Greeley, CO, USA
About Greeley:
Greeley is a city in Weld County, Colorado, United States. It is located about 50 miles (80 km) north of Denver and is part of the Denver-Aurora-Boulder Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the population of Greeley was 92,889, making it the 12th most populous city in Colorado.
The city was named after Horace Greeley, a newspaper editor and political figure in the late 19th century. Greeley was founded as a Union Colony in 1869 by Nathan Meeker, a newspaper editor who wanted to create a utopian society in the American West. The colony was intended to be a model of temperance, hard work, and cooperation, and it attracted a diverse group of settlers, including farmers, craftsmen, and educators.
Today, Greeley is a thriving city with a diverse economy. It is home to the University of Northern Colorado, Aims Community College and the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. The city also has a strong agricultural presence and is a major center for irrigation technology and research. In addition, Greeley has a growing healthcare sector and a variety of manufacturing and technology businesses.
The city has a rich cultural scene and offers a variety of events and activities throughout the year. The Union Colony Civic Center, for example, is a popular venue for music, dance, and theater performances. Additionally, The Greeley Stampede, an annual rodeo and Western celebration, draws thousands of visitors to the city each summer.
Overall, Greeley is a vibrant city with a rich history and a strong sense of community.
Things to do in Greeley:
- Visit the University of Northern Colorado: The university has a beautiful campus and offers a variety of cultural and sporting events, including theater performances, art exhibits, and football games.
- Explore the Greeley History Museum: This museum tells the story of Greeley’s past, including its founding as a Union Colony and its role in the development of the American West.
- Take a stroll through the Poudre Trail: This scenic trail winds its way along the Poudre River and offers beautiful views of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
- Visit the Centennial Village Museum: This living history museum recreates life in a small Colorado town in the late 19th century, with historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and interactive exhibits.
- Attend the Greeley Stampede: This annual rodeo and Western celebration is one of the city’s most popular events and features live music, food, and a variety of rodeo competitions.
- Visit the Colorado Model Railroad Museum: This museum has a variety of model trains and layouts, including a large HO scale display of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railway.
- Go skiing or snowboarding at the nearby Ski Granby Ranch: This family-friendly ski resort is just a short drive from Greeley and offers a variety of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
- Enjoy a picnic at Island Grove Regional Park: This beautiful park has a variety of amenities, including picnic tables, playgrounds, and sports fields.
- See a performance at the Union Colony Civic Center: This performing arts venue hosts a variety of music, dance, and theater performances throughout the year.
- Visit the Greeley Freight Station Museum: This museum is housed in a restored 1894 Union Pacific Railroad freight station and tells the story of Greeley’s role in the development of the American West.
- Explore the Greeley Farmers’ Market: This weekly market features fresh produce, baked goods, and other items from local farmers and artisans.
- Try the beer at the WeldWerks Brewing Company : Known for their award winning beers, this Brewery is a must visit place in Greeley.
- Explore the Tointon Gallery at the University of Northern Colorado : This gallery showcases a variety of art exhibits throughout the year, including works by local and national artists.
- Take a hike in the Pawnee National Grassland : Just a short drive from Greeley, this grassland is home to a variety of wildlife and offers great opportunities for hiking and bird-watching.
- Visit the Meeker Home Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Nathan Meeker, the founder of Greeley, and features exhibits and artifacts related to the history of the Union Colony.
- Visit the Greeley Ice Haus: for some ice skating and ice hockey during the winter season.
- Enjoy the outdoors at Bittersweet Park: Offers various outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, picnics and playgrounds for children.
- Visit the Centennial Pool for a swim and some water activities.
- Take a visit to the Greeley Firefighters Museum.
- Take a walk or bike ride on the Poudre Trail, from where one can enjoy the beautiful views of the foothills and the river.
