Serving as the seat of Weld County, Greeley lies north of Denver in Colorado’s High Plains region. It was founded in 1869 by Nathan C. Meeker as a utopian farming community and was named in honour of the American newspaper editor Horace Greeley. Not only is he credited with the phrase “Go West, young man”, but he visited during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush of 1859.
Things to do in Greeley
Train enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, which boasts one of the largest model railroad layouts in the world. In addition to its miniature recreation of the Oregon, California and Eastern Railway, it houses a beautifully restored Colorado & Southern Railway caboose. Rare Lionel locomotives dating from the post-war era are also on display.
North of Greeley is Island Grove Regional Park, a historic green space that was originally established back in 1869. Set on the banks of the Poudre River, it features exhibition facilities, scenic walking trails and a children’s playground. In the centre of the park is a large grandstand that hosts the annual Greeley Stampede.
Occupying the southern end of Island Grove Regional Park is the Centennial Village Museum, which preserves life in the High Plains of Colorado in times gone by. Take a step back in time as you explore the historic buildings on display, with costumed interpreters and heritage animals bringing them to life. You can tour the original Weld County Courthouse and see traditional industries like blacksmithing and printing in action.
Getting around Greeley
Greeley is just over an hour’s drive from the centre of Denver and Denver International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America and Europe. Buses connect from Denver and Fort Williams to Greeley and travel throughout the city.