs for those who are not interested in jumping and just came along to accompany someone else. There’s something for everybody at Get Air Silo!
Get Air Trampoline Park
Address: 715 South 7th, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Website: Get Air Trampoline Park - Silo, Grand Junction
Opening hours: Mon, Wed: 10am - 9pm; Tue, Thu: 12pm - 9pm; Fri: 10am - 11pm; Sat: 9:30am - 11pm; Sun: 9:30am - 9pm; (Toddler Time) Tue, Thu : 10am - 12pm; (Toddler Time) Sat - Sun: 9:30am - 11am; (Club Air) Fri - Sat: 8pm - 11pm
Price: 12 USD (1 hour) / 20 USD (2 hours) / 25 USD (3 hours)
5. Go hiking at Bangs Canyon Trailhead (Mica Mine)
Adventure seekers will be thrilled to add Bangs Canyon Trailhead to their list of things to do while in Grand Junction. Located within the center of Bangs Canyon Special Recreation Management Area, it’s the perfect spot for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Two routes are accessible from Bangs Canyon Trailhead - the Mica Mine trail and the Rough Canyon trail. Taking a hike through these trails will make one appreciate the beauty of nature while admiring the rocky landscapes of Grand Junction. If lucky, you might even encounter a stream to jump over during the spring!
Bangs Canyon Trailhead (Mica Mine)
Address: Grand Junction Field Office, 2815 H road, Grand Junction, CO 81506
Website: Bangs Canyon Trails
6. Play a round of golf at Lincoln Park
Practice your aim and stretch a bit at the Lincoln Park Golf Course. It features a nine-hole course and is the oldest golf course in the area of Western Colorado. They have several tees - Black, Red, Yellow, and Blue, each of which has a select group of players so there is something for everyone. They also have Family Tees perfect for parents to teach their young children. It’s a perfect activity for family bonding.
Lincoln Park
Address: 2057 South Broadway, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Website: Lincoln Park
Opening hours: Driving range: 8am - 7pm (daily); Golf shop: 7am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 9 - 15 USD
7. Sample the finest wines at Two Rivers Winery
Grand Junction is becoming known as the center of Colorado’s wine industry. Therefore it’s only fitting that a trip to one of the best wineries in town should be on the itinerary. Taste only the finest wines at Two Rivers Winery and take a tour of their facilities. Witness the Winemakers in action and even get a chance to say hello to the owners, Bob and Billie Witham when they’re around. It’s an interactive experience that allows the guests to learn and appreciate more about the value of the drink they’re holding.
Two Rivers Winery
Address: 2087 Broadway, Grand Junction, Colorado 81507
Website: Two Rivers Winery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10:30am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
8. Unlock the mysteries at Epic Escape Game Grand Junction
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Almost! This team of journalists had several pieces of evidence, but unfortunately were found out before they could...
Posted by The Escape House GJ on Saturday, November 14, 2020
Imagine having only 60 minutes to get you and your friends out of a locked room. And within that 60 minutes, you must solve a mystery. Sounds fun? Epic Escape Game Grand Junction does just that! Pick any of the four themes - A Grand Illusion, The Abandoned Mine, The Hunted and Escape Earth. This will surely test your logic skills, your determination, and your patience but all of it will be worth the experience.
Epic Escape Game Grand Junction
Address: 605 Grand Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Website: Epic Escape Game Grand Junction
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 1pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 27 USD
9. Enjoy a family outing to Canyon View Park
Sometimes you need to take a little time off and just relax. Or perhaps spend time with the family. One of the best spots to do that is at Canyon View Park. Amidst luscious greenery, there are many areas made for sports such as baseball, basketball, tennis, handball, and sand volleyball, among others. It also has many open spaces which are a perfect spot for a picnic. Furry pals are welcome too as the park has its area for pets at the dog park. Other activities that can be done include biking, fishing, and bird feeding. There are just several things to do at Canyon View Park, whether you’re alone, with family, or friends. And it’s free!
Canyon View Park
Address: 24 Road at I-70 (Exit 28), Grand Junction, CO 81505
Website: Canyon View Park
Price: Free admission
10. Explore Eureka! McConnell Science Museum
Founded by John McConnell, Eureka! McConnell Science Museum offers a fun and interactive way for children and students to learn more about science and math. If these are your kid’s favorite subjects at school, then they will surely enjoy the museum. There are different exhibits to check out such as the Space Shuttle Simulator, Geometric Bubbles, Water in the West, or Colorful Shadows. Not only will the kids enjoy it, but the adults will do as well!
