Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Fort Morgan, Colorado

Fort Morgan is a municipality with a population of approximately 11,000 residents located in Morgan County, Colorado. Given its rural position on elevated plains providing views of the South Platte River, Fort Morgan serves as an ideal vacation destination for individuals seeking tranquility away from urban life while maintaining convenient access to nearby metropolitan areas. The nearest major city is Denver, situated 70 miles from Fort Morgan.

In addition to being an excellent locale for a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat, Fort Morgan is recognized for various attractions, including its numerous parks and green spaces, agricultural heritage, a lively music scene, and an inviting downtown. The town is also historically significant as the former residence of renowned big-band musician Glenn Miller.

For those wishing to explore the region effortlessly, Amtrak services pass through Fort Morgan.

Numerous attractions can be found in closely situated towns such as Brush, Orchard, Weldona, and Wiggins. Throughout the year, Fort Morgan hosts a range of special events, including the Glenn Miller SwingFest, BobStock Music Festival, and the Fall Harvest Car Show.

Below are 15 of the most noteworthy attractions and activities to enjoy in and around Fort Morgan, Colorado.

1. Pawnee Pioneer Trail Scenic and Historic Byway

Located just north of Fort Morgan is a breathtaking natural landscape that once served as the homeland to Plains Indians. The Pawnee Pioneer Trail Scenic and Historic Byway retraces their historic route. The small towns along this corridor were later established and populated by fur trappers, cattle ranchers, and pioneers who navigated this path in search of new beginnings.

During your journey, you will traverse the Colorado Piedmont and witness the iconic Pawnee Buttes. Observers may also encounter wildlife such as coyotes, antelope, rattlesnakes, prairie dogs, and diverse bird species. Ultimately, you’ll explore the Pawnee National Grasslands, which boasts camping areas and is regarded as one of the best locations for birdwatching in the country.

A hiking trail is available within this region. The optimal visiting hours are during early morning or evening when the sky appears most vibrant.

2. Tee off at The Course at Pettey’s Park

Enjoy a day on the meticulously maintained greens at The Course at Pettey’s Park in the nearby town of Brush. This 9-hole public golf course is widely regarded as one of the finest in the state, owing to its stunning surroundings and challenging gameplay. Facilities include a golf pro shop and The Course Cafe Restaurant and Bar.

3. Jackson Lake State Park

Jackson Lake State Park offers an excellent venue for families to engage in various outdoor activities. The expansive reservoir features sandy shores and warm waters, making it the main attraction. Recreational opportunities include swimming, boating, water-skiing, and fishing. For those wishing to extend their stay, there are 20 campsites within the park.

Additional amenities comprise laundry facilities and restrooms with showers.

4. Rainbow Bridge

As a notable Marsh Arch Bridge and one of the remaining examples of this type, Rainbow Bridge in Fort Morgan is a popular landmark. Currently, visitors can walk across the bridge, which features 11 arches and spans the picturesque South Platte River.

One of the largest arch bridges in the country, it has recently been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

5. Fort Morgan Museum

For those interested in deepening their understanding of the history and culture of Fort Morgan and its surrounding regions, a visit to the Fort Morgan Museum is highly recommended. Through an array of temporary and permanent exhibits, visitors can explore the area’s history and development.

Exhibits showcase historical artifacts related to the Plains Indians, as well as local art. A dedicated exhibit highlights the life and contributions of Glenn Miller, who once called this town home. A museum store is also available on-site.

6. GoJump Denver Skydiving

For the adventure enthusiasts, consider the exhilarating experience of skydiving over the Fort Morgan area. Go Jump Denver offers some of the safest skydiving experiences available, facilitated by friendly, professionally trained experts dedicated to ensuring your experience is memorable.

Savor stunning views as you ascend through the clouds and enjoy equally breathtaking sights as you descend back to the earth.

