pueblo colorado places to visit

27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Pueblo, CO

Are you planning a family vacation to Pueblo, Colorado, and exploring some fun activities to make your trip a memorable one? Look no further! You’re at the right place, as we’ll take you through the list of the 27 best and fun things to do in Pueblo, CO, making your trip a unique one.

Nestled on the banks of the Arkansas River, Pueblo, Colorado, is more than just a city; it’s an experience. Nicknamed the “Steel City”, Pueblo is one of the largest steel-producing cities in the United States. With a blend of history, nature, culture, and gastronomy, there’s something to do in Pueblo for everyone.

This family-friendly destination is exceptionally safe, with a number of must-visit places and fun experiences, ensuring you make the most of your trip. While planning your trip, you also need to understand the best time to visit Pueblo, Colorado, to make the most of your vacation.

27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Pueblo, CO (2024)

1. historic arkansas riverwalk.

Located downtown along the Arkansas River, the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk offers visitors a beautiful place to take a stroll. Constructed as part of an effort to attract tourists and trade to the city, the 32-acre urban waterfront is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pueblo, Colorado.

Here, you’ll find public art displays, fountains, and boat rides. The Riverwalk is also home to numerous events year-round, including the popular “Boats, Bands, and BBQ” festival.

On your visit, you can take a boat trip, walk along the mile-long channel, and explore art installations along the Riverwalk. The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is also a great place to just sit and relax with your family and friends or explore many fun-filled attractions.

Address:   101 N Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

2. El Pueblo History Museum

One of the many things to do in Pueblo, CO, is to step back in time at El Pueblo History Museum. Established in 1990, this museum offers a rich tapestry of Pueblo’s history.

The museum showcases the region’s many cultural and ethnic groups through innovative exhibits, including the Borderlands of Southern Colorado, Steel City: 1980-2004, and Rainbow & Revolutions.

The historical sites include a re-created 1840s adobe trading post and plaza and the archaeological excavation site of the original 1842 El Pueblos trading post.

Visitors get to learn about the early Native American inhabitants, the Spanish colonial past, and the city’s evolution. You can also see a cultural event or festival at the museum’s central plaza.

Address:   301 N Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

3. Pueblo Zoo

One of the family-friendly things to do in Pueblo is to explore Pueblo Zoo. Located in City Park, this 25-acre facility is home to more than 420 animals representing at least 142 different species.

The zoo has an eco-friendly design, meaning animals live in habitats resembling their natural environments. Some animals in the zoo include cute critters, such as naked mole rats, but there are also animals from further afield, such as African lions.

Visit the Pueblo Zoo with your family and friends to see animals of different species from all over the world. Meet gazelles, lions, vultures, prairie rattlesnakes, red kangaroos, Malayan sun bears, and so much more. Interestingly, this zoo is the only place to see red pandas in the whole of Colorado.

Address:   3455 Nuckolls Ave, Pueblo, CO 81005, United States

4. Rosemount Museum

Built in 1893, this mansion is a symbol of opulence from the 19th century and showcases the life of the influential Thatcher family.

Situated on a square block at the corner of one of the highest points in north Pueblo, this 24,000-square-foot, three-story mansion is one of the best places to visit in Pueblo. The mansion contains thirty-seven rooms and houses most of the furniture from the era.

As part of the unique things to do in Pueblo, take a guided tour of this mansion and admire the home’s original finishing, accessories and decorative paintings. Explore every room in the opulent mansion and discover why the Rosemount Museum is regarded as “Colorado’s Crown Jewel”.

5. San Isabel National Forest

A short drive from Pueblo, exploring the San Isabel National Forest is one of the fun outdoor activities to do in the city. Established in 1902, this popular destination is home to 19 of Colorado’s 53 fourteeners peaks over 14,000 feet high, including Mount Elbert, the highest point in Colorado.

With over a million acres of pristine wilderness, the San Isabel National Forest offers a diverse of landscapes from alpine meadows to dense forests. Popular trails include the scenic Bear Lake Trail and the challenging Mount Columbia hike.

Outdoor enthusiasts can set up camps at one of the numerous campsites. If you’re lucky, you might spot wildlife like mules, deer, black beers, and even the elusive lynx.

Address: 2840 Kachina Drive, Pueblo, CO 81008, United States

6. Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum

Found on a former Second World War Army base in 1943, the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum is a treasure for aviation enthusiasts. Established in the 1970s, the museum pays tribute to veterans and those who lost their lives in World War II.

The museum’s collection included about forty military and civilian aircraft, as well as military vehicles. Many of the aircraft are maintained in flying condition, demonstrating the museum’s commitment to preserving aviation heritage. The museum also houses an extensive collection of books and research material in its library.

You can take a guided tour, which often features retired pilots and engineers who share personal anecdotes, providing a unique, immersive experience. Special exhibits delve into the roles of women in aviation, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the evolution of ejection seats.

Address:   31001 Magnuson Ave, Pueblo, CO 81001, United States

7. Union Avenue Historic Commercial District

One of the free things to do in Pueblo is to step back in time at the Union Avenue Historic Commercial District. This century-old business district is lined with meticulously preserved Victorian-era buildings, many of which now house boutiques, art galleries, and eateries.

The district is made up of 80 properties, 70 contributing to the historical and architectural importance of the district, including the Union Depot, Vail Hotel and Quaker Flour Mill.

As you stroll, you’ll notice architectural nuances reflective of the era – ornate ironwork, vintage signage, and beautifully restored facades.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the various plaques detailing the district’s past, while shoppers will be enticed by artisanal crafts, antiques, and unique souvenirs.

Address:   82 E D St, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

8. Lake Pueblo State Park

One of the best places to visit in Pueblo for outdoor recreation is the Lake Pueblo State Park. With over 4,600 surface acres of water, Lake Pueblo is a haven for anglers chasing after bass, catfish, and walleye.

The lake also offers 60 miles of shoreline and almost 10,000 acres of land for boating, camping, wildlife viewing and just plain relaxing.

You can also engage in land recreation such as hiking, biking, picnicking and diverse nature exploration. If you’re visiting with your family and friends, you can engage in water recreation such as sailing, motor-boating, waterskiing, river tubing and fishing.

Address:   640 Pueblo Reservoir Road, Pueblo, CO 81005, United States

9. Steelworks Center of the West

One of the unique things to do in Pueblo is to dive deep into. Pueblo’s steel industry heritage at the Steelworks Center of the West .

Once known as the “Steel City”, Pueblo’s economy and community were significantly shaped by the steel mills. Exhibits at the Steelworks Center detail the technology, the workers’ daily lives, and the socio-economic impact of the industry.

Spend time exploring this museum, look through exhibits featuring old photographs, artifacts, historical documents, maps, and an x-ray room, learn about the coal and steel industry and participate in fascinating lectures.

Address:   215 Canal St, Pueblo, CO 81004, United States

Exploring other attraction destinations near Pueblo? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Fort Collins, CO ?

10. Buell Children’s Museum

One of the many fun things to do in Pueblo, CO, with kids is to visit the Buell Children’s Museum. Established in 2000, the Buell Children’s Museum is hailed as one of the top children’s museums in the nation.

Spanning over 12,000 square feet, the two-level facility encourages tactile learning through hands-on exhibits where children of all ages spend a day exploring STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and maths).

The Sensations exhibit, for instance, lets kids explore different environments, from dark caves to breezy mountains. The museum also hosts workshops where children can dabble in painting, sculpture, and multimedia art under expert guidance.

Address:   210 N Santa Fe Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

11. Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center

The Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center is both an architectural marvel and an arts hub. Established in 1972, the multi-disciplinary Centre for the Arts features seven galleries that rotate exhibits, showcasing local and international artists.

The center boasts a 500-seat theatre, which becomes a venue for dance performances, concerts, and plays. It also contains the Buell Children’s Museum, making it a full-day experience for families.

As part of the many things to do in Pueblo, explore the center’s sculpture harden, which features a fusion of natural beauty and artistic expression.

12. Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center

One of the best things to do in Pueblo for outdoor and nature enthusiasts is to explore the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center . Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, this center is a testament to Pueblo’s commitment to nature preservation.

Spanning 611 acres, the Nature and Wildlife Discovery is divided into two campuses: the River Campus, offering a blend of aquatic, riparian transition, and semi-arid shortgrass prairie habitats and the Mountain Campus, offering a blend of ponderosa pine and mixed forests.

On your visit, take a guided tour and explore the riparian ecosystems and nature trials, which offer serene walks. You can also attend the periodic workshops, which cover topics ranging from birdwatching to nature photography.

Address:   5200 Nature Center Rd, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

13. Pueblo Railway Museum

Located on the Pueblo Union Depot in the Historic District, the Pueblo Railway Museum offers a nostalgic journey into the city’s rail history.

This outdoor museum is home to an amazing collection of vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and cabooses showcasing rail technology’s evolution. The museum’s pride is the AT&SF M160 Motorcar, a rare artifact from the 1930s.

Take a self-guided tour of the museum and see some of the outdoor equipment, which is free, or take a guided tour and learn about some of the most interesting train car exhibits at the Museum’s restoration shop.

Address:   200 W B St, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

14. Pueblo Ice Arena

One of the fun things to do in Pueblo is to engage in winter sports at Pueblo Ice Arena . Established in 1975, this modern facility is a year-round recreation center that offers public skating sessions, figure skating lessons, and competitive ice hockey matches.

Sitting on 39,800 square feet, the Pueblo Ice Arena offers a wide range of special events, including laser light skating, holiday skates, and college nights. The arena has a controlled temperature of 50-54 degrees.

On your visit, you can partake in skating lessons, join a hockey league, or simply enjoy some of the arena’s special events. You can also visit the on-site pro shop, where you can get everything for an icy adventure, from skates to safety gear.

Address:   100 N Grand Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

15. Desert Hawk Golf Course

One of the fun things to do in Pueblo, CO, this weekend is to challenge yourself to the game of golf at Desert Hawk Golf Course. 

Established in 1972, this 18-hole golf course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level. The course is challenging yet provides a relaxing, picturesque backdrop.

The course layout is interspersed with water hazards, bunkers, and undulating greens. The on-site pro shop provides equipment rentals, and the clubhouse is perfect for post-game relaxation, offering panoramic vistas of the course and mountains.

Address:   251 McCulloch Blvd, Pueblo West, CO 81007, United States

16. Great Plains Park

Located in Aurora, Colorado, exploring the Great Plains Park is one of the best things to do near Pueblo for kids. Locally known as the “jewel off of jewel”, this hidden gem is a blend of recreational areas and natural habitats.

This 54.5-acre park features multiple playgrounds, a sprayground, picnic shelters, a softball diamond, a sports field, a half-court basketball court, fitness stations, and walking paths.

Explore this park with your family, engage in some of the sporting activities or jog the trail while your kids have fun at the playground.

Address:   20100 E Jewell Ave, Aurora, CO 80013, United States

17. City Park

Looking for fun things to do in Pueblo with your family today? Then, head to Pueblo’s City Park. Established in 1904, this 157-acre park is a beehive of fun family activities.

The park features an arboretum, baseball and softball field, bocce ball courts, pool, disc golf, drinking fountains, horseshoe lake, horseshoe pits, pavilions, playground, rides, trail access and zoo.

For a fun-filled day, head over to this park, stroll through the park, enjoy a memorable family picnic, and engage in sporting activities like basketball, bocce ball, tennis, etc.

Address: 800 Goodnight Avenue, Pueblo, CO  81003, United States

18. Pueblo Convention Center

One of the fun things to do in Pueblo today is to catch an event at the Pueblo Convention Center. Built in 1997, this 47,000-square-foot convention center hosts events ranging from corporate meetings to pop-culture conventions.

The convention center features premium ballrooms, a spacious multi-function exhibit hall, meeting rooms, and a pre-function lounge. Its modern design, coupled with top-notch facilities, makes it a sought-after venue.

Visitors can explore the multi-purpose event center and also appreciate the convenience of the Courtyard by Marriot, attached to the Center, as well as the SpringHill suites located nearby.

Address:   320 Central Main St, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

19. Pueblo Whitewater Park

Located in downtown Pueblo, Whitewater Park is one of the top attraction sites in the city. An adventurer’s delight, the Whitewater park offers challenges for kayakers and rafters.

With eight man-made drops and pools, the park provides varied levels of difficulty, ensuring both novices and pos have a thrilling experience.

On your visit, you can watch from the safety of the banks and cheer on kayakers navigating the rapids. If you must engage in water activities at the park, ensure to wear a life vest and helmet.

Address:   San Pedro St, Pueblo, CO 81004, United States

20. Pueblo Levee Mural Project

One of the best things to do in Pueblo is to spend time admiring the Pueblo Levee Mural Project . Certified as the longest painting in the world by the Guinness Book of Records, the mural is a stunning canvas showcasing community-driven art.

Stretching for 3 miles, the levee became a canvas for artists in the 1970s, when students of Colorado State University-Pueblo began painting over existing graffiti.

While parts of the original murals have been removed due to construction, new sections continue to evolve, keeping the spirit of this public art project alive.

Address: Pueblo, CO, United States

21. Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness

One of the unusual things to do in Pueblo for nature and outdoor enthusiasts is to hike the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness. Spanning over 23,000 acres, the wilderness area includes the summit of Greenhorn Mountain, the highest point in the Wet Mountains of Colorado.

The wilderness is highly forested with dry oak brush and ponderosa pine, but the Greenhorn Mountain is very popular among hikers and mountaineers. The view at the summit offers a panoramic view of the forest and adjourning natural areas like the Great Plains, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Pike Peaks, and Spanish Peaks.

As part of your adventure, hike the trails and climb to the summit of the mountain.

Address:   Rye, CO 81069, United States

22. Lake Minnequa Park

One of the best places for fun family activities in Pueblo is Lake Minnequa Park. Located in the southwest part of the city, the lake is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The lake features a large lake, 16 acres of athletic turf fields, a 2.5-mile bike and walking trail, basketball courts, pavilion and picnic areas, and trail access.

Explore this park with your family and friends. Fish at the clear waters, which is home to catfish, bass, and bluegill.

Address: 3005 Lakeshore Drive, Pueblo, CO  81004, United States

23. Pueblo Memorial Hall

One of the fun things to do in Pueblo, CO, at night is to catch a performance at the Pueblo Memorial Hall . Dating back to 1919, this historic venue hosts a variety of events, including concerts, film screenings, theatre productions, family shows and comedy shows, among others.

The hall’s neoclassical design, combined with state-of-the-art acoustics, makes it a favorite among performers and audiences alike.

