Regional Attractions
Heritage tourist sites abound in our area.
And so do opportunities for bird watching, rock art, dinosaur tracks, and so much more!
Bent's Old Fort
For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements. The fort provided explorers, adventurers, and the U.S. Army a place to get needed supplies, wagon repairs, livestock, good food, water and company, rest and protection in this vast "Great American Desert."
Kit Carson once called it home. It's 15 minutes away by car. Visit on the web.
Native American Experience
- Koshare Indian Museum - a magnificent collection of Native American art and artifacts.
- Koshare Indian Dancers - are members of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 232 and Venturing Crew 2230.
- Rock art - select among several distinct rock art locations in southeastern Colorado, such as: Picture Canyon, Vogel Canyon, and Hicklin Springs south of John Martin reservoir.
- Sand Creek Massacre Site - Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal members, and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior expect the site to be open to the public in 2007 or 2008.
Pioneer History
- Santa Fe Trail - find adventure and evidence of past travelers.
- Boggsville - one of the first non-military settlements in Southeastern Colorado.
Museums and the Arts
- Otero museum - an extensive collection which tells the history of La Junta, Otero County and the region.
- Picketwire Theatre for The Performing Arts - providing a unique cultural experience in La Junta.
Youth-centered
- Tony Hawk skate park - a safe, quality place for kids to skate.
- CBR Youth Connect - proudly helping troubled youth become hopeful, productive citizens.
Cycling
- Road bike - local and regional routes.
- Mountain bike - quintessential southeastern Colorado, Picketwire Canyonlands.
Natural History
- Picket Wire Canyonlands - dinosaur trackways parallel the Purgatoire River for one quarter mile and contain 1,300 visible tracks, the longest in North America.
Nature
- Bird watching - diverse habitats attract many species of birds.
- Comanche National Grassland - a 435,000 acre treasure appealing to those interested in history, botany, zoology, and ornithology.
Additional Events and Sites
- Arkansas Valley Fair - the oldest continuous fair in Colorado.
- click here for more!
Also visit La Junta city government website for more information on activities and organizations in the surrounding area.
Now, may we introduce our family, friends and colleagues who are truly dedicated to bringing the "Kit" back to life.