Located on the Arkansas River in southeastern Colorado, La Junta is the county seat and home rule municipality of Otero County. Its population was 7,322 at the 2010 census. The city is 68 miles east of Pueblo. Read on to learn more about La Junta Colorado. This is a wonderful place to live! There are many things to do in La Junta Colorado, but you can always make it even better by learning about the area’s history and culture.
Vogel Canyon was carved out by a tributary of the Purgatoire River and features three permanent fresh springs. The Santa Fe Trail passed through this area in the 1870s, and it was later developed by the Barlow and Sanderson Mail and Stage Line. You can find plenty of wildlife and flora in this area. During your stay in La Junta, make sure to explore Vogel Canyon, which boasts ancient petroglyphs.
The town was originally formed to serve as a railroad junction. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway established a depot and roundhouse in 1875, and the town was soon a hub for industry. In 1879, the railroad shifted to the Colorado division. In 1881, the town incorporated under Colorado state laws. The area now boasts a melon crop and large cattle commissions. The town is a charming oasis in the middle of the prairie.
The area is home to eight city parks. The city park was established in 1904 and has plenty of space for fishing, hiking and playing tennis. In addition, La Junta Colorado is home to the Sk8way Skatepark, southern Colorado’s best skatepark. Its nine-foot bowl and street course are complete with night lights. You can even take your children out to play in the skatepark! The community is a great place to raise a family!
To find the best hotel deals, use a free travel search engine like KAYAK.com to compare hotel prices from hundreds of websites. There are many hotel options in La Junta, so take your time to compare them. You’ll save a lot of money this way! If you’re traveling on a budget, you can always check out local craft booths and farmers markets along Highway 50. You can also visit the town’s Early Settlers Day to enjoy a pancake breakfast and parade.
Historic La Junta sits along the banks of the Arkansas River. This river plows through southeastern Colorado from Canon City, creating a lush river corridor. The city has a rich history of travelers and Indians. The area’s Old Fort National Historic Area contains a restored 1840s fur trading post and grounds. The town is home to one of the largest collections of prehistoric rock art in the United States.
After the town incorporated in 1881, more settlers moved to the area to try their hand at farming. The fertile flood plain of the Arkansas River was ripe for farming. However, areas farther from the river required irrigation. Homesteaders grew wheat, corn, hay, peas, melons, and onions. They also used Turkey Red wheat strains that were adapted for dry climates. Cattle remained an important part of the local agricultural economy.