As part of your Pueblo itinerary, check the schedule for events and add it to your bucket list.

Address:   1 City Hall Place, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

24. Pueblo Farmers Market

One of the best things to do in Pueblo, CO, this weekend is to go shopping at Pueblo Farmers Market. Held on Fridays and Saturdays at Mineral Palace Park and JCPenney Parking Lot, respectively, the market offers a wide range of produce from local vendors.

The Pueblo Farmers Market houses many local vendors selling a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs and handcrafted items. Here, you’ll find u nique and high-quality goods like handmade soaps, candles, jewelry, and textiles.

Address:  1500 N Santa Fe, Pueblo,  CO   81003, United States

25. Mesa Drive-In

Looking for romantic things to do in Pueblo for couples tonight? Then, visit the Mesa Drive-In , Colorado’s largest drive-in movie theatre.

Established in 1951, the Mesa Drive-In offers a nostalgic movie-watching experience. With space for over 900 vehicles and the latest digital projection technology, the movie theatre marries tradition with modernity. The concession stand, serving classic movie snacks, completes the experience.

Plan your fun and perfect date night by catching your best movie at this drive-in theatre.

Address:   2625 Santa Fe Dr, Pueblo, CO 81006, United States

26. Pueblo Mall

Your visit to Pueblo, Colorado, would be incomplete without shopping at Pueblo Mall. Established in 1976, the mall features JC Penney and Dillard’s as its anchor stores.

Managed and owned by Centennial Real Estate, the mall also houses the Altitude Trampoline Park, Planet Fitness, and Jo-An Fabrics.

As part of the fun things to do in Pueblo, spend your day with your family shopping at this mall. Visit the trampoline park with your kids while they have fun engaging in available indoor games.

Address:   3429 Dillon Dr, Pueblo, CO 81008, United States

27. Mineral Palace Park

One of the best attraction destination sites for fun outdoor activities in Pueblo, CO, is the Mineral Palace Park. Located on Pueblo’s historic north side, this park showcases a fascinating piece of Colorado’s history.

Spanning over 57 acres, the Mineral Palace Park features an arboretum, flower garden, lake Clara, Clara Latshaw memorial statue, outdoor swimming pool, open-air pavilion, playground, picnic areas, historic bandshell and bridge, vita course, war memorials and walking track.

On your visit, take a walk along the park’s picturesque sandstone pathways or sit back at the open-air pavilion and have a scenic view of the beautiful Lake Clara while your kids have fun at the playground.

Address:   1600 N Santa Fe Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

Plan Your Trip to Pueblo, CO

Pueblo is one of Colorado’s attraction destinations. Famous as the “Steel City”, the city offers a rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just someone looking to unwind amidst nature, there is something to do in Pueblo for everyone. We hope this guide serves as a comprehensive starting point for your explorations of this vibrant city.

Have a fun trip!

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13 Best Things to do in Pueblo, Colorado

Located in the southern part of Colorado on the banks of the Arkansas River, you will find Pueblo – a city rich in history and natural beauty.

Founded in 1842 as a trading post, Pueblo was once home to various Native American tribes before becoming a hub for pioneers and settlers during the Colorado Gold Rush era.

Today, visitors can explore the city’s fascinating history at the Pueblo Heritage Museum and the El Pueblo History Museum.

However, Pueblo’s attractions don’t stop there.

Adventure lovers can hit the Arkansas River for kayaking or fishing, while foodies can try the city’s famous green chili.

Pueblo can be easily reached from Denver or Colorado Springs, making it quite popular.

Here is an ultimate guide to the best attractions in Pueblo, Colorado.

Also Read: Denver to Pueblo Road Trip

Best Things to do in Pueblo, Colorado

Pueblo, CO has plenty of intriguing history and character for even the most jaded travelers.

The city’s rich past is best explored its many museums and cultural sites.

Spend the evening at the Pueblo Riverwalk, an outdoor space in the center of downtown.

Pueblo is also a cultural hub and has many art galleries and shows.

Here are the best things to do in Pueblo, Colorado.

Explore the Union Avenue Historic District

The Union Avenue Historic District in Pueblo is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

This district, located in the heart of the city, is steeped in history.

It was once the bustling commercial hub during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and served as the city’s main business sector.

Today, it stands as a testament to Pueblo’s past, with its beautifully preserved brick buildings, antique shops, and charming boutiques.

The district is also home to a diverse array of restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines, including Pueblo’s famous green chili.

For art lovers, the streets of Union Avenue are a treasure trove of local art exhibits and galleries, featuring works from local and regional artists.

Visiting Union Avenue Historic District offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Pueblo’s past…

…while still experiencing the vibrant culture of the present.

Its blend of history, architecture, dining, and art makes it an unmissable stop on any Pueblo itinerary.

Take a walk along the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk

One of the best things to do when you visit Pueblo is to take a stroll along the historic Arkansas Riverwalk.

The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo, often shortened to HARP, is a vibrant urban waterfront.

It boasts of a beautiful walking trail, boat rides, and numerous events throughout the year.

This man-made riverwalk was designed to commemorate the original flow of the Arkansas River that once ran through the city.

As you wander along the scenic walkway, you will encounter lush landscapes, public art exhibits, and several restaurants and shops that line the river’s edge.

The Pueblo River Walk also serves as a venue for numerous community events including concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations.

It is the perfect spot to people watch, enjoy the sun, or take a boat ride.

Try the famous Pueblo chile

A trip to Pueblo would be incomplete without tasting the city’s famous Pueblo chile.

The Pueblo chile, a variety of the green chili pepper, has a robust history in the region.

Introduced to Colorado by Dr. Michael Bartolo, a Colorado State University professor, the Pueblo chile is now a staple of the local cuisine.

The pepper’s distinctive heat and complex flavor profile – a perfect blend of sweetness, crispness, and smokiness – has earned it national recognition and a fierce rivalry with New Mexico’s Hatch chile.

Pueblo chiles are most well-known for their central role in the annual Chile & Frijoles Festival, a three-day event celebrating the harvest of the Pueblo chile.

The festival showcases the chile in all its glory, from roasting demonstrations to chile-inspired cuisine.

When it comes to tasting this culinary delight, there are several locally beloved spots in Pueblo.

One such place is Gray’s Coors Tavern, an unassuming bar that serves a chile cheeseburger called the ‘Slopper’ that’s drenched in Pueblo chile green sauce.

Another notable spot is the Pass Key Restaurant, known for its Italian Sausage Sandwich smothered with Pueblo chile.

Be sure to savor the flavor on your trip!

See the exhibits at the El Pueblo History Museum

Immerse yourself in the deep-rooted history of Pueblo at the El Pueblo History Museum.

This museum, located near the original site of the El Pueblo trading post, offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past, from the life of the early Native Americans to the impact of the Colorado Gold Rush.

Here, you can explore a range of exhibits that tell the story of Pueblo’s rich multicultural history.

One of the museum’s highlights is the archaeological excavation site of the original 1842 trading post, offering visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of the pioneers.

The museum also hosts a variety of educational programs, lectures, and workshops throughout the year.

The El Pueblo History Museum is more than a museum; it’s a journey back in time and an essential visit for anyone interested in understanding Pueblo’s diverse heritage.

Have a fun family day at the Pueblo Zoo

The Pueblo Zoo, located in City Park, is a fun place to visit for families.

The zoo is home to over 200 species, including big cats, giraffes, and elephants.

It also boasts of a petting zoo where children can get up close and personal with animals like goats and llamas.

The Pueblo Zoo also has several interactive attractions such as an aquarium, reptile house, and a carousel ride.

Apart from the animals, the zoo also has several eateries and souvenir shops that are sure to make your visit even more enjoyable.

The Pueblo Zoo is an ideal spot for visitors of all ages to learn about nature while having fun.

Take the kids to Buell Children’s Museum

Regarded as one of the top children’s museums in the state, the Buell Children’s Museum in Pueblo offers a fun-filled venue for interactive learning.

The museum’s exhibits are designed to stimulate creativity and curiosity, covering a wide variety of subjects such as art, science, and history.

The museum is well-known for its Art Studio, where children can engage in hands-on art projects.

The El Pomar Magic Carpet Theater is a unique performance space where kids can explore the world of drama.

A visit to the Buell Children’s Museum not only provides an entertaining day out but also encourages children to learn through play.

It is one of the best things to do in Pueblo for families.

See the airplanes at Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum

Located on the grounds of the Pueblo Memorial Airport, the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts.

This museum houses an extensive collection of military aircraft, artifacts, and memorabilia, showcasing the evolution of flight and the role of aviation in warfare.

Here, visitors can marvel at a variety of exhibits including World War II bombers, Cold War-era jets, and a range of military vehicles.

Notable highlights include a fully restored B-29 Superfortress, a P-47 Thunderbolt, and the F-14 Tomcat, made famous by the movie “Top Gun”.

Additionally, the museum offers a unique opportunity to witness the restoration of historic aircraft in-progress in the Restoration Hangar.

Guided tours are available, providing a wealth of information about each aircraft and the stories they hold.

Visit the Historic Rosemount Museum

Step back in time with a visit to the remarkable Rosemount Museum.

This historic mansion, built in 1893, stands as a testament to Victorian-era affluence and elegance.

Built by Pueblo’s prominent businessman, John A. Thatcher, Rosemount was considered one of the most luxurious homes west of the Mississippi River.

The mansion is a masterpiece of architectural design, boasting 37 splendidly furnished rooms filled with original family possessions including European and American antiques, artworks, and personal memorabilia.

The museum gives a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Thatcher family and their servants at the turn of the 20th century.

The Rosemount Museum also offers guided tours that delve into the history of the building, the family, and the city of Pueblo itself.

The carefully preserved period interiors provide a vivid portrayal of the opulent Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Step back in time at Pueblo Heritage Museum

The Pueblo Heritage Museum is another must-visit destination for history buffs visiting Pueblo.

This museum is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and interpreting the history of southeastern Colorado.

Housed in a historic 1924 Denver & Rio Grande Western Freight Depot, the museum features exhibits showcasing the diverse cultures and significant events that have shaped Pueblo and the surrounding areas.

Visitors can explore exhibits ranging from Native American artifacts to memorabilia reflecting the area’s rich agricultural and industrial history.

Additionally, the museum is home to several local heritage organizations, making it a hub for historical research and discovery.

Notable exhibits include a detailed model railroad display and a collection of vintage vehicles.

The Pueblo Heritage Museum is a testament to Pueblo’s proud past and vibrant community.

Discover the city’s rich railroad legacy at Pueblo Railway Museum

Enrich your understanding of Pueblo’s past at the Pueblo Railway Museum.

This museum is an absolute treat for both history aficionados and railway enthusiasts.

Located in downtown Pueblo, the museum is part of the Pueblo Railway Foundation and managed by the Pueblo Locomotive and Rail Historical Society.

The museum boasts a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and cabooses, each telling a unique story of the railway’s contribution to the region’s history.

Notable exhibits include a grand Union Pacific ‘Big Boy’, which is one of the world’s largest steam locomotives, and a fully-restored Denver & Rio Grande Western Caboose.

The museum also offers caboose ride experiences and hosts several special events throughout the year, including the popular ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ days.

Learn about Pueblo’s past at Steelworks Center of the West

Steelworks Center of the West or simply the Steelworks Museum narrates the story of Pueblo’s industrial past.

It is situated in an area that was once the bustling heart of the Pueblo’s industrial sector.

The Steelworks Center of the West is a fascinating exhibit that traces the city’s steel-making past.

The museum is located on the former site of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I).

This was once the largest employer in the region and a significant driving force behind the city’s growth.

The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs that chronicle the history of the mining and steel industry in Colorado and the West.

Visitors can explore exhibits that depict the life of the workers, the evolution of mining and smelting technologies, and the wide-reaching impacts of the industry on the region’s economic and social fabric.

The exhibits offer a compelling glimpse into Pueblo’s industrial heritage and its role in shaping the city we see today.

Spend a day at Lake Pueblo State Park

Lake Pueblo State Park is a perfect day trip from the city.

It offers a wonderful blend of outdoor recreation and breathtaking scenery.

The park has over 4,500 acres of water surface, making it a paradise for water enthusiasts.

Here, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, windsurfing, and jet-skiing.

The surrounding land, with its 60 miles of shoreline and numerous picnic areas, is perfect for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and camping.

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.

Remember, it’s not just a summer escape – with its mild winter weather, the park offers year-round outdoor fun.

Enjoy hiking in San Isabel National Forest

The breathtaking San Isabel National Forest is one of Pueblo’s most popular outdoor attractions.

This vast wilderness area encompasses over 1 million acres, and is home to countless natural wonders including towering mountains peaks, lush meadows, and craggy canyons.

For hikers in search of adventure, the forest offers plenty of trails ranging from easy to challenging.

Popular trails include the Lake Como Loop Trail, which offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The Cascade Creek Trail for a more demanding trek with beautiful alpine scenery.

San Isabel National Forest is also an ideal spot for camping, birdwatching, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Have fun at the Colorado State Fair

Pueblo is so much more beyond historic buildings and rich history.

It is home to the Colorado State Fair, one of the most fun things to do in the Centennial State.

Held every summer, this event celebrates the best of Colorado’s rural heritage with carnival rides, amazing concerts, livestock auctions, and competitions like rodeos and cooking contests.

The fairgrounds are packed with attractions such as a petting zoo, educational exhibits, and live entertainment.

Foodies can savor some of Pueblo’s best eats, from classic carnival fare to delicious specialty dishes.

The Colorado State Fair is an exciting event that brings out the state’s unique spirit and charm.

Pueblo’s location along the Arkansas River made it a prime spot for Native American tribes to settle and then later for Spanish settlers to establish a trading post.

Today it has become the perfect uncrowded vacation destination for the next generation of explorers: travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, road trippers, and vacationers.

It is a perfect weekend away or even a day trip destination in the Colorado Springs region .

What are your favorite things to do in Pueblo, Colorado? Let us know below.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Colorado (CO) » 15 Best Things to Do in Pueblo (CO)

15 Best Things to Do in Pueblo (CO)

Basking in the sun, Pueblo lies on the banks of the Arkansas River and used to be known primarily as a mining town in the days of old. For this reason Pueblo had something of a murky reputation and was filled with cowboys and ruffians looking to make their fortunes during the gold rush.

Famous, or rather infamous, characters frequented the town such as the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickcock. Nowadays however, things have changed somewhat, and while Pueblo retains a lot of its old charm, it is now better known for its friendly locals and delicious green chili dishes that are unique to the region.

