Lamar is one of the safest cities in Colorado and is a designated Monarch City for its assistance in the repopulation of monarch butterflies. As the County Seat of Prowers County, it offers historical attractions, including a windmill, a train engine, and a brick depot from bygone days. It started as a frontier town and there are still places to go where visitors can relieve some of the events in Lamar’s colorful history. Lamar is also an extraordinary birding destination and boasts key points for observing more than 400 species of local and migrating birds. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound, so prepare for terrific adventures when visiting this town. Moreover, it’s a peaceful place for respite from routine. Are you heading to Lamar soon? Now is the best time to read about the best things to do in Lamar, Colorado.
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1. Meet the pioneers at Big Timbers Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Big Timbers Museum currently occupies an American Telephone & Telegraph Co. building that was built in the 1920s. The museum was named after a grove of cottonwood trees growing along an old buffalo migratory route by the Arkansas River. Big Timber Museum houses Native American artifacts and framed posters from World War I and World War II. Also featured are the Fleagle Bank Robbery exhibit and memorabilia from Sand Creek. The Big Timbers Transportation Museum is an adjacent structure that houses vintage cars, fire trucks, and wagons.
Big Timbers Museum
Address: 7515 US-50 Scenic, Lamar, CO 81052, USA
Website: Big Timbers Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 1pm - 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 2 USD onwards
2. Take shelter at Lamar Sportsmans Campground & Horse Motel
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Lamar Sportsman’s Campground has a variety of campsites for tents, RVs, and big rigs. They have more than 30 full electric hookups, more than ten electric and water hookups, and two cabins. They accommodate extended stays, so be clear about your needs when you call. Guests will have access to laundry services, toilets, showers, and a swimming pool. If you are on the rodeo trail, rest assured there are facilities to house your horses. This campground is a pet-friendly site, but you must call ahead to inquire about restrictions and additional fees.
Lamar Sportsmans Campground & Horse Motel
Address: 5385 US-50, Lamar, CO 81052, United States
Price: 28 USD onwards
3. Find good value meals at BJ's Burgers & Fries
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Check out the menu of BJ’s Burgers & Fries as soon as you arrive in Lamar. You’ll be glad to patronize this restaurant on Main Street because their prices are fair and the staff is attentive. Food is prepared well and customers won’t have to wait long for fries, burgers, and tacos. Ask if the ice cream is available because it comes highly recommended. The menu is rather extensive, so try their sandwiches, salads, and various tasty sidekicks.
BJ's Burgers & Fries
Address: 1510 S Main St, Lamar, CO 81052, United States
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
4. Find historical monuments at Willow Creek Park
Willow Creek Park was part of the federal program that includes public works to stimulate the devastated economy in the wake of the Great Depression. This rectilinear park is roughly 28 acres (11 hectares) in size and features a disc golf course, a skatepark, playgrounds, gardens, lawns, and pavilions. The colonette and shelter house on the western side of the park are some of its historical features. Pike’s Tower, a tribute to American explorer Brig. Gen. Zebulon Pike can be found on the eastern side. Willow Creek Park has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2007.
Willow Creek Park
Address: Rotary Way, Lamar, CO 81052, United States
Website: Willow Creek Park
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
5. Stay fit and fresh at Lamar City Swimming Pool
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Children will have a blast on the waterslide at Lamar City Swimming Pool and there’s plenty of room for adults to sunbathe on the poolside. Call to inquire if swimming lessons and exercise classes are being offered. Check out the website and social media page for current protocols, sessions, and pool regulations. Adult lap swimming is currently available during the weekday for a specific time in the morning, and visitors are allowed entry on a ‘first-come, first-served basis.’
Lamar City Swimming Pool
Address: 1107 Parkview Ave, Lamar, CO 81052, United States
Website: Lamar City Swimming Pool
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, & Sat: 1pm - 5pm, 7pm - 9pm; Mon, Wed, Fri, & Sun: 1pm - 5pm
Price: 2.25 USD onwards
6. Honor pioneer women and visit Madonna of the Trail
Madonna of the Trail in Lamar is a symbol of strength and a celebration of the courage of the women who paved the way for the establishment of settlements along the Santa Fe Trail. The indomitable spirit of the pioneer women is immortalized in 12 identical monuments built in different parts of the country. Women from Missouri started the campaign for these monuments in the early 20th century. Today, each of the 12 states along the National Old Trails Road has a Madonna of the Trail Monument. These 12 states are Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Madonna of the Trail
Address: 111 W Beech St, Lamar, CO 81052, United States
Website: Madonna of the Trail
7. Play a round of golf at Spreading Antlers Golf Course
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Change is a good thing...check out our new website! www.golflamar.com
Posted by Spreading Antlers Golf Course on Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Since 1965, Spreading Antlers Golf Course has been serving the golfing community of Lamar and neighboring towns. This public fairway offers golfers of all ages plenty of excitement and opportunities for growth. This course, which was designed by American professional golfer Labron Harris, Jr., received a rating of 68.2 from the United States Golf Association. Clubs and carts are for rent and there is a practice putting green and driving range. When you call to inquire, ask about lessons and coaching.
