For the best time to visit Grand Junction Colorado, you should plan your trip to coincide with the summer. Besides the 300+ days of sunshine per year, you can also enjoy the abundant local arts scene, limitless outdoor activities, and a vibrant downtown. Visitors can visit dozens of art galleries, art boutiques, and restaurants in Downtown Grand Junction. There are year-round street festivals in the downtown area. You can also stroll along trails and enjoy spectacular views.
If you are a bird watcher, you should not miss the Art Center, which features over 200 different species of birds. Art lovers will love this gallery, which is one of the social hubs for Western Slope artists. In addition to its exhibitions, the Art Center also hosts many other events, like music festivals and lectures. There is also an outdoor art festival held on the first Friday of each month. For outdoor art exhibits and performances, you can also enjoy First Fridays in Downtown Grand Junction.
The City of Grand Junction is located in Mesa County, Colorado. The city is located near the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers. The Grand Junction area is the perfect base for exploration of the Colorado National Monument. Other attractions include James M. Robb State Park, which features kayaking and whitewater rafting, as well as a museum dedicated to western Colorado history. The Museums of Western Colorado offer cultural and historic education for visitors.
You can also enjoy the local cuisine by trying the local wines. Grand Valley is known for its delicious produce, and there are over twenty vineyards and orchards here. Visitors can also choose from a wide selection of produce from the area, and many of the vineyards are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For historical sights, you can also visit the North 7th Street Historic Residential District. The 19th century Victorian homes line this street in downtown Grand Junction.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Grand Mesa National Monument offers great hiking, mountain biking, and camping opportunities. There are thirteen backcountry trails, ranging from 4,700 to 7,000 feet. Downtown Grand Junction is the beating heart of the city. Historic buildings, such as the 19th century Main Street, line Main Street, and include dining, art galleries, and shopping. If you’re looking for a more urban experience, try the downtown area. You’ll be glad you chose Grand Junction!
Getting around the town is easy, and commuting time is 16 minutes, which is less than half the average in Colorado. Bike riders will appreciate the easy access to the Grand Valley bike trail, which runs from Palisade to Fruita. The Grand Junction Regional Airport is located in Fruita, while Colorado Mesa University and Western Colorado Community College offer convenient flights to major cities. Education is important in Grand Junction, and Grand Valley Transit also offers dial-a-ride service to connect passengers to a bus in need.
Before American settlement began in Southwest Colorado, the area was occupied by the Ute Indians. After annexation, the Ute people signed a treaty with the Americans. However, the peaceful coexistence soon ended in a battle, and the Ute were forced to take up reserved lands in Utah. As a result, American settlement of Southwest Colorado began in 1881. Grand Junction was incorporated in 1882 and became the seat of Mesa County in 1893.