Lets explore the best things to do in Pueblo :

1. Union Avenue Historic District

Union Avenue Historic District is a great place to begin a tour of the city as this was once the town’s city center in the days of old. This district would have been lined with old fashioned saloons and even brothels in the days of old, but now the area is filled with brick and sandstone buildings that date from the period. 70 of these buildings are listed as part of the National Register of Historic Places and are now used as small boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. As such you can easily spend the morning walking around this area and taking in the feeling of Pueblo. This area is also part of what is known as Pueblo’s ‘Creative Corridor’ which is an arts and culture section of the city that is filled with galleries, museums, and pretty touches such as delightful fountains and sculptures.

2. Pueblo Historic Arkansas Riverwalk

This waterfront plaza area in Pueblo stretches for 32 acres and has the claim to fame of housing the longest painting in the world. The colorful mural here stretches for miles and was a collaborative piece that features the work of artists from around the United States and the rest of the world. The riverwalk here is perfect for a morning or late afternoon stroll and there are also biking trails that stretch along the waterfront if you want something a little more active. The trails also lead to the Lake Pueblo State Park if you want to explore a little further.

3. Lake Pueblo State Park

Lake Pueblo is famous in the city for being the place to come if you love fishing. If you venture here then you will find 4,600 acres of water that stretches along 60 miles of shoreline. Within the park you will also find 10,000 acres of land and you can spend the day boating on the lake, fishing, or even camping in the park. Many visitors say that one day here is definitely not enough, so the park’s campsite may be a welcome amenity if you want to stay longer. There is also a huge amount of flora and fauna in the park so wildlife spotting and bird watching are also popular here.

4. Whitewater Park

If you want to experience the Arkansas River up close rather than simply walking alongside it then you need to head to the Whitewater Park which allows you to get wet and have some fun. Activities that you can enjoy here include kayaking on the river as well as body boarding and even surfing. The park is known for having drops into the water and is half a mile in length. Each drop is essentially a man made dam where you can drop down into the river in a safe environment which makes it perfect for beginners.

5. Buell Children’s Museum

The Buell Children’s Museum is located inside the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center and is known for being voted one of the top children’s museums in all of the United States. There are a range of different galleries spread across the museum that are all themed such as the Sensations gallery which is dedicated to teaching little ones all about the senses. There are also interactive sections such as the Artrageous Studio where younger guests can make their own masterpieces.

6. Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum

The Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum is built on the site of a former Second World War Army base that dates from 1943. Nowadays this amazing museum has over 30 antique planes and is a must-visit if you want to know about the history of flight in the area. The museum also pays homage to veterans and those who lost their lives in World War Two. Highlights to look out for here also include a huge B-29 bomber.

7. Songbird Cellars

If you are looking for something to do in Pueblo in the evening then consider checking out Songbird Cellars, a musical event space and tasting room in the center of the city. The tasting room is famous for its house blends and the fruit wines here are all handcrafted. After you check out the beverages on offer you can enjoy a drink with some music as there are live events held here regularly that feature performances from local and regional talent.

8. El Pueblo History Museum

The El Pueblo History Museum is a replica of an adobe traditional trading post and is also an important archeological excavation site. The museum aims to showcase the history of this city and to provide visitors with an overview of the cultural and ethnic makeup of this area of the United States. You can wander around the reconstruction of the trading post and plaza as well as the excavation site of the original trading post that dates from 1842.

9. City Park

Considering the fact that Pueblo is a relatively small city, the City Park is absolutely huge, and is one of the most comprehensive parks in all of Colorado. The park was established in 1904 and is known for being the site of the Pueblo zoo. In addition to the zoo however, the park has a range of other activities for visitors to enjoy such as amusement park rides and even a historical old fashioned antique carousel. There are sports facilities including a disc golf course and idyllic picnic areas dotted all over the area.

10. Steelworks Museum

The Steelworks Museum has won accolades for being one of the top five industrial museums in the United States. The museum tells the story of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company which was known for being the first steel mill west of the Mississippi River and dated from 1872. Here you can learn all about the importance of this industry in the area as well as take a trip back in time through period photographs and memorabilia.

11. Pueblo Zoo

Pueblo Zoo is nestled within the City Park and if you are looking for some greenery in the city then this is the place for you. Here you will find the zoo spread over 30 acres and there are over 420 animals housed here. Some local species to look out for include cute critters such as naked mole rats, but there are also animals from further afield such as African lions. The zoo tries to mimic the natural habitats of the animals so you can expect lush fields and woodlands throughout the park.

12. Arkansas River

There are a number of places where you can take in the beauty of the Arkansas River, but if you want to get up close to it at sunset then you need to take a gondola cruise. There are fifteen minute trips that will whizz you around the waterway or you can go for an hour long trip that also includes drinks and snacks for an even more romantic ride. If you prefer to do it yourself then you can also rent a pedal boat and explore the river that way while getting in some exercise at the same time.

13. Old Town

If you are feeling hungry in Pueblo then you need to head to Old Town where you will find a plethora of restaurants that include cuisines such as Italian, Greek, Polish, Irish, and German. Pueblo has long been known as a place of cultural diversity although perfect the biggest food related influence here are the Mexican flavors that are found thanks to the mascot of Pueblo, the green chili pepper. The pepper is usually roasted and made into a stew to top various dishes so try the green pork chili or the Slopper, a hamburger heaped with the famous spicy green sauce.

14. Steel City Theatre

The Steel City Theatre is named as a nod to the industrial roots of Pueblo and is the perfect place to check out some of the local theatrical talent in these parts. Shows are held throughout the year so make sure to check out the local listings to see what is on when you are in town. The company here aims to switch things up so you can expect musicals, Broadway shows, and even concerts and musical performances.

15. Grupo Folklórico

For something fun and different in Pueblo look no further than Grupo Folklórico, which is a local dance company. You can either come here and take a class which will teach you all about the local styles of the area, or you can come and check out the many dance recitals and shows that this lively group of talented locals put on throughout the year. Shows are often held on a monthly basis and food is also provided as you take in the spectacle. Certainly if you are looking for a little bit of local flavor then this dance troupe will not disappoint.

15 Best Things to Do in Pueblo (CO):

• Union Avenue Historic District
• Pueblo Historic Arkansas Riverwalk
• Lake Pueblo State Park
• Whitewater Park
• Buell Children’s Museum
• Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
• Songbird Cellars
• El Pueblo History Museum
• Steelworks Museum
• Arkansas River
• Steel City Theatre
• Grupo Folklórico

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Top things to do in Pueblo, Colorado

July 24, 2024 By //  by  William Reavis

With a rich history dating back to the 1840s, Pueblo stands strong today as a top destination and home to the Colorado State Fair. What used to only be filled with steel factories, railroad ties, and ore mines, Pueblo has now transitioned into a destination for food, arts, entertainment, museums, and outdoor recreation.

Uncover the past while experiencing the present with these things to do in Pueblo .

Year-round activities

Pueblo is a year-round destination that features a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities. From the historic riverwalk to the local state park, discover these year-round activities in Pueblo.

Historic Arkansas Riverwalk

Spanning one mile along the Arkansas River in downtown Pueblo, Colorado, the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is a must-see for any visit to Pueblo. Besides the beauty of the river and surrounding downtown Pueblo, the riverwalk is decorated with 54 pieces of art, so there’s no shortage of things to observe on this one-mile walk.

Several restaurants line the riverwalk, so visitors are never far from good food and drinks. One option is Angelo’s Pizza, a local pizzeria situated near the river.

Another fun way to explore the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk area is by way of boat. For a small fee, visitors can board a boat for a 25-minute narrated history of Pueblo and the Riverwalk. Or, for a less educational but potentially more fun experience, book a one-hour Booze Cruise that heads through downtown Pueblo.

Lake Pueblo State Park

Surrounding Lake Pueblo, a large lake with over 4,600 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline, Lake Pueblo State Park is a great way to get a dose of the outdoors on a trip to Pueblo. The park is most popular during Colorado’s beautiful summers, but visitors can enjoy a visit during any part of the year. Lake Pueblo State Park features two full-service marinas, plus visitors enjoy sailing, boating, waterskiing tubing, and some of this region’s best fishing.

The designated trail system is perfect for hiking and biking, plus 393 campsites for those hoping to extend their visit overnight. The campgrounds often fill up quickly during the summer, so advanced reservations are required. Each campsite features a picnic table and fire pit, and many also have electric hookups.

Creative Corridor

One of Colorado’s few Creative Districts, the Pueblo Creative Corridor grants visitors the opportunity to explore some of the state’s best local art and culture. With an abundance of galleries, museums, public art, and quaint cafes and restaurants, there’s no shortage of things to do in Pueblo’s Creative Corridor.

One example of Pueblo’s dedication to the arts is at Whitewater Park. Here, visitors can view the world’s largest mural, spanning 177,000 feet, which covers the Arkansas River Levee by the park.

Or support the local arts by stopping in a few local art galleries. Many galleries are located in the Union Gallery, including Steel City Art Works Gallery and the John-Deaux Galleries.

Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum

Located six miles outside of downtown Pueblo at the Pueblo Memorial Airport , this 85,000-square-foot museum spans two hangars and almost a hundred years of aviation history. With over fifty vehicles and aircraft on display as well as multiple exhibits of uniforms, weapons, and more, this is a fantastic local museum that is often overlooked.

Hangar One features aircraft and exhibits from the First World War, World War II, and the Korean War. The second hangar contains more modern jets, helicopters, and even a few space artifacts and models.

Pueblo Railway Museum

The Pueblo Railway Museum celebrates the role Pueblo played in early American railroading. Since Pueblo was a center of steel production, Pueblo Steel helped build railroads throughout the American West in the nineteenth century. This museum has a sizeable collection of locomotives and cars, including the ATSF 2912, an engine dating to 1944.

Throughout the year, the museum offers rides in its historical engines and cars. One example is the Cemetery Express, which generally happens on or near Halloween. Guests can explore and take a ride on a railcar decorated for Halloween, making this a perfect activity for train enthusiasts and children alike.

El Pueblo History Museum

El Pueblo History Museum is another often overlooked museum near Pueblo, Colorado. Celebrating the rich history of Pueblo with a focus on the varying cultural and ethnic groups of the region, this is a great stop for history buffs hoping to learn about the history of Pueblo.

One of the highlights of the museum is a recreated 1840s adobe trading post. A unique feature of the museum is its location at the original excavation site of the 1842 El Pueblo trading post.

Steelworks Museum

Featuring exhibits explaining the role that the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company played in Pueblo’s development, this is another great museum for history buffs planning a visit to Pueblo. Open every day except Monday, the Steelworks Museum explores the history of Pueblo’s steel production, coal mining, and even social issues.

One way to guarantee a great visit is to call ahead and book a tour. They generally last one to two hours, and they can be customized to fit the group’s interests.

Featuring more than 420 animals across 25 acres, the year-round Pueblo Zoo is one of the best places to stop for visitors traveling to Pueblo with children. With animals ranging from tarantulas to sloths with many in between, visitors of all kinds can find many animals to see and learn about at the Pueblo Zoo.

For visitors hoping for a more custom experience, check out the Pueblo Zoo’s Behind the Scene Experiences. This allows patrons to meet one of the zoo’s four endangered species: African Penguins, African Painted Dogs, American Bison, or Red Pandas. For animal lovers hoping to get up close to an endangered species, this program is for you!

Summer activities

While summers in Pueblo can get hot, there are plenty of ways to cool off! Discover these summer activities in Pueblo and beat the heat!

Whitewater Park on the Arkansas River

For those hoping to enjoy one of Colorado’s best whitewater rivers, look no further than the Pueblo Whitewater Park . Featuring eight drops and spanning around half a mile in length, this section of the Arkansas River features man-made obstacles that create rapids and descents, perfect for whitewater kayakers.

The Pueblo Whitewater Park is easily accessible and within walking distance of all that downtown Pueblo has to offer, including local restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings. Since the Arkansas River is a high-elevation river, the water is generally cold, so cold-water gear and helmets are strongly recommended. Whitewater kayaking can be a dangerous activity, so all visitors should be prepared with the proper equipment and experience before attempting a run at the Whitewater Park.

Colorado State Fair

The annual Colorado State Fair takes place at the end of summer, August into September, in Pueblo. This event transforms Pueblo State Fair Grounds into a huge, sprawling fair featuring rides, all the fried food you could ever want, competitions, and even a petting zoo. And because the event is also a part of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, there are rodeos, livestock, and other animals.

Just like the Chile & Frijoles Festival, this is an incredibly popular time to be in Pueblo, so book accommodations early for this huge event. There is camping available on the premises featuring electric and water hookups, and there are several hotels available in Pueblo proper for visitors hoping for nicer lodgings.

Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival

Occurring every year in downtown Pueblo, during late September, the Chile & Frijoles Festival is a large celebration featuring numerous stands from local farms, food, drinks, and even live music. The weekend-long festival draws in 100,000+ visitors who come to celebrate its famous local crop, the chile.

Mostly taking place along Union Avenue in downtown Pueblo, this famous festival features live music, cooking competitions, and more chiles than ever seemed possible for one town. Keep in mind that this is a very popular time to visit Pueblo, so seek accommodations early for the best prices and availability.

Discover your urban adventures, delight your taste buds, and feed your historical knowledge with these things to do in Pueblo.

About William Reavis

William is a student studying English at Boston University. When he's not writing, he's an avid backpacker and reader.

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17 Fun Things to do in Pueblo, CO (7 are Free)

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Although this is one of the most underrated destinations in the state, you will find many fun things to do in Pueblo, Colorado.  Considered the gateway to southeastern Colorado, you won’t be left wondering what to do in Pueblo after getting to know these favorite activities.

Of course, this list is family-friendly and make great vacation ideas with kids.   Southern Colorado has become a popular destination and you can consider adding our ideas for Colorado Springs to your visit too.

In full disclosure, I have family who have lived in Pueblo for 3 generations. So I have a soft spot in my heart for Pueblo.

About Pueblo

Pueblo is situated at the confluence of the Arkansas River and the Fountain Creek in the high desert of Colorado.  Located 45 minutes southeast of Colorado Springs, it is a recreational and economic hub of Southeastern Colorado. 

Pueblo was founded on the mining and steel operations at the turn of the century.  In fact, “Steel City” is still one of the largest steel-producing cities in the US . 

What is Pueblo Colorado famous for?