Spreading Antlers Golf Course
Address: 28157 US-287, Lamar, CO 81052, United States
Website: Spreading Antlers Golf Course
Opening hours: 7am - 7:30pm (daily in Summer); 9am - 4pm (daily in Winter)
Price: 14 USD onwards
8. Catch a movie at Art Deco Lamar Theater
Lamar Theater is a well-preserved Art Deco building with a pastel color scheme and boldly patterned interiors. It is an architectural landmark that has retained its character amid renovations and improvements. For more than 60 years, the theater has been operational in downtown Lamar and the delightful stylistic marquee lights up at night for patrons and tourists. The theater has a single screen and 832 seats divided between the balcony (150 seats) and the auditorium (682 seats). The theater was designed by Charles D. Strong, an architect from Denver, and built by the Atlas Theatre Company for owner Charles U. Yeager.
Lamar Theater
Address: 219 S Main St, Lamar, CO 81052, United States
Website: Lamar Theater
9. Spend leisurely evenings at Lamar Lanes
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Lamar Lanes on Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Spend an evening at Lamar Lanes while you’re in town. Aside from standard bowling lanes, there are disco lights to motivate your game. You’ll also find video games, pool tables, and dartboards on the premises. To keep you going, order burgers, pizza, nachos, pretzels, and down them with mixed drinks or beer. If you are a fan of the Denver Broncos, the Denver Nuggets, and the Colorado Rockies, you can watch their televised games at Lamar Lanes. Be sure to call ahead to reserve a spot for your party.
Lamar Lanes
Address: 1704 S Main St, Lamar, CO 81052, United States
Website: Lamar Lanes
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6pm - 11pm; Fri: 6pm - 12am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 3pm - 11pm
Nearby attractions and activities
10. Relive a chapter of history at Camp Amache National Historic Landmark
The Camp Amache National Historic Landmark is 20 minutes away from Lamar in the town of Granada. This National Historic Landmark is also known as the Granada Relocation Center, where more than 7,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly interned during World War II. Today, the site has foundations and signs reminding visitors of the relocation of Japanese who were American citizens from August 27, 1942, to October 15, 1945. The site is maintained by the Amache Preservation Society (APS) and supported by many organizations, including The Japan America Society of Southern Colorado.
Camp Amache National Historic Landmark
Address: 23900 County Road FF, Granada, Colorado
11. Spend a lovely day at Historic Arkansas Riverwalk
You can learn about the 1921 Pueblo Flood while on a boat excursion on the Arkansas River. The trip from Lamar to the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is about two hours long, so you may also plan to stay the rest of the day and explore the mile-long channel and the many shops, cafes, and restaurants in the area. The riverwalk is an urban waterfront attraction in the town of Pueblo. There are all sorts of family entertainment in the 32-acre (13-hectare) complex. Couples can go on a romantic gondola boat ride and families can spend a leisurely time in this open-air area in the heart of downtown Pueblo.
Historic Arkansas Riverwalk
Address: 101 N Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States
Website: Historic Arkansas Riverwalk
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Have your fill of vintage airplanes at Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
Are you a fan of aviation and particularly enamored with the B-29 Superfortress from World War II? Before heading back to Lamar, stop by the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum to marvel at its “Showcase of Heroes.” Two hangars showcase years of aviation history, military uniforms, artifacts, and personal effects. Purchase unique souvenirs from the museum’s gift shop. Children under seven years old and active-duty military personnel may enter the museum free of charge. The Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum was founded in 1970 by Fred Weisbrod.
Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
Address: 31001 Magnuson Ave, Pueblo, CO 81001, United States
Website: Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 4pm; Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm
Price: 8 USD onwards
Choose your brand of fun and adventure at Lamar
Lamar is a place where you can reflect in quiet and solitude. It is also a great destination for new adventures in the outdoors. Spend a few days in town to make the most of its engaging attractions and be sure to explore beyond its borders for more enriching experiences.
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