Eureka! McConnell Science Museum
Address: 1400 North 7th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Website: Eureka! McConnell Science Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
Price: 7 USD (adult) / 6 USD (children 4-18, students & seniors 55-75) / Free (ages 75+ and 3 & below)
11. Try your hands at fishing at Walter Walker State Wildlife Area
Admire wildlife in Walter Walker State Wildlife Area. Find all kinds of species such as rabbits, raccoons, coyotes, prairie dogs, deer, beavers and over 200 kinds of birds the way they should be in their natural habitat. Fishing by the Colorado River is a usual activity as well. There are signs all over the trail to help visitors find their way around. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate mother nature for what it is.
Walter Walker State Wildlife Area
Address: 2175 Railroad Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81505, USA
Website: Walter Walker State Wildlife Area
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
12. Tee off at Watson Island Disc Golf Course
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Watson Island Disc Golf Course on Thursday, April 20, 2017
Another fantastic location for golfers and golf enthusiasts is Watson Island Disc Golf Course, one of seven disc golf courses and one of the newest ones in Grand Junction. It’s located near the Botanical Gardens and by the Colorado River so expect the backdrop to be beautiful. Players can play 18 to 20 holes and it’s perfect for the family!
Watson Island Disc Golf Course
Address: 639 Struthers Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Website: Watson Island Disc Golf Course
13. Aim and shoot at Rocky Mountain Gun Club
Thrill-seekers can go check out Rocky Mountain Gun Club, the largest indoor shooting facility in Western Colorado. Practice your aim with their state-of-the-art amenities including a pistol range, a tactical range, and an archery range. In total there 38 shooting lanes among the three shooting bays. Despite the somewhat risky activities, Rocky Mountain Gun Club’s top priority is still the health and safety of its players and visitors.
Rocky Mountain Gun Club
Address: 545 31 Road Grand Junction, CO 81504
Website: Rocky Mountain Gun Club
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 15 USD
14. Visit the iconic North Seventh Street Historic Residential District
Take a stroll down memory lane and revisit a simpler time by visiting North Seventh Street Historic Residential District. The houses here are all 19th-century Victorian homes that have been preserved for two centuries. Because of this, the area was registered under the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Tours inside the homes are available provided that there are balloons displayed outside the house. Residents are also ready to answer questions about the house and its history which makes the experience more interactive.
North Seventh Street Historic Residential District
Address: N 7th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Website: North Seventh Street Historic Residential District
Price: 12 USD
15. Take a relaxing stroll at Hawthorne Park
Enjoy some family bonding or alone time at Hawthorne Park, one of the first parks in Grand Junction. Another name for the park was originally Walnut Park and it was platted by the town in 1882. Today visitors can relax and take a stroll, perhaps even grill some barbecues at the family-friendly park. It’s the perfect getaway to unwind with the family!
Hawthorne Park
Address: 1340 Gunnison Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Website: Hawthorne Park
16. Visit Museums of Western Colorado: Cross Orchards Historic Site
Experience a bit of how life was in the past at the Cross Orchards Historic Site. Wander around the grounds and admire the vintage buildings and vehicles around the area. Two of the buildings are listed under the National Register of Historic Places - the barn/parking shed and bunkhouse, both built in the 1890s. It’s also a perfect venue to be rented out for weddings, family reunions, parties, and other events.
Museums of Western Colorado: Cross Orchards Historic Site
Address: 3073 F Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81504
Website: Museums of Western Colorado: Cross Orchards Historic Site
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
17. Head to Bookcliff Activity Center for an activity-filled day
Take some time off to exercise and play some sports at Bookcliff Activity Center. They offer a venue for a variety of recreational sports and activities perfect for the whole family. Some of these activities include basketball, volleyball, and table tennis. Bookcliff Activity Center also rents out its space for sports events and activities. So if you’re in a sporty mood, this is the place to be!
Bookcliff Activity Center
Address: 540 29 ¼ Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81504
Website: Bookcliff Activity Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
18. Pamper yourself at CoCo Bodyworks
Established in 2010 by the Roman Family Chiropractic, CoCo Bodyworks offers various massages at an affordable price. If you need time off to relax and unwind, best to try their wide selection of massages depending on your needs. Some of these are the CoCo Bodyworks Massage (their signature massage), Hydrating Swedish-Shea Butter Massage, Stress Relieving Massage and the Senior Massage, among others. Whatever you choose, one thing’s for sure - after a long and stressful day, CoCo Bodyworks will relieve you.
CoCo Bodyworks
Address: 2584 F Rd Suite D, Grand Junction, CO 81505
Website: CoCo Bodyworks
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 12:30pm, 2:30pm - 5:30pm; Fri: 9am - 10am; Sat - Sun (Massage only): 10am - 3:40pm
Price: 45 - 100 USD
19. Shop till you drop at Mesa Mall
Mesa Mall is home to several establishments in retail, food, and entertainment. It’s known to be the largest shopping center in the Western Slope, covering eastern Utah and western Colorado. There’s a wide selection of retail shops to choose from: from Target to Cabela’s, you name it, Mesa Mall probably has it. They also have an extensive food court and other recreational activities for the kids to play like Animal Riders, Kiddie Rides, and the Children’s Play Area - perfect for the whole family!