Pueblo is known as “Steel City” for the history of the steel mill and smelter and current steel production.  In 1993, it gained the name “Home of Heroes” for the four living recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.  Additionally, Pueblo has developed the Arkansas River Walk along the and the Historic Union Avenue District along the Arkansas River.  

Map of the Best Things to Do in Pueblo

Click on the image below for an interactive Google Map and choose the locations for the activities that you want to do.

Many visitors ask: What is there to do in Pueblo Colorado?  Click on the map above to get an interactive Google Map of and directions to the best things to do in Pueblo on this list. This list will help you choose what to do in on your trip.

This 30-acre zoo is home to over 420 animals of more than 140 species.  The Pueblo Zoo has a variety of exhibits for kids to see animals in action and learning activities in the visitor center.  This is one of our favorite zoos to visit – read more about Why Y ou will Love Pueblo Zoo

Our younger kids enjoyed feeding the animals at the petting zoo.  Many interactive activates exist throughout the zoo.  We found that this zoo is the perfect size for families to make it through on a short day without feeling exhausted. 

• Location:  3455 Nuckolls Ave, Pueblo, CO 81005
• Hours:  Daily 9AM to 5PM – winter hours may vary
• Cost: Adult admission $12 and children $10
• Discounts: discounts for military families, 50% discount for reciprocal zoo members, check the website for other discounts and free days

Buell Children’s Museum

The Buell Children’s Museum is an award-winning museum and was recognized as the second-best children’s museum for art by Child Magazine.  We have found this little museum is full of innovative, hands-on exhibits focusing on the arts, science, and history. 

We had fun watching the El Pomar Magic Carpet Theater and creating in the Artrageous Studio.  They even have Buell Baby Barn for kids under four that the toddlers loved to crawl around in.

• Buell Children’s Museum Website
• Location: 210 N Santa Fe Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003
• Hours:  Summer Tues – Sat: 11 am – 5 pm, Sunday: 12 – 4 pm (winter may have reduced hours)
• Cost: Admission is $8 for Adults, $6  for Children
• Discounts: Coupons are on the website here and check for free days

El Pueblo History Museum

El Pueblo History Museum is a community museum featuring the history of Pueblo, highlighting the region’s cultural and ethnic groups.  Kids will enjoy this small museum with interactive exhibits where they could touch and build things.  

The highlight for families is the living museum in the re-created adobe trading post and plaza from the 1840s.  The archaeological excavation site of the original El Pueblo trading post from 1842 is adjacent to the museum.

The award-winning “Children of Ludlow” exhibit, depicting the history of the Ludlow Massacre, is also on display at El Pueblo History Museum.

• Location: 3301 N Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003-4266
• Cost: $5 per adult
• Discounts:  FREE for kids (ages 17 & under) from Memorial Day through Labor Day!

Pueblo Historic Arkansas Riverwalk.  

Did you know there is a Riverwalk in Pueblo?  Who knew – right? This little river walk has so many activities for families. Little restaurants line the sidewalk, boats up and down the canal, sculptures decorate the entire path, and there is green grass to picnic on. A list of things to do in Pueblo would not be complete without guiding you towards the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk. In the summer you can catch a concert or special event at the plaza.  During the night the lights come on and give everything a magical look. 

If you want to stay right downtown and walk to the Riverwalk we recommend staying at Courtyard by Marriott Pueblo –it is attached to the Convention Center.  It is very convenient to the Riverwalk and has a pool and breakfast. 

• Riverwalk Website
• Location: 125 Riverwalk Place Pueblo, Colorado 81003 
• Hours:  24 hours (check the website for boating hours)
• Cost:  Free to walk 
• Notes: You can take a boat, gondola, Pedal boat, or stand up paddleboard.  Don’t miss the Hero’s Plaza. 

Union Avenue Historic District

After the disastrous flood of 1921, the levees were built to protect this historic downtown area from future floods. You can see the river and levees from the backside of the Train Depot.

The current historic district has 83 buildings on the National Historic Register.  Many of the buildings are beautifully restored in the 1880’s brick and red sandstone style. The Union Depot is still a train station and gathering place for the local community.  In fact, our wedding reception was help here.

The Union Avenue district hosts many large gatherings and events such as the “B Street Bash” “Oktoberfest” and “Chile and Frijole Festival”

The most convenient place to stay here is Springhill Suites by Marriott Pueblo Downtown. – A hotel suite right in the heart of downtown so you can walk to the Riverwalk area. Hot breakfast, family rooms, and a pool. 

• Union Avenue Historic District  Website
• Location: 101 N Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003
• Hours:  24 hours

Camp at Lake Pueblo, Colorado State Park

Lake Pueblo is a reservoir in the west part of Pueblo County.  With 60 miles of shoreline and 10,000 acres of land, you will find plenty of recreational opportunities.  You can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, camping and swimming at a special swim beach.  It’s one of the best places to fish for the hybrid fish called a wiper, a cross between a striped bass and a white bass.  Renting a pontoon boat is a fun activity for your family’s day out at the Reservoir. 

The campground at Lake Pueblo is so popular that it fills to capacity almost every weekend. The campground has 393 campsites over three different areas. 281 sites have electric hookups for RV and accommodate lengths up to 43 feet.

Pro Tip: You don’t even need to have an RV – you can rent one from a local from $85 a night – check prices here. We suggest you rent from Outdoorsy and we even have a coupon for your first trip – $50 off your first RV rental (applied at checkout)

• Lake Pueblo State Park Website 
• RV rental $50 coupon
• Hours:  24 hours (9 AM – 4 PM visitor center)
• Cost: $9 State Park Pass (camping $22 -$36 per night)
• Notes:  All camping sites are by reservation only.   Swimming is only allowed at the swim beach

Rosemount Museum 

This beautiful Victorian mansion was built in 1893.  It was originally home to the John A. and Margaret Thatcher family and contains almost eventing is original.  Guided tours will take you through the house where you will learn add about the Thatcher Family and the history of Pueblo and the Victorian era.

This museum is best for older children and adults.    If you are lucky you can enjoy one of the free events like the Antique and Classic Car Show,  Easter Egg hunt, Halloween, Christmas and so many more.

The former carriage house for the Thatcher family is located on the property and is currently an event center. The unique building is available to rent for private events.

• Rosemont Museum Website
• Location: 419 W 14th St, Pueblo, CO 81003-2707
• Cost: The cost of the tour is $8 adults, $6 seniors, $4 kids.
• Discounts:  5 and under are free, many events are free

Mesa Drive-In

One of the last remaining drive-in movie theaters in Colorado is just east of downtown Pueblo on Sant Fe Drive.  The theater was established in 1951 and has run during summers ever since.

If you haven’t been to a drive-in theater – go now! Drive-in theaters are quickly becoming extinct as land values increase and other entertainment options are built.  This is one of the best things to do at night in Pueblo with kids.

• Mesa Drive-In Website
• Location: 2625 Santa Fe Drive Pueblo, CO 81006
• Hours:  summer evenings at sunset
• Cost: $10 adults and children under 12 are free (up to 4 per adult)
• Notes:  Cash only – they do not accept credit cards or checks

Steel Works Center of the West

There’s no doubt that Pueblo was built on the coal and steel industry.  Anyone interested in the history of Pueblo, industrial revolution and immigration would like this museum. 

Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I) was a strong force in the development of Pueblo and Southern Colorado. The Steelworks Museum is housed in the former CF&I Medical Dispensary, built in 1901. 

The exhibits are all related to the steel industry, specifically the CF&I, and the impacts on the American West.  The museum highlights the life of workers at the mill, their dedication to the hard jobs, family life, and life during war years.  

• Steel Works Website
• Location: 215 Canal St. Pueblo, CO 81004
• Cost:$6/adult and $4 up to age 4-12
• Discounts:  under 4 free, group discounts available

Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center 

This arts and conference complex has been the heart of arts education and entertainment in Southern Colorado since 1972.  Just the architecture and the outdoor sculpture art are worth the visit to the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center.  If you are lucky you can catch the Sangre de Cristo Ballet, the Pueblo Symphony or Steel City Theater productions. 

• Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Website
• Hours:  Weds – Sunday 11AM – 4 PM
• Cost: Free to walk around (plus admission to an event)
• Discounts: Check the Website for current prices and discounts

Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum

With over 100 years of aviation history, kids and adults will love this airplane themed museum.  In fact, it is rated the #1 thing to do in Pueblo on TripAdvisor reviews . 

I am not sure if my son or grandparents enjoyed this museum the most.   

The museum houses military aircraft dating from World War I to current times.  The docents are very knowledgeable and most vets who have lived the history.   They willingly tell their stories and bring the displays to life.

There are over 25 aircraft are stored inside and outside two hangers.  With more than 100 displays and exhibits in the museum, you will find something new every time. 

Some of the highlights are actual F16, F15, and a huge B-29.    My 11-year-old son said his favorite was the NASA space exhibit. Maybe because he is into space, or because he has a harder time relating to the Cold War than the adults do.  Either way, he loved it.

• Weisbrod Museum Website
• Location: 31001 Magnuson Ave, Pueblo
• Cost: $10 adults, $8 for Seniors and Vets, 
• Discounts: Children under 7 are free, Active Duty personnel are free

Pueblo Railway Museum 

Located behind the Pueblo Union Train Station are several old rail cars open to the public for exploring.  If you love trains there will be lots for you to see. It is not a true museum as you would think, but a collection of railroad cars and a Baldwin 4-8-4 steam engine.

The exhibits are all available but have little explanation and no formal tour.   If you would like a tour or more information call 719-251-5024 ahead of time.  

You will be right along the tracks of the main lines for the UP and BNSF trains.  So you will likely see trains go by while you are visiting.

If you don’t have a specific interest in trains, this is probably a good stop along with seeing the beautiful Union Depot and surrounding area.

They do have events throughout the year that include a short ride on the trains. On the Facebook Page you can find out about events like the  Pueblo Express, Cemetery Express, and Independence Day Breakfast and Train Rides.

• Location: 301 W B St, Suite 100, Pueblo, CO 81003-3445
• Cost:  Free

Visit Eiler Heights Historic Neighborhood 

Pueblo is full of cultural neighborhoods that were settled at the turn of the century during the old mining and steelworks days. “Old Bojon Town” or the more recent name Eiler Heights is the neighborhood where the Slovenian immigrants settled in the early-1900’s. So I have to admit, that I am shamelessly adding this area because of the wonderful memories I have with my grandmother (who built a house here).

St. Mary’s Church, Eilers Place, original brick homes and 9 of the founding families, are all still in the neighborhood.  If you are in Pueblo, Eilers’ Place is worth a visit to be transported back in time to the neighborhood tavern as a gathering place.

In fact, Authentic Pueblo Eats wrote a full story on Eiler’s Place.

While you are in the neighborhood you can grab a bite to eat at Do Drip Inn.  This family-owned business has been serving up Italian food for 40 years in a historic building in Pueblo. 

Although they are known for the sweet crust pizza, you can get different Italian food and delicious breakfast too. 

• Do Drop In Website:
• Eilers’ Place – Facebook
• Location: 326 E Mesa Ave Pueblo, Colorado 81006
• Hours:  10 AM – 2AM
• Cost: Free to walk the neighborhood and visit the restaurants
• Notes:  Check the Facebook page for upcoming gatherings and events. 

Pueblo Heritage Museum 

Did you know that Pueblo was once the saddle making capital of the world?  Learn this and other historical facts of the region at the Pueblo Heritage Museum.

Claiming that the “Pueblo story starts here”  this museum ties to together the long history of Pueblo and the southwest region of Colorado.   It is aptly located in the restored 1924 Denver & Rio Grande Western Freight Station.

The exhibits show archaeology, local history, telephones, railroads, horses and the many ethnic heritages is that make Pablo unique.

Recently, there have been several children’s activities added to the museum to make it more interactive for kids. Small children will like these activities but may not have the same stamina for the rich history at the museum that the adults do. 

• Location: 201 W B St
• Cost:  Adults $6, Seniors, military and students $5, Children $6-12

Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center – River Campus

The Nature & Raptor Center of Pueblo is located along the Arkansas River in the beautiful Rock Canyon. The center features a variety of facilities and picnic areas and offers educational nature programs for all ages.  You can bike, walk, or rollerblade along the paved riverside trails, fish from the scenic fishing deck, or visit the rehabilitation center for birds of prey.  

The Raptor Center provides educational programs and activities, like birds of prey presentations, summer camps and “birdathons”

• Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center Website
• Location: 5200 Nature Center Rd Pueblo, CO 81008
• Hours:  Tuesday through Sunday: 11AM – 4PM
• Cost:  $5 a car 

Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center – Mountain Campus

The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center actually has two campuses, so I had to name the Beulah campus separately.  I remember this place fondly as Pueblo Mountain Park.  

This area, located 26 miles west of Pueblo, has a completely different ecosystem and atmosphere from the city.  It is one of the locals’ favorite afternoon getaways to cool off from the summer sun or play in the winter snow. 

The 611 acres of the park covers an altitude of 6500 feet to 7400 feet.  Six miles of hiking trails are dispersed through of the park and include Devil’s Canyon Trail, Northridge Trail, Mace Trail and Tower Trail.  

The Horseshoe Lodge is onsite and a perfect place for a retreat.   It is complete with lodge, dorms, pavilion, classroom, challenge course, and catering.  

• Location: 9112 Mountain Park Road. Beulah, CO 81023

Places to Stay in Pueblo

If you are planning a trip here, we have some recommendations for the best places to stay in Pueblo.

Best Hotels for Families in Pueblo

I found 27 places to stay on Booking.com. You can look through all the places yourself on our reservations link for Pueblo CO

These are the places that we recommend that you consider staying at.  The 2 hotels on the list are excellent for families – many friends and family have stayed here.  Or consider renting a condo or house for your stay in Pueblo. 

• Springhill Suites by Marriott Pueblo Downtown. – A hotel suite right in the heart of downtown so you can walk to the Riverwalk area. Suites are perfect for families to spread out and relax. Hot breakfast, family rooms, and a pool. 
• Courtyard by Marriott Pueblo –The Courtyard by Marriot is attached to the Convention Center.  This hotel is very convenient to the Riverwalk and has a pool and breakfast. 
• Best Western Plus Eagleridge Inn & Suites   – A superior family-friendly hotel with clean, spacious rooms, free breakfast, pool, and kids stay free. We had our entire family stay here during an event.
• Edgar Olin House. – A cozy B&B in a historic mansion.
• Vintage Modern – Rent a House in town – Mesa Junction. Renting as house is the a great idea for families – we do this all the time.

