If you’re looking for accommodations in La Junta Colorado, you’ve come to the right place. There are many unique lodging opportunities available, including campgrounds and hotels. This town is located near the intersection of two pioneer roads and has several different types of lodging options. Camping is a great way to experience the beauty of the area without breaking the bank. A popular option for travelers is to stay at a working ranch or farm. This type of lodging is usually located on a working farm, so guests can get local insight and recommendations on how to enjoy the area.
In 1881, La Junta incorporated as a city. More settlers began arriving to try farming in the flood plains of the Arkansas River, though they needed irrigation in the higher regions. In the flood plains, homesteaders planted wheat, corn, hay, peas, melons, and onions. In higher areas, they cultivated Turkey Red wheat strains that were adapted to the dry climate. Cattle remained an important part of the agricultural economy, though.
There are many attractions in La Junta, including the Koshare Museum, Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, the Otero Museum, and Vogel Canyon. In addition to museums, you can also enjoy the scenic canyon land of Picketwire and Vogel Canyons, where you can hike or mountain bike. For the geological buff, Vogel Canyon promises to reveal the largest mapped site of dinosaur tracks in North America. If you love dinosaurs, you can also visit Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site.
The area surrounding La Junta dates back thousands of years. The town was once the border between two American Indian tribes. Around 10,500 years ago, Paleo-Indians hunted bison in the plains of the area. An archaeological site in the area has revealed the location where nearly two hundred bison were killed. The bison bones were adorned with projectile points, which indicate that this settlement was once an important trade route.
Bents Old Fort: This frontier trading post, which was built in 1833, is located just outside of La Junta. Built on the Arkansas River, it served as the local commercial hub and news hub. The National Park Service operates the historic site, and visitors can enjoy reenactments, artifacts, and historical information at the museum. This is a free attraction, and it is open to visitors, so plan to spend some time here.
La Junta is a charming, small town that has everything you need to enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty. The city is home to a large park, a skate park, and a fishing pond. The town also has a large population of Native American Indians. The town is located near the Great Plains and is close to several state parks. The area’s renowned attractions include hiking, biking, and hunting.
The Santa Fe Trail had long been a part of the area’s history. The Santa Fe Railroad had a depot and roundhouse in the area, and by 1879, the town was the headquarters of the railroad’s Colorado Division. With a rail yard, the railroad industry began to grow. At the end of the 1870s, it became the largest railroad in America. A train depot, roundhouse, and shops were built in La Junta.