Mesa Mall
Address: 2424 Old US Hwy 6 & 50, Grand Junction, CO 81505
Website: Mesa Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
20. Browse through interesting items at A Robin's Nest of Antiques & Treasures
If Mesa Mall has all the latest and modern trends, A Robin’s Nest of Antiques & Treasures is the perfect one-stop-shop for antiques and vintage items at Grand Junction. It’s the biggest antique shop between Denver, Salt Lake, and Las Vegas. The shop has a wide array of antique furniture, collectibles, and retro items. It’s a real antique collector’s paradise.
A Robin's Nest of Antiques & Treasures
Address: 602 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Website: A Robin’s Nest of Antiques & Treasures
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm
21. Dine at Bin 707 Foodbar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Experience good food and good service at Bin 707 Foodbar. The restaurant takes pride in serving local, Colorado-sourced ingredients and aims to promote local produce. Some of their specialties include Tempura Artichoke Hearts, Wild Alaskan King Salmon BLT, Roast Duck Breast, and The Bin Burger for Lunch, and Colorado Lamb Tenderloin and Niman Ranch Pork Tenderloin for Dinner. Sound yummy? Bin 707 Foodbar is listed on the Good Food 100 List. Take note that the restaurant, though they don’t take reservations, will list your name and call you themselves when your table is ready. How about that!
Bin 707 Foodbar
Address: 225 N. 5th st. #105, Grand Junction, CO
Website: Bin 707 Foodbar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm
22. Go for 10-pin bowling at Orchard Mesa Lanes
Another perfect venue for family fun and bonding is at Orchard Mesa Lanes. The bowling alley has been running locally for over 30 years. They have a number of exciting events each year such as Western Colorado Special Olympics and Bowl with a Cop Day. Orchard Mesa Lanes is also available to host birthday parties and the like.
Orchard Mesa Lanes
Address: 295 27 Rd ~ Grand Junction, CO 81503
Website: Orchard Mesa Lanes
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri: 9am - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
23. Catch a movie at Picture Show at Grand Junction
Catch your favorite Hollywood blockbuster at Picture Show at Grand Junction. There are 12 branches in the country but be sure to check out their awesome and family-friendly facilities when at Grand Junction. The theater takes pride in keeping a healthy and engaging environment among their staff, many of whom are fresh graduates, and in turn, they can serve the customers with the same energy. The quality of the movie projection and sound stands out as the theater would like moviegoers to “Share the Experience” after leaving.
Picture Show at Grand Junction
Address: 590 24 ½ Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505
Website: Picture Show at Grand Junction
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:15am - 10:30pm; Sat - Sun: 9:15am - 10:30pm
Price: 7.50 USD (child) / 7.75 USD (seniors) / 8 USD (adults, before 4pm) / 10.25 USD (adults, after 4pm) / 6 USD (all day Tuesdays) / 3 USD (3D surcharge)
24. Experience shisha at Western Slope Hookah Lounge
Enjoy a night out with friends and a hookah, or more commonly known as shisha. Owner and US veteran Jared brought home the concept after his service in the Middle East. The lounge is the ideal hang-out and study place especially for students at nearby Colorado Mesa University. What’s even better is that they have free add-ons such as WiFi, Netflix, Xbox, PS4, Wii, and many more!
Western Slope Hookah Lounge
Address: 2830 North Ave, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
Website: Western Slope Hookah Lounge
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 7pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 7pm - 3am
25. Check out exotic wildlife at Children's Nature Center
Families can take their children who have a unique interest in reptiles and amphibians to the Children’s Nature Center. The center is home to a variety of both freshwater and saltwater exotic aquatic life. Meet up-close and interact with different kinds of snakes, reptiles, amphibians, and all kinds of creepy crawlies. It’s the perfect destination for tours and field trips that kids will surely enjoy.
Children's Nature Center
Address: Mesa Mall, 2424 US-6, Grand Junction, CO 81505, USA
Website: Children’s Nature Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
Price: 6 USD (children 12 and below) / 9 USD (adult) / 8 USD (senior 60+ and veterans)
Experience Grand Junction, Colorado
For a quaint little town, Grand Junction has a lot of activities to offer. From historic sites to museums; from recreational activities to nature trails; from park after park and golf course after golf course - it’s endless! There’s something for every kind of traveller, and nearly every activity in Grand Junction seems to be made for the family. Aside from the various activities, the scenery and location is also another good reason to visit Grand Junction. So next time you’re planning your family’s summer vacation, consider Grand Junction as one of your family’s destinations.
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