Camping near Pueblo

Pueblo has many places to tent and RV camp in town and in the nearby foothills. You don’t even need to own an RV to enjoy camping. You can rent one from a local person (you could even have one delivered!). See all the RV rentals available in Pueblo starting at $90 a night – check prices on Outdoorsy – Pueblo here .

Lake Pueblo State Park – enjoy camping right on the lake to cool off in the hot summer days. This campground is super popular and you need reservations

KOA – Enjoy the friendly family atmosphere, level Pull-Thru RV Sites, clean restrooms, laundry room and free Wi-Fi/cable

When to visit Pueblo

Pueblo has four distinct seasons with hot summers and cool winters.  In the high desert, the winters are mild and the summers are hot and dry.  

Winter average temperatures range from 12 degrees to 45 degrees Fahrenheit.  In the heat of summer, the average temperatures are 62 degrees to 93 degrees with multiple days reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

For more information about the weather during your visit check the average temperatures here . 

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s easy to participate in outdoor actives all year round. 

If you want more information about what to do this weekend, check the official Pueblo visitors guide here .  Summer weekends you will find fishing derbies, BBQ gatherings, street parties, drive-in movies and more! 

Final Thoughts about Things to do in Pueblo, CO

Pueblo is located along the Arkansas River in Southeast Colorado.  It is not only a traditional mining town – it is also a place located in a unique ly beautiful landscape and offers opportunities to explore nature and to have family fun.  This list should get you started with planning activities for your trip to Pueblo. 

If you would like to visit more locations a day trip to Buelah Mountain Park, San Isabel National Forest, Canon City, or Colorado Springs might be in order.

Colorado Springs is within 45 minutes of Pueblo and has many things to do. If you are considering Colorado Springs you will find our articles on the area useful:

• 23 Things to do in Colorado Springs with kids
• Exploring Garden of the Gods (it’s free and worth the trip)
• Garden of the Gods Visitor Center

Pueblo is a unique mix of historic locations, modern activities, outdoor recreation, and delicious food.  The activities are also affordable – a big plus for families. 

If you want more ideas of cheap (and free) things to do in Colorado read our post and download the checklist of 100+ affordable things to do in Colorado. 

Need help planning your next vacation to Colorado? Let us help you with the free step-by-step trip planning template .

What is your favorite in the list of things to do in Pueblo, Colorado?  Did I miss something? 

Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever.  We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug!  I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.

Sign up for our email list for my best travel tips plus get the family travel planner free. 

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17 Best Things to Do in Pueblo, CO — Top Activities & Places to Go!

By: Author Natalie Hill

Posted on Published: August 23, 2021  - Last updated: June 23, 2023

Pueblo, nicknamed the Home of Heroes, is a charming and populous municipality in the Centennial State.

It is the perfect place to vacation as it offers an assortment of fun-filled activities for you to enjoy whomever you are with on your getaway.

For example, explore fascinating historical sites, spend the day doing outdoor activities at a state park, view wildlife at a zoo, stroll through a picturesque riverwalk, and tons more.

There are plenty of magnificent tourist hotspots for you to explore, like museums, natural attractions, family-friendly destinations, and so much more.

I want to help make your next vacation as enjoyable and unforgettable as possible, which is why I listed the best things to do in Pueblo, CO.

Check it out below and prepare for your next big adventure with your friends, family, or partner!

1. Historic Arkansas Riverwalk

101 N Union Ave Pueblo, CO 81003 (719) 595-0242

The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is a bustling waterfront promenade inspired by the San Antonio Riverwalk in Texas.

Why You Should Go

One of the top things to do in Pueblo with kids is taking them to the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk to enjoy various activities together.

This attraction, found in the downtown area, features many terrific dining options, boutique shops selling an assortment of goods, and many enjoyable options.

Spend quality time with your youngsters as you explore the many fun-filled attractions at this lovely riverwalk.

Do things like enjoying a delicious meal together, viewing at least 60 pieces of public artwork, shopping, and more.

Here, you can also go on a waterfront adventure with your kids as you go pedal-boating on duck-shaped boats, stand-up paddleboarding, and going on a scenic cruise.

2. Rosemount Museum

419 W 14th St Pueblo, CO 81003 (719) 545-5290

The Rosemount Museum is a house museum originally constructed in 1893.

It opened to the public in 1969 and is a historical landmark of Pueblo.

Explore the many wonders of this municipality by visiting one of the most breathtaking sights to see this weekend, Rosemount Museum.

It offers tours alongside knowledgeable guides, a gift shop where you can find Victorian-style memorabilia, and rental facilities for special events.

Sign up for a tour of Rosemount Museum today and get the chance to explore its 37 rooms with original furnishings.

On your tour, you can learn about the first owners of the house, the Thatcher family, as you view custom woodwork, old paintings, decorative arts, and more.

Before leaving, drop by the gift shop and buy seasonal giftware, memorabilia, cookbooks, postcards, seasonal giftware, and many other Victorian-inspired items.

3. San Isabel National Forest

2840 Kachina Drive Pueblo, CO 81008 (719) 553-1400

The San Isabel National Forest, established in 1902, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts because it offers a diverse landscape to explore.

It encompasses more than 1.1 million acres and covers several counties.

Get a break from the day-to-day cycle of your mundane life in the city by going on a nature retreat to the San Isabel National Forest.

Its landscape is breathtakingly beautiful, featuring majestic mountains, towering trees, glimmering lakes, cascading waterfalls, several wilderness areas, and abundant wildlife.

It features numerous opportunities for recreational fun and has facilities like designated camping areas, scenic hiking trails, viewing spots where you can observe passing animals, and so on.

Enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature by going on an outdoor excursion to this gorgeous forest with your companions.

Do activities like hiking through trails of varying difficulties, boating, biking, fishing, and during the winter, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

When looking for favorite things to do in Pueblo at night, consider going on a superb camping trip here amidst the picturesque landscape.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Bristlecone Lodge

Also See: Fun Things to Do in Westminster, CO

4. Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum

31001 Magnuson Ave Pueblo, CO 81001 (719) 948-9219

The Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, founded in the 1970s, is home to over forty aircraft used for military and civilian purposes.

Make your way to this museum if you are looking for cool attractions in Pueblo to tour with your travel buddies.

Get the chance to view its extensive collections of military vehicles and aircraft and a handful of civilian planes.

For a more enjoyable visit, it has a gift shop selling all sorts of themed souvenirs and flight simulators for a more engaging experience.

Prepare to be blown away as you view the many colossal aircraft at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum.

Some of the things you can expect to see here are historic military vehicles and planes, space artifacts, helicopters, jets, and exhibits about warcraft used in World War I and II and the Korean War.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Springhill Suites by Marriott Pueblo Downtown

5. Lake Pueblo State Park

640 Pueblo Reservoir Road Pueblo, CO 81005 (719) 561-9320

Lake Pueblo State Park, established in 1975, spans roughly 10,279 acres.

It features at least 60 miles of shoreline and offers a boat-load of recreational opportunities.

Are you searching for fun things to do in Pueblo with your family, friends, or significant other?

If you are, make your way to this state park today.

It features a swim beach, hiking areas, campgrounds, two full-service marinas, designated picnic areas, a playground to keep your children well-entertained, and numerous other amenities.

Grab your companions and go on a fun-filled getaway together at Lake Pueblo State Park.

Have a blast doing things like camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching, hunting, and so much more.

Go on a waterfront adventure by enjoying activities like motor-boating, river tubing, swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, kayaking, rafting, jet-skiing, and tons more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Pueblo

6. Pueblo Zoo

3455 Nuckolls Ave Pueblo, CO 81005 (719) 561-1452

Pueblo Zoo, spanning about 30 acres, is home to more than 420 animals representing at least 142 different species.

Are you searching for nice places to visit in Pueblo to get up-close to hundreds of animals?

Then, I highly recommend stopping by this spectacular zoo.

Here, you can find several themed animal exhibits, facilities where you can rent wheelchairs, various tour packages, and special programs throughout the year, like summer concerts.

Take your family or friends to Pueblo Zoo to view animals from all over the world, like gazelles, lions, vultures, prairie rattlesnakes, red kangaroos, Malayan sun bears, and so much more.

You can also enjoy other activities like replenishing your energy at a cafe and getting the opportunity to interact with animals, like American bison, African painted dogs, and penguins, alongside an experienced keeper.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wingate by Wyndham Pueblo

7. City Park

600-2458 Carlile Ave Pueblo, CO 81005 (719) 553-2790

City Park, established in 1904, encompasses 157 acres.

It is a favorite for locals and tourists for its many facilities and amenities.

Drive on over to City Park with your companions if you are on a budget and want to enjoy free things to do in Pueblo.

Some of its facilities include sports courts, picnic areas, a playground for your children, a skate park, a disc golf course, a pool, rental facilities, and endless more.

Have a fun day out as you stroll through this picturesque park, go biking, enjoy a delightful picnic together, and play sports like basketball, bocce ball, softball, tennis, and disc golf.

For an affordable price, you can go swimming in a crystalline pool, tour a zoo, ride a miniature train, and so much more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn and Suites Pueblo/North

8. Center For American Values

101 S Main St Pueblo, CO 81003 (719) 543-9502

The Center For American Values, founded in 2010, is a charitable foundation featuring 154 portraits of America’s Medal of Honor recipients.

Stop by the Center For American Values when looking for indoor stuff to do when it’s raining or cold.

It has an onsite restaurant, a gift shop, rental rooms for private events, guided tours, educational programs, and tons more.

Make time out of your schedule to tour this must-visit tourist hotspot with your travel buddies.

Here, you can explore its facilities with an accommodating guide, view portraits of Medal of Honor awardees, and so much more.

Visit the gift shop to buy books, DVDs, and other items to commemorate your tour experience.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Eagleridge Inn & Suites

9. Steelworks Center of the West

215 Canal St Pueblo, CO 81004 (719) 564-9086

Steelworks Center of the West, founded in 2007, is a museum preserving the history of the local steel and coal history.

A must-visit on your sightseeing tour of Pueblo with your friends, a special someone, or family is the Steelworks Center of the West.

It features a fascinating museum with a collection of permanent and temporary exhibits, educational programs, and a postcard-perfect park.

Spend an hour or so exploring the wonders of this museum with your companions.

Look through exhibits featuring old photographs, artifacts, an x-ray room, and do things like learning about the coal and steel industry and participating in fascinating lectures.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Pueblo

Also See: What to Do in Grand Junction What to Do in Loveland

10. Heroes Plaza – National Medal of Honor Memorial

358-398 Central Main St Pueblo, CO 81003

The Heroes Plaza – National Medal of Honor Memorial commemorates the four recipients of the Medal of Honor.

There are many unique things to see in Pueblo on your sightseeing tour, like the Heroes Plaza – National Medal of Honor Memorial.

It features four life-size bronze sculptures of four native awardees, Murphy, William Crawford, Carl Sitter, and Drew Dix.

Learn what makes Pueblo the Home of Heroes by making a short stop at this well-known tourist attraction.

Take many pictures backed by the bronze sculptures, read inscriptions about them, and view a colossal wall inscribed with the names of other Medal of Honor awardees.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn

11. Pueblo Heritage Museum

201 W B St Pueblo, CO 81003 (719) 295-1517

The Pueblo Heritage Museum features several exhibits and galleries about the rich history of Pueblo.

Head to this fascinating museum when searching for cheap activities to do near you on your memorable tour experience with your companions.

It features many displays for you to view, educational programs for a more engaging time, various events on special occasions, a research library filled with books, and tons more.

Bond with your friends, loved ones, or a special someone by touring the magnificent Pueblo Heritage Museum.

Tour its many exhibits and learn about notable women in history, the 1921 flood, local baseball teams, the railway system, and so much more.

View displays featuring artifacts, rural phones, historic sewing machines, old photographs, vintage clothing, and plenty others.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites Pueblo

12. Union Avenue Historic District

82 E D St Pueblo, CO 81003

The Union Avenue Historic District, many centuries old, features various historic buildings on 27 acres of land.

One of the most romantic things to do in Pueblo for couples is traveling back in time by strolling through the Union Avenue Historic District.

The buildings feature a Late Victorian architectural style for you to explore together.

Here, you can find antique shops, laid-back coffee shops, riverfront attractions, and many other fascinating places.

Spend quality time with your beloved as you walk hand-in-hand through this historic district.

Enjoy a lovely date together by touring a museum, taking many pictures backed by the Late Victorian buildings, going for a riverfront stroll, and so on.

You can also enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee at a cafe or a pint of beer at a brewery and go antique shopping.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Pueblo-Southgate

Related: Best Restaurants in Pueblo

13. Whitewater Park

Chappa Place and Pearl Street Pueblo, CO 81004 (719) 553-2790

Whitewater Park is a half-mile stretch on the Arkansas River featuring eight drops made by man.

It is a premier destination for water sports in the downtown area of the city.

Are you searching for downtown spots to visit to enjoy the perfect adrenaline-rushing, heart-racing experience with your significant other or friends?

Then, I strongly recommend a visit to Whitewater Park.

It is easily accessible, close to many shops, restaurants, lodging facilities, and many other superb tourist hotspots for you to explore.

Have a fantastic time with your friends as you enjoy a whitewater rafting experience like no other at this park.

Wear a life vest and helmet as you do things like river surfing, whitewater kayaking, and the like on its raging rapids.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pueblo, an IHG Hotel

Also See: Things to Do in Manitou Springs Things to Do in Pagosa Springs Vail, CO Things to Do

14. Buell Children’s Museum

210 N Santa Fe Ave Pueblo, CO 81003 (719) 295-7200

Buell Children’s Museum, founded in 2000, features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities catering to school-aged children.

Plan the perfect vacation catering to the needs of your little ones by visiting Buell Children’s Museum.

It mainly features engaging displays focusing on history, science, and the arts, engaging classes, live performances, and many other fun-filled options for your family.

Have a blast with your youngsters by exploring the many terrific permanent and ever-changing exhibits at this museum.

Enjoy an educational time while exploring its many exhibits and participating in art classes together, like music, pottery, glassworks, jewelry-making, photography, and more.

Watch entertaining family-friendly live shows like theatrical plays, musicals, ballets, and countless more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Baymont by Wyndham Pueblo

15. El Pueblo History Museum

301 N Union Ave Pueblo, CO 81003 (719) 583-0453

The El Pueblo History Museum, established in 1990, has exhibits on local history, including ethnic groups of the area.