7. All About The Smoke BBQ

If you appreciate exceptional cuisine served by welcoming staff in a pleasant setting, All About The Smoke BBQ is an excellent choice.

This barbecue establishment in Fort Morgan offers a diverse range of dishes crafted from scratch using the freshest ingredients. Some of the most favored options on the menu include slow-smoked brisket, chicken breast, pulled pork, wings, tacos, and a variety of delectable desserts.

8. Little Monkey Bizness

On inclement weather days, families with young children can continue their enjoyment indoors at Little Monkey Bizness located in Westminster. Children under eight years old can partake in an extensive array of traditional amusements, including inflatables, obstacle courses, bouncers, jungle gyms, and play structures.

This venue is the perfect environment for children to engage in fun activities, maintain physical fitness, and forge new friendships. Additionally, there is a designated play area for toddlers and infants.

9. The Club Tap

After an extensive day of exploration, unwind with a cold beverage at The Club Tap in Fort Morgan. If you’re not quite ready to relax in the evening, challenge yourself to a billiards match, engage in poker, enjoy a game of beer pong, watch sporting events on the televisions, or dance the night away.

Daily specials are offered, and a prime rib dinner special is available every Thursday night.

10. Gentle Spirit Alpaca Farm

Visitors seeking unique, handcrafted clothing and accessories can explore a diverse selection of quality items at the Gentle Spirit Alpaca Farm in Wiggins. The shop features a range of exquisite products crafted from luxurious alpaca fibers. An attractive aspect of this shop is that customers can visit the on-site alpaca farm and interact with the alpacas that provide these beautiful fibers.

Available items for sale include hats, sweaters, gloves, socks, mittens, and vests. Additionally, free knitting patterns are provided for those who wish to undertake crafting projects at home. The farm proudly raises 150 alpacas in a nurturing and caring environment.

11. Pope’s Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze

Should you find yourself in the Wiggins area during the autumn months, Pope’s Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze offers enjoyable activities for families.

The centerpiece of the farm is the expansive ten-acre corn maze, complemented by several other attractions such as a cow trail, duck races, a hay mountain slide, hayrides, pedal karts, and a u-pick pumpkin patch. Various events are organized throughout the season, including campfires, zombie hunts, and paintball activities.

12. Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area

Located in the nearby Merino region, the Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area boasts a wealth of outdoor activities and facilities tailored for an adventurous and engaging day in nature. Encompassing 3,047 acres of parkland, it features a picturesque lake as well as diverse grassland and wetland habitats.

This distinctive ecosystem is home to a variety of bird and animal species, which can often be observed within the area. Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing for species such as trout, crappie, catfish, and walleye on the lake. A gravel road encircles the lake, ideal for hiking, and free camping is permitted in designated areas around the lake.

On-site amenities include a boat ramp, picnic areas, and restroom facilities.

13. The Greeley Family FunPlex

For a wide array of family entertainment, the Greeley Family FunPlex presents numerous activities, both indoors and outdoors. The on-site Adventure Island Aquatic Park features various waterslides and wave pools.

This location is also home to the beach entrance. The River Run offers an expansive mini-golf course with 18 holes, while Twin Rivers Park includes a spacious playground. The sports complex within the park provides facilities for diverse sporting events.

14. Brush Area Museum and Cultural Center

The nearby town of Brush is rich in historical significance, which can be explored at the Brush Area Museum and Cultural Center. This facility showcases exhibits related to the Texas-Montana Trail and honors veterans from Morgan County who have served in various military capacities over the years.

The building itself, once known as Knearl School, is an important historical landmark in the community.

15. Brush Prairie Ponds State Wildlife Area

For those interested in observing local wildlife, the Brush Prairie Ponds State Wildlife Area is an excellent destination. Benches are strategically placed in optimal locations for wildlife observation, allowing for minimal disturbance to their natural habitat.

Visitors can anticipate sightings of a range of species, including rabbits, deer, and various birds such as waterfowl and pheasants.