If you are a history buff searching for places to go today, make your way to this local history museum.

It is the perfect destination for you to enjoy an educational and historical experience with your travel buddies by exploring its many fascinating displays, like re-created abode plazas and trading posts.

Enjoy an immersive historical experience with your companions by looking through its many exhibits.

View things like 1840-style adobes, award-winning exhibits, informative displays on ethnic groups, old pictures, and others.

You can also learn about excavation sites and the Ludlow Massacre, a tragic mass-killing by anti-striker militia.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn & Suites West

16. Mauro Farms Bakery

936 36th Ln Pueblo, CO 81006 (719) 948-3381

Mauro Farms Bakery is a well-known bakery and market selling the freshest farm-fresh goods and mouth-watering delicacies for affordable prices.

Do you plan on staying for a couple of weeks or more in Pueblo?

Do you live in the area and looking for places to buy the freshest produce?

If you do, a visit to Mauro Farms Bakery is a perfect choice.

Spend a few minutes of your time shopping at this bakery and store.

Buy things like freshly baked cookies, candies of differing flavors, exquisite spices, sweet bread, coffee, various beans, Italian olives, salami, and potica, a pastry from Slovenia.

Also See: Fun Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Steamboat Springs, Colorado Things to Do Things to Do in Telluride, Colorado

17. Fish Head Outdoors

59 Portero Dr Pueblo, CO 81005 (719) 696-1089

Fish Head Outdoors is a local charter offering some of the top fishing trips in Colorado.

One of the best things to do in Pueblo, CO, is going on a fantastic fishing excursion with your travel companions with this top-rated local charter.

It offers fishing packages for all skill levels on a glimmering lake or icy terrain, backed by a beautiful natural landscape.

Enjoy time in the great outdoors with your loved ones, partner, or friends by booking a fishing trip with Fish Head Outdoors.

Go fishing for trout, pike, walleye, and much more on a sparkling lake surrounded by lush greenery or ice fishing in a snowy wonderland.

Pueblo Things to Do: The 17 Best Activities for [currentyear]

• Historic Arkansas Riverwalk
• Rosemount Museum
• San Isabel National Forest
• Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
• Lake Pueblo State Park
• Center For American Values
• Steelworks Center of the West
• Heroes Plaza – National Medal of Honor Memorial
• Pueblo Heritage Museum
• Union Avenue Historic District
• Whitewater Park
• Buell Children’s Museum
• El Pueblo History Museum
• Mauro Farms Bakery
• Fish Head Outdoors

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Destinations
• United States

34 Must Visit Places In Pueblo

Published: August 19, 2024

by Sheree Smoot

Looking for a unique travel experience in the United States? Pueblo, Colorado might be just the place for you. This city offers a mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventures. From the beautiful Riverwalk to the fascinating museums, there's something for everyone. You can explore the historic Arkansas River or visit the Steelworks Museum to learn about the city's industrial past. Food lovers will enjoy the local cuisine, especially the famous Pueblo green chili. Whether you're into hiking, art, or just relaxing by the water, Pueblo has plenty to offer. Ready to find out more about this hidden gem? Let's dive in!

Discover the Charm of Pueblo, Colorado

Pueblo, Colorado, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who enjoys vibrant arts scenes, Pueblo has something for everyone. Let's explore some must-visit places in this charming city.

Historical Landmarks

Pueblo's rich history is reflected in its well-preserved landmarks. These sites offer a glimpse into the past and tell the story of the city's development.

Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo This scenic riverwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy the beautiful landscaping, public art, and various shops and restaurants along the way.

El Pueblo History Museum Dive into the history of Pueblo and the surrounding region. The museum features exhibits on Native American cultures, early settlers, and the industrial boom.

Rosemount Museum Step back in time at this Victorian mansion. The museum offers guided tours that showcase the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy in the late 19th century.

Steelworks Museum Learn about Pueblo's industrial heritage at this museum dedicated to the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company. Exhibits include historical artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays.

Outdoor Adventures

For those who love the great outdoors, Pueblo offers numerous opportunities for adventure. From hiking to fishing, there's something for every nature lover.

Lake Pueblo State Park This state park is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the reservoir, or explore the hiking and biking trails.

Pueblo Mountain Park Escape to nature in this beautiful park. With miles of trails, picnic areas, and stunning views, it's a perfect spot for a day trip.

Arkansas River The Arkansas River offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and fishing. The river's scenic beauty makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities.

Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo This center is dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey. Visitors can learn about raptors and enjoy the surrounding nature trails.

Cultural Experiences

Pueblo's vibrant cultural scene is a testament to its diverse community. From art galleries to cultural festivals, there's always something happening in the city.

Sangre de Cristo Arts Center This arts center features galleries, a theater, and a dance studio. It hosts a variety of performances and exhibitions throughout the year.

Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum Aviation enthusiasts will love this museum, which showcases a collection of military and civilian aircraft. The exhibits highlight the history of aviation and its impact on the region.

Pueblo Symphony Orchestra Enjoy a night of classical music with the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra performs a range of works, from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions.

Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival This annual festival celebrates Pueblo's agricultural heritage. Enjoy live music, local food vendors, and, of course, plenty of Pueblo chiles.

Family-Friendly Activities

Pueblo is a great destination for families, offering a variety of activities that kids and adults will enjoy.

Buell Children's Museum This interactive museum is designed for children of all ages. With hands-on exhibits and educational programs, it's a fun and engaging place for kids to learn and play.

City Park City Park offers a range of amenities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and a small amusement park. It's a great place for a family outing.

Pueblo Zoo Home to over 400 animals, the Pueblo Zoo provides an educational and entertaining experience for visitors. The zoo focuses on conservation and offers various programs for children.

Runyon Lake This urban lake is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking. The surrounding park offers walking trails and plenty of open space for family activities.

Unique Attractions

Pueblo has some unique attractions that you won't find anywhere else. These spots offer a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.

Bishop Castle Located just outside Pueblo, Bishop Castle is a whimsical structure built by one man over several decades. The castle features intricate stonework, towers, and even a dragon-shaped chimney.

Pueblo Creative Corridor This area is the heart of Pueblo's arts scene. Explore galleries, studios, and public art installations, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Union Avenue Historic District This historic district is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. The well-preserved buildings offer a glimpse into Pueblo's past.

Steel City Theatre Company Enjoy a live performance at this community theater. The company produces a range of shows, from musicals to dramas, in an intimate setting.

Food and Drink

Pueblo's culinary scene is diverse and delicious. From local specialties to international cuisine, there's something to satisfy every palate.

Gray's Coors Tavern This historic tavern is famous for its "slopper," a cheeseburger smothered in green chile. It's a must-try for anyone visiting Pueblo.

Brues Alehouse Brewing Co. Enjoy craft beer and delicious food at this popular brewery. The riverside location offers beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Solar Roast Coffee This unique coffee shop uses solar power to roast its beans. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry while supporting sustainable practices.

Gagliano's Italian Market This family-owned market offers a variety of Italian specialties, including homemade sausages, cheeses, and pastries. It's a great place to pick up some delicious treats.

Shopping and Entertainment

Pueblo offers a range of shopping and entertainment options. Whether you're looking for unique gifts or a night out, you'll find plenty to do.

Pueblo Mall This shopping center features a variety of stores, from national chains to local boutiques. It's a great place to spend an afternoon shopping.

The Rides at City Park This small amusement park offers classic rides like a carousel and a miniature train. It's a fun destination for families with young children.

Pueblo Memorial Hall This historic venue hosts a variety of events, including concerts, theater performances, and community gatherings. Check the schedule to see what's happening during your visit.

Pueblo Riverwalk In addition to its scenic beauty, the Riverwalk offers a range of entertainment options, including boat rides, live music, and seasonal events.

Educational Institutions

Pueblo is home to several educational institutions that offer unique experiences for visitors. These places provide opportunities for learning and exploration .

Colorado State University-Pueblo This university offers a range of cultural and educational events open to the public. Explore the campus and attend a lecture, concert, or art exhibit.

Pueblo Community College The college hosts various community events and programs. Check out their schedule for workshops, performances, and other activities.

Rawlings Library This modern library offers more than just books. Enjoy public art installations, educational programs, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

Hidden Gems

Pueblo has some lesser-known spots that are worth seeking out. These hidden gems offer unique experiences and a chance to explore off the beaten path.

Goodnight Barn This historic barn was once part of a large cattle operation. It's currently being restored and offers a glimpse into Pueblo's ranching history.

Pueblo Heritage Museum This small museum features exhibits on Pueblo's diverse cultural heritage. Learn about the different communities that have shaped the city.

The Clink Lounge Located in the basement of the historic Union Depot, this speakeasy-style bar offers craft cocktails in a unique setting. Enjoy a drink and soak in the atmosphere of this hidden gem.

Pueblo's Hidden Gems Await

Pueblo, Colorado, offers a mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun. From the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk to the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum , there's something for everyone. Art lovers will enjoy the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center , while nature enthusiasts can explore Lake Pueblo State Park . Don't miss the Pueblo Zoo or the El Pueblo History Museum for a family-friendly day out.

Foodies will love the local cuisine, especially the famous Pueblo green chili . The city's vibrant festivals, like the Chili & Frijoles Festival , add to its charm. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just soaking up some local culture, Pueblo has it all.

Plan your visit soon and uncover the unique experiences this city has to offer. Pueblo's hidden gems are waiting to be discovered, promising a memorable trip for all.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

How To Spend A Long Weekend In Historic Pueblo, Colorado

Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock

• Destinations
• United States

Situated in the Colorado plains and an easy drive south along I-25 from Denver and Colorado Springs, Pueblo makes for a terrific mini-vacation. This former cowboy, steel, and railroad town now offers visitors a mix of history and rich culture. An extra bonus: Pueblo’s close proximity to the Sangre de Cristo mountains and outdoor recreation opportunities. Here are a few of our favorite ways to spend a long weekend in Pueblo.

Things To Do In Pueblo

There’s truly something for everyone who visits Pueblo to see, do, and experience. The city is a fascinating mix of industrial and railroad history, with a clear commitment to the arts sprinkled in. Its charming brick downtown and Riverwalk are the perfect places to explore, with museums and amenities throughout.

Pueblo Union Depot

Stroll Union Avenue

To get your bearings, head straight to Union Avenue. This is the beating heart of historic Pueblo, with many of the district’s brick buildings dating back more than 100 years. Union Avenue has always been a commercial center, and today is crammed with shops, boutiques, and cafes. It’s a great spot to get an initial feel for Pueblo’s vibe, get your steps in, and perhaps do a little shopping. Don’t miss the beautiful sandstone and brick Union Avenue Depot , at one time the hub for five railroads, now used as a spectacular events space.

Learn The History

Just a couple of blocks off Union, history buffs will want to head to the Pueblo Heritage Museum . Here you’ll be introduced to the Native Americans who first made this place home and learn how Pueblo later became a hub for workers and immigrants. You’ll see artifacts and archives documenting the flood of 1921 that forever changed Pueblo and view authentic horseback saddles crafted when the town was known as the saddle-making capital of the world. Also worth checking out, the El Pueblo History Museum includes the archeological excavation site of the town’s original trading post, along with a re-created version of the structure.

Here, you’ll Pueblo, located near the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek, built up around a trading post fort first established in the area in 1842 . The area boomed after iron ore and coal were discovered and the railroads added stops.

Hit The Riverwalk

Pueblo’s Riverwalk along the Arkansas is also a prime place to spend some time during your weekend here. Beautifully built up right along the water, the development offers a mix of shops, restaurants, and various sculptures and other artworks. Take the 1-mile stroll at your leisure, or opt for one of the seasonal riverboat cruises.

Check Out The Creative Corridor

As evidenced on the Riverwalk, the art and culture scene is strong in Pueblo, so much so it has its own Creative Corridor . The area consists of three distinct historic areas in the city, all of which host galleries, museums, street sculptures, live music, live art shows, and concerts. Downtown Main Street, the aforementioned Union Avenue, and the Mesa Junction are all included in the Corridor. Each maintains its own neighborhood flavor but has similar artistic nooks, crannies, and events.

Visit The Rosemount

To truly take a step back into Pueblo’s past, consider a visit to Rosemount Museum . This 24,000-square-foot Victorian mansion masterpiece is crafted from pink volcanic rock and was the home of the affluent Thatcher family. Rosemount served as its residence for 75 years. Now, the palatial home — which was left to the city in a trust and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — is open for tours and still has most original furnishings, accessories, art, and even window treatments.

See The Lights Of Neon Alley

If you happen to be out and about on South Union Avenue after dark, make it a point to stop by one of the most colorful and interesting light displays east of Vegas. Neon Alley consists of more than 40 vintage neon signs, brightly lit every evening. The alley is part art installation, part blast from the past throwback, and a whole lot of fun. Locals and tourists alike flock here to bask in their light and snap the perfect selfie!

Pay Homage To Heroes

Pueblo is known as a home to heroes, quite literally. It’s the place where four Congressional Medal of Honor recipients grew up. (The Medal of Honor is the highest military award possible for a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.) Heroes Plaza , located outside the Pueblo Convention Center, features bronze sculptures of each recipient. On the Riverwalk, visitors are also welcome at the Center for American Values , where they can peruse the portraits of — and learn more about — more than 150 Medal of Honor recipients.

Find Your Wings

Aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum , one of the state’s largest military aircraft collections. While the two hangars, filled with vintage aircraft, are well worth the admission price, there are also artifacts and displays highlighting military air history, including uniforms, equipment, and personal affects.

jd brown / Shutterstock

Hike Lake Pueblo

If you’re yearning to get outside and enjoy Mother Nature during your weekend, make the trek just west of town to Lake Pueblo State Park . The lake is actually a reservoir, created by damming the Arkansas River in the mid 1970s to help provide water for agriculture use. Here, you can enjoy miles of hiking trails, prime picnicking spots, and incredible views of Pikes Peak to the north and the Greenhorn Mountains to the southwest.

The Goodnight Barn

To get a real, authentic feel for what life was like in Pueblo during its raucous cowboy days, you’ll want to make time for a quick look-see at the Charles Goodnight Barn . Charles Goodnight came to Colorado in 1868, after stops in Texas and Wyoming trailing cattle. Goodnight is known for inventing the chuck wagon — designed to feed the drovers easily. Fans of the book or TV show Lonesome Dove also know that the main character, Captain Woodrow Call, was based on the real-life Charles Goodnight. Today, Goodnight’s stone barn is all that remains of his once-bustling ranch, and volunteers are working to restore it. While you can’t go inside, a quick stop here offers a fascinating peek at Pueblo’s old west past.

Gray’s Coors Tavern on Facebook

Best Restaurants In Pueblo

Pueblo’s cuisine scene has always been influenced by south of the border seasonings, especially the green chile. Farmers in and around town grow their own variety, sold at local farmers markets and prepared in Pueblo’s restaurants. Keep an eye out on the menu for the town’s famous Pueblo Slopper, a hamburger smothered with plenty of green chile and topped with cheese and onions. Pueblo’s downtown dive, Gray’s Coors Tavern , has one of the best!

For a more refined, international take, consider either La Forchetta da Massi , known for its Northern Italian-inspired pastas and mains; Mr. Tandoori Urban Bar and Grill serves up delicious curries, kormas, masala, and other Indian staples in a bright dining room. If the weather cooperates, you can also dine al fresco on a large patio.

Colorado is a hub for craft brewing, and Pueblo is no exception. Shamrock Brewing offers the standards — ales and porters — along with rotating seasons taps. They also have a terrific pub menu. Walter’s Beer , founded by a German immigrant in the late 1800s, harkens back to its past with traditional pilsners and lagers, uses local ingredients, including chiles, and offers a hard seltzer line. For a brew with a view, head to Brues Alehouse . It’s located in the basement of Pueblo’s old police building and jail, right on the Riverwalk, and has a good variety of beer with a terrific menu to match.

Make sure you save room for dessert and stop by Hopscotch Bakery . Cookies, cupcakes, scones, and a whole host of other sweet treats are made from scratch here, and the care comes through in every delicious bite!

Station on The Riverwalk on Facebook

Best Hotels In Pueblo

First things first: There are plenty of mid-range hotel chain options in Pueblo, where you’ll be comfortable and have everything you need to make your long weekend an enjoyable one. But to kick it up a notch, consider a stay at the Station on the Riverwalk . This boutique hotel is also housed in the town’s former jail and is in the same complex as Brues Alehouse. Its rooms are actually the building’s old prison cells, reimagined with luxe in mind. It’s a fun, funky place to hang your hat for the weekend.

If you need more room or would prefer to self-cater, there are also some great carriage houses and even whole-home options in Pueblo available via online home-share sites.

Time your visit right, and you could experience one of two terrific festivals in Pueblo. Each summer, the Colorado State Fair takes place in Pueblo at the fairgrounds. And for fans of the town’s green chilis, plan a Pueblo visit for the third weekend in September for the Chile and Frijoles Throwback Festival .

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Communication done well has always been Erika’s career focus. She’s served as a publicist and PR expert for several non-profit organizations based in St. Louis. Prior to that, she was an Emmy Award–winning television newscast producer.

When she’s not training for her next race or packing for another trip, you’ll find Erika hanging out with her husband, son, and personal zoo, which includes a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, two cats, and a grumpy pygmy hedgehog.

Fun things to do in Pueblo this weekend: Art shows, social events, senior week at the zoo

Friday, Sept. 6

Urban sketchers at pueblo heritage museum.

201 W. B St. | 5-8 p.m. | A wide array of artwork from local artists will be on display featuring scenes from all around Pueblo. The Urban Sketchers of Pueblo is a chapter of a global organization with the motto:"We show the world, one drawing at a time." Artists gather at an assigned location each week to sketch for a couple of hours. The chapter has more than 600 members.

Spice Up Your Life at Steel City Art Works

216 S. Union Ave. | 5-8 p.m. | Check out the opening reception with complimentary refreshments for the “Spice Up Your Life,” and “Creative Minds” art shows. Chat with the artists who will be present to talk about their work and answer your questions. The show hangs all month and features acrylic paintings, clay, jewelry, folk art, ceramics, and mixed media work. Gallery artists also will be showing chile-themed art from jewelry to large wall hangings throughout the gallery and in the Chile Boutique area.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

First Friday Fall Menu Tasting & Ladies of Song at The Ethos

615 E. Mesa Ave.  | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Sample a fresh batch of fall specials and check out a special collection of artists dubbed the Ladies of Song. Free admission for the all-ages event.

First Friday Art Walk at Blo Back Gallery

131 Spring St. | 6-9 p.m. | Join artist Jim Richerson for the opening of his exhibit, "A Host of 'ifs' & Losing My Marbles." Check out "En[danger]ed," by veteran artist Sheigla Hartman, featuring a collaboration with LA-based artist and muralist Jennifer Korsen. The event is free and open to the public .

Saturday, Sept. 7

Fiber arts and writing events at the ethos.

615 E. Mesa Ave.  | 6-8 p.m. for Stitch-n-Bitch and 7-11 p.m. for writing class | Stitch with fellow fiber artists and bitch about anything that springs to mind. The free social event includes a twining demonstration. Or explore options for self-publishing novels and writing, as well as how to whip your work in progress into shape for publishing. Cost is $10 per person .

Sunday, Sept. 8

Senior week kicks off at the pueblo zoo.

3455 Nuckolls Ave. | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Saturday, Sept. 14 | Mature residents ages 65 and older and their caregivers receive free admission. Free grab bags will be provided to the first 500 seniors. Wednesday, Sept. 11 is Senior Safari Day with live music, animal presentations, games, vendor booths, lunch and more. Tables can be reserved for $30 for Wednesday’s Senior Safari at form.jotform.com/241854888803167 and the deadline is Friday, Sept. 6. The daily schedule and full details can be found at  pueblozoo.org/senior-week .

The Biology of Depression and Anxiety at First Unitarian Society

110 Calla Ave. | 10:30 a.m. | A thought-provoking discussion will center around Johann Hari’s impactful TED Talk on depression and anxiety. Microbiologist and educator Bill Wolf will facilitate the presentation. Though Hari’s insights acknowledge the biological “imbalances” of depression and anxiety, he goes beyond the prescriptions alone and challenges the traditional treatments in favor of holistic approaches.  The public is welcome and the facility is handicap accessible. 

Monday, Sept. 9

Compassionate friends meeting at central christian church.

1902 N. Hudson | 7 p.m. | Compassionate Friends (We Need Not Walk Alone) is a support group for parents who have lost children of any age. Meetings are held the second Monday of every month. Meetings for the remainder of the year are Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9. Enter around the back of the building. For more information email [email protected].

Tuesday, Sept. 10

Sweet adelines open rehearsal at first presbyterian church.

220 W. 10th St. | 7 p.m. | Join the Sweet Adelines choir for an evening of singing four-part acapella harmony.

Wednesday, Sept. 11

Patriot day observance at center for american values.

101 S. Main St. | 7:58 a.m. | Visit the World Trade Center Steel Memorial Site for the "Never Forget" observance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks featuring a community walk in silence and the memorial stair climb by the Pueblo Community College Fire Science Club. For those who cannot attend, watch it live at AmericanValuesCenter.org or YouTube .

A Regular Night of Pool at The Ethos

615 E. Mesa Ave. | 4:30-11 p.m. | Come out and play pool. Game rules are decided by players. Cost is 4 quarters per game , $3 for non-alcoholic beer, and $2 off any two bar snacks.

Thursday, Sept. 12

Prep the yard for winter class at pueblo west library.

298 S. Joe Martinez Blvd. | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Join Colorado State University Extension Horticulturist Amanda Weidner to learn about fall maintenance, putting the garden to bed and winter watering.

Karaoke at The Ethos

615 E. Mesa Ave. | 6:30-9 p.m. | Karaoke with KJs Treble and Harmony who run the most eclectic karaoke room in town. The event is held the third Thursday of the month.

Friday, Sept. 13

Campapalooza at city park horseshoe lake.

800 Goodnight Ave. | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County is set to host its third annual Campapalooza to introduce young people to the joys of camping and outdoor activities. Festivities will include hands-on introductions to many  outdoor activities including fire safety, wildlife tracking, water conservation, fishing and leave no trace principles. Club staff will cook  hot dogs  and serve lunch provided by Sam’s Club in the City Park pavilion next to Horseshoe Lake. While families come to Colorado from all over the country to enjoy the outdoors, Pueblo has many kids and teens who have never been outside of their neighborhood. Club youth in underserved areas in Pueblo have expressed interest in exploring nature but are confronted with barriers such as lack of transportation or cost. The event is free and open to the public . Find out more at BGCPCkids.org .

Saturday, Sept. 14

Harvest fest at sangre de cristo arts center.

210 N. Santa Fe Ave. | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The second annual Harvest Festival is a free admission Community Access Day. There will be arts and crafts and special activities all day in both the Buell Children's Museum and the Helen Thatcher White art galleries. The event will include food trucks, a fall-themed selfie station, storytime, Loteria (known as Mexican Bingo,) and a 3 p.m. talk about the Taos Society of Artists. Sign up for half-price memberships or Pueblo School District 60 families can still enroll for free membership which runs through the end of the year. To find out more or enroll for regularly scheduled classes, go to sdc-arts.org .

Back to School Train Rides at Pueblo Railway Museum

200 W. B St. behind the Union Depot | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Ride the train and see the historic steam locomotive. Cost to ride in the locomotive is $15 or ride in a caboose for $10 . Children 2 and younger ride free . Hot dogs, snow cones, snacks and drinks are available for a small donation.

Author book signing at Pueblo Heritage Museum

201 W. B St. | 1-4 p.m. | Pueblo Author Sam Pisciotta will discuss and sign his new book, "The Hivernant."For more than 45 years, Pisciotta has been involved in living history interpretation as an instructor,guide, actor and lecturer on the American Fur Trade, the Santa Fe Trail and Native American life and sign language.

Sunday, Sept. 15

Duck hunting 101 class at pueblo hunter education building.

2600 W. Mesa Ave. | 1-5 p.m. | Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff will offer a free class introducing hunters to duck hunting in Colorado. Topics to be covered include the basic equipment needed, duck biology, understanding duck habitat, finding places to go, how to set up a blind and safety guidelines. Participants must preregister at  register-ed.com/events/view/217919 .

Monday, Sept. 16

Pueblo stamp club meeting at rawlings library.

100 E. Abriendo Ave., Friends of the Library Meeting Room | 1-3 p.m. | The meeting will focus on China's postage stamps, including the Chinese Zodiac stamps and the country's top 10 rarest stamps. The meeting is free and open to the public . All ages are welcome.  Donations of U.S. and foreign stamps for free distribution at club meetings are welcome.

Wednesday, Sept. 18

Vino pueblo at sangre de cristo arts center.

210 N. Santa Fe Ave. | 5:30-8 p.m. | Sample contemporary wine from around the world and delicious small plates from local restauranteurs as expert sommeliers recommend ideal food and wine pairings. Enter for a chance to win several prizes and find a new favorite bottle to take home with you. All the proceeds from the event support the arts center's scholarship and education programs. Tickets are available online at sdc-arts.org and cost $75 for non-members or $67.50 for members .

Intriguing special event at Pueblo Heritage Museum

201 W. B St. | 7-8 p.m. | Retired Pueblo Firefighter Gary Micheli will present the intriguing story, "Behind the Door at 116." Micheli also continues his work as curator of the Fire Museum, which holds a treasure trove of Pueblo fire service history, that is open by appointment.

Open Mic at Blo Back Gallery

131 Spring St. | Doors open at 6 p.m., show 6:30 p.m. | Visit the gallery for open mic night. The event is free and open to everyone .

Thursday, Sept. 19

Chiles & frijoles festival kick off party at pueblo convention center.

320 Central Main St. | 6-7 VIP Cocktail hour, show 7-10 p.m. | The Homboyz and Bits & Pieces will perform. Cost is $30 for general admission, $35 for VIP tickets, or $350 for a VIP Table. Tickets are on sale at puebloconventioncenter.com.

EP Release Party at Blo Back Gallery

131 Spring St. | Doors open at 6 p.m show runs 7-9 p.m. | EP Release for "Buried in Lies" with Cortez, Liars Handshake and more. Cost is $10 per person. Open to all ages.

Things to Do listings run in print each Friday and are due by 10 a.m. each Wednesday via email at [email protected].   Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at  subscribe.chieftain.com .

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The Ultimate Southeast Colorado Road Trip: Where to Go in Pueblo

Enjoy the outdoors, Pueblo’s historic downtown, and the greater area with this three-day itinerary.

Despite growing up in Southwest Colorado and five generations of family in Colorado Springs, I had yet to experience the city and region of Pueblo, only 45 miles south.

In mid-June, my partner Eric Phillips, a professional outdoor adventure and landscape photographer, and I took a three-day trip that opened my eyes to how lush and richly historic Pueblo is.

From the vibrant vegetation of the Wet Mountains and rolling foothills to the state and city parks, the Pueblo Chiles and Big Jims grown on eastern farms, and the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo, the area is full of preserved outdoor spaces, delicious local food, and a sense of welcoming hospitality.

Here’s a rundown of where we went, so that you can go, too.

Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo

A calm canal threads downtown Pueblo, reminiscent of Venice, Italy, that restores the Arkansas River to the original early 1900s location prior to ‘The Great Pueblo Flood’ of 1921. The 32-acre reclamation includes educational sculptures, meticulous landscaping, and paved walking paths, all of which revitalized the community and local economy.

As an outdoor classroom, embedded tiles in the sidewalk show the region’s river geology and statues share the history of indigenous figures. Restaurants line the water. Folks can even hop on a 25-minute guided boat excursion with a history lesson, ride in a gondola, and venture by pedal boat or kayak.

We camped at Lake Pueblo State Park , which is only an 11-minute drive from downtown Pueblo. Before heading back to to the park camp, we grabbed dinner at Brues Alehouse on the waterfront, a restaurant experience we can’t recommend enough.

Brues Alehouse

Downtown Pueblo is teeming with relics including several buildings that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Restaurants line the waterfront of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk such as Brues Alehouse, which is located in the city’s old police station.

Founded in 2015, Brues Alehouse is a family-run business, owned by Tony Garcia, who earned a master brewing certification in Munich, Germany. The multifaceted operation includes a full-fledged brewery, restaurant, coffee bar, bakery, and live music venue.

The multiyear renovation and development included the removal of jail cells. The original police sign and a portion of the jail cell doors were reincorporated into the restaurant’s interior, which Kaci Cambo, Event Coordinator, showed us on a walk-through after our meal on the patio. The property also reused columns from the steel mill that date back to the 1800s.

And an old railroad track sits beneath the bar, on the ground where patrons’ feet hang off their stools, which was owned by Colorado Fuel and Iron (CF&I). Eric and I live in Crested Butte, Colorado, where CF&I owned mines and exported the coal to operate the steel mill plant on the south side of Pueblo. The steel mill, now owned by Evraz and called the Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel Mill, is the largest solar-powered steel production facility in the world , reports the Colorado Sun .

To dial in the flavor of their in-house brews, Brues Alehouse uses a reverse osmosis water purification system to purify the water that’s added to the beer, allowing them to add back in the appropriate minerals that alter the taste. If you enjoy beer, don’t miss out on a full flight to sample the brewery’s unique variety.

For food, we recommend going for the blistered shishito peppers with ranch, the classic slopper—an open-faced double patty smothered in green chili — and leave room for carrot cake.

Lake Pueblo State Park

On day one, we mountain biked at Lake Pueblo State Park, which is decorated by 200-year-old Junipers, 60 miles of shoreline, and 10,000 acres of open land. With 393 reservable campsites, it was easy to book ahead. The 64 miles of trails has earned the location a colloquial name “Fruita of the Front Range” and kept us entertained.

Visitors can fish, stand up paddleboard (SUP), boat, hike, camp, mountain bike, beach lounge, picnic and more. If you enjoy water play, be sure to check the weather, wear a personal flotation device (PFD), and don’t underestimate the power of the wind here: We brought our SUPs then opted out due to the powerful gusts and lightning dancing on the horizon.

From our Arkansas Loop campsite, near the boat ramps on the southeast side of Pueblo Reservoir, we mountain biked straight to the trail system, which interweaves steep rocky bluffs, four-winged saltbush, and sagebrush. I couldn’t believe the brilliant, blossoming varieties of cacti throughout the short-grass prairie: Pinkflower hedgehog, Plains Prickly Pear, tree cholla. With blue-gray water as a backdrop, riding between thorny head-height trees felt like a whimsical scene from Dr. Seuss. We rolled past a small coachwhip and fire ants and timed our ride before the thunderstorm.

As the most visited Colorado state park, close to 3 million visitors play here per year, especially in the summer. High travel isn’t negative as long as everyone works together to caretake and plan ahead, said Park Ranger Joseph Portteus, who I interviewed before our trip.

“The staff at Lake Pueblo has big cleanups after each weekend for the popular beaches and picnic areas that are hit the hardest. We provide dumpsters, trash cans, and walk around to hand out trash bags in popular areas. But with volume of people we see, left-behind waste happens. To whatever extent people can clean up after themselves is always appreciated,” said Portteus.

To that end, bring a trash bag for rubbish – like wrappers and paper plates – and toss the bag in a dumpster or trash before you leave. That helps prevent wild animals from becoming habituated to human food.

Dogs love the park, too, and need to be on leash. Following Colorado state law, owners need to pick up their dog waste, which can be accomplished with a baggie that’s thrown out in a park dumpster located at the campground entrances or in trash receptacles at the bathrooms.

Southwest Deli and Cafe

On day two, we drove into Pueblo to grab breakfast at Southwest Deli and Cafe before heading toward the Wet Mountains. The deli has a quaint shop with unique cooking goods.

Owners Lloyd and Carol Mast and their family are a part of the local Mennonite church with a traditional heritage of healthy homemade food and relaxing, friendly family dining: they achieve that here. The tables were full of warm, chatty, smiling people. The breakfast burritos were hands-down among the best we’ve ever tasted in Colorado.

Bishop Castle

After breakfast, we road tripped 50 minutes southwest into the Wet Mountains, a subrange of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which receive high yearly precipitation turning the pines, aspens, and valleys into a medley of deep emerald, lime, and mint tones.

We stopped at Bishop Castle, a famous site that anyone can visit for free. The owner and builder, Jim Bishop, first constructed a water tower for his family cottage on the property in 1971: a 40 foot tall metal cylinder that his dad, Willard, surrounded with stonework. Locals started commenting that it looked like a turret. Eventually, Jim decided to build by hand a complete castle. He incorporated rocks hauled from the state highway ditches, granite pulled from the Rocky Mountains, repurposed railroad ties into the arches, and mixed his own mortar.

Walking through the property felt like an adult-sized maze or funhouse. Stormy weather brought powerful gusts and rain while we were there, and there were several metal balconies that waved in the wind, so we have yet to check a few climbable features at Bishop Castle off the list.

Lake Isabel

We continued 10 minutes south on CO-165 to reach Lake Isabel, a 40-acre reservoir in San Isabel National Forest. The body of water was developed purely for recreation, a rarity for reservoirs in Colorado, by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. The lake remains a place for paddling, birding, camping, and hiking, and fishing.

Stocked with brown and brook trout, half of the anglers we hiked past were tugging lines. Several campgrounds and many day-use picnic tables and grills speckle Saint Charles River in the canyon to the west of the lake.

We attempted a hike to visit a natural water slide , east of the reservoir, but the river crossings were too engulfed by runoff. Instead, we finished our hike around the lake and enjoyed a picnic overlooking the water.

Be sure to pick up and carry out all of your trash and micro-trash before leaving the lake.

Three Sisters Tavern & Grill

Before heading to our next overnighter, we stopped into the rustic Three Sisters Tavern & Grill for dinner in southern Pueblo County’s Greenhorn Valley. This stop sits along the Frontier Pathway Scenic Byway.

The 9-year-old family-run restaurant is owned by one of three sisters that grew up in Pueblo, Jamie DeVencenty, and her husband Rocky, as well as Jamie’s two sisters, Paula and Darla. Jamie’s great-great niece, Jolie, was our waitress, who started helping out there when she was 12 years old and is now age 20.

As a family-run business, Jolie explained that Jamie and her daughter are passionate, accomplished competitors at horse shows, reflected by their awards that hang in the restaurant. James also has a brother, and she’s the youngest sibling.

The menu is American with an ambiance of western hospitality, inspired by Jamie and her daughter’s horsewomanship. The foods range from burgers to salads and Mexican with tasty, hardy, creative Southeastern and chili-inspired plates. The pomegranate marg, tempura avocado appetizer, and pub steak entree with poblano cream sauce hit the spot after a day outside.

The tables are full of friendly folks that know each other, and the hospitable staff knows their orders by heart, showing the same enthusiasm for travelers.

Pueblo Mountain Park and Horseshoe Lodge

From Three Sisters, we drove 34-minutes across the farmlands to the foothills to reach Pueblo Mountain Park and Horseshoe Lodge, which was the leafiest, most verdant thumb of our entire trip: 611 acres owned by Pueblo and managed by the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center nonprofit, juxtaposed with a 17,000-acre roadless section of the San Isabel National Forest.

Encompassed by 100-year-old Ponderosas that pierce the air alongside the singing spring cicadas, the property was built in the 1930s by the Work Project Administration crews. After being left unused for decades, the property was renovated as an eco-lodge — including composting toilets and a biomass boiler heating system — over a six year process, by 2012.

The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center nonprofit specializes in outdoor and nature programs. In step, the grounds include an interpretive center and dormitory rooms for connecting people with nature and providing education about the flora and fauna. There’s also a group campfire ring, meditative labyrinth, outdoor amphitheater, and gazebos. We stayed at Horseshoe Lodge, in the Swedish Mountain room with a fireplace, and enjoyed a campfire in the light rain while thunder rolled through the canyon.

Of the seven miles of trails in the city park, we hiked through bright green, abundant scrub oak, aromatic ponderosas, and blossoming wildflowers to reach the highest point in the park: The Fire Tower, a double-tier lookout built for recreationists in the 1930s, from which you can see Beulah Valley, 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, and Pueblo Reservoir.

I look forward to learning more about Pueblo in the years to come and hope you enjoyed learning about our experience, too. Remember to consciously explore these beautiful outdoor spaces and Leave No Trace by picking up your trash as you go.

Thanks to Visit Pueblo for collaborating with us to spotlight LNT principles in Southeastern Colorado.

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This Tourist Hub Is The Most Dangerous Place In Colorado

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• A popular tourist city has the highest violent crime rate in Colorado, with 7.258 per 1,000 people.
• This city ranks as the third most violent US city with an 86% increase in violent crime from 2023 to 2024.
• It also has the highest cost of crime per capita in Colorado at $5,979, despite drawing in millions in tourism dollars.

Colorado is not a state that many think of when they think of crime. Instead, it is the Rocky Mountains, skiing, the beautiful Coloradoan towns in the state , and all the green space that residents and visitors have access to. It is seen as one of the safest tourist destinations in the US and even among the states with low crime rates to retire .

However, with Colorado's increase in crime over the last several years, including a tourist hub that is the most dangerous place in Colorado, it might no longer be one of the best states to live in the nation thanks to violent crime.

Of course, there are violent cities throughout the US. Of the top ten most dangerous places found throughout the nation, however, two are located in Colorado. One, in particular, has had a significant jump in homicides from 2023 to 2024, with this year not even being over.

What is interesting, however, is that tourism dollars were over $300 million in the city , despite the amount of crime occurring. As such, this Colorado city is an interesting juxtaposition of a place being incredibly successful business-wise, but failing when it comes to curbing crime rates. But which city is it?

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Pueblo Has The Most Violent Crimes In Colorado

Pueblo, colorado, has the most violent crimes in the state with 7.258 per 1,000 people.

Based on FBI crime data, Colorado has several cities with over 100,000 people that are deemed to be some of the most dangerous in the country. When it comes to Pueblo, the city came in second behind Sheridan , Colorado, as the most dangerous city in the state. But that was because multiple factors were used to determine which cities were the most dangerous in the Centennial State.

One of those factors was the number of violent crimes and, despite not taking the number one spot on the list, Pueblo was the leader when it came to the most violent crimes in Colorado.

Pueblo has a population of just over 110,800 people. The violent crime breakdown is 7.258 per 1,000 people . This is the highest number of violent crimes per capita in the state. In comparison, Sheridan had 4.588 per 1,000 people. The reason that Pueblo did not receive the number one spot was because the property crimes are far lower than many of the other dangerous cities in Colorado.

The neighborhoods vary in how dangerous they are in Pueblo. There are some neighborhoods where the chances of being a victim are one in 57. In others, it may be one in 199. What the data shows, however, is that there is a higher chance of becoming a victim of violent crime anywhere in Pueblo than there is in many cities throughout the US.

The breakdown of violent crimes in Pueblo per 1,000 residents is as follows:

What is so puzzling about Pueblo is that even with the high crime rate, the city managed to bring in hundreds of millions in tourism dollars, as did other cities in Colorado. This shows that regardless of the crime rate, there is a draw to Pueblo that cannot be denied.

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Pueblo Is The Third Most Violent City In The US

Pueblo, colorado, had an 86% increase in violent crime from 2023 to 2024.

When the top ten cities for violent crime were ranked, Colorado was the only state that had two on the list. Those cities were Denver, coming in eighth out of ten, and Pueblo, which was found to be the third most violent city in the US.

All the crime data from the FBI was analyzed and calculated to determine just how violent each city was. The first two cities on the list, Memphis, Tennessee, and Tacoma, Washington, (the latter which is another growing vacation spot) , had the most violent crimes and the most property crimes, respectively.

What is interesting about Pueblo coming in at the number three spot is that the city ranked sixth for violent crimes and seventh for property crimes in the US. Yet, when the population is compared to the other cities on the list, Pueblo has far fewer people living in the city than others. As such, this can make it feel like more people are victims of crime in Pueblo because of its smaller size.

Additionally, the other cities may have been higher on the list for property or violent crimes but were not in the top ten for both. With Pueblo having the sixth and seventh spots, it makes the city that much more susceptible to crime, which is how it landed the spot for being the third most violent city in the US.

If this is not convincing, perhaps the fact that violent crime was up 86% by 2023 is. With 2024 not being over, there is the potential for that number to rise. What the cause of the increased crime rate is, is not known. But it is proof that despite Pueblo being a spot that is frequented by visitors, it is not safe.

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Pueblo Has The Highest Cost Of Crime Per Capita In Colorado

Pueblo, colorado, has the highest cost of crime in the state with a crime cost of $5,979 per capita.

When it comes to crime, there is a monetary value that is not often talked about. The reason it is not often discussed is because, in the case of violent crimes, the victims and victims' families are where the focus is.

Crime data from the FBI was analyzed by MoneyGeek to determine which cities had the highest cost of crime. The crimes that were analyzed by cost include:

• Sexual assault
• Property crimes

After looking at the data for Pueblo, it was not at the top of the list for large cities when it came to the highest cost of crime per capita. That honor went to Birmingham, Alabama. However, Pueblo had a crime cost of $5,979 per capita . Pueblo was the eleventh most expensive large city in the country when it came to crime.

To determine the cost of violent crimes, according to MoneyGeek , there were several factors looked at. They include:

• Police costs
• Corrections costs
• Victim medical needs
• Victim mental health needs

Additionally, there was a calculation for property crimes as well. Those costs included:

• Depressed value of homes
• Cost of home insurance
• Cost of renters insurance
• Cost of car insurance
• Cost for item stolen or damaged

When all of these costs were factored in, it came to nearly $6,000 that residents of Pueblo could potentially pay for being a victim of a crime in one year. Still, for those living in Pueblo, it is a cost many seem willing to potentially incur given their love for their city.

Joe Biden joining long list of presidents who've visited Pueblo while in office

President Joe Biden will become one of many presidents to visit Pueblo when he stops by the wind tower manufactory CS Wind this week.

Utilizing archives from the Pueblo City-County Library District, the Chieftain was able to confirm that at least 11 other U.S. presidents have visited Pueblo during their time in office. Of those presidents, six were Democrats and five were Republicans.

Two more former presidents, both of them Republicans, did not come to Pueblo during their presidency, but are known to have visited prior to taking office. Here is a history of U.S. presidents making stops in Pueblo, including when they came and how Pueblo residents responded.

Who was the first president to visit Pueblo?

Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president, was the first president to visit the then-young and rugged town of Pueblo.

During a tour of Colorado, Grant made a brief visit to Pueblo's Lindell Hotel, near Fifth Street and Santa Fe Avenue. He was treated to the "hearty cheers" of a large crowd and shook hands with several Pueblo residents on Oct. 6, 1875, according to the Colorado Daily Chieftain.

The two-term president and former commanding general of the U.S. Army was described by the Chieftain as being a stout and ruddy "middle-aged gentleman" wearing a plug hat "a size or two too large for him."

Residents were nonetheless eager to meet the president as the Pueblo Cornet Band played music to accompany the occasion. Grant and his accompanying party were reportedly pleased with their visit to southern Colorado, finding the area to be "further advanced than had been represented to them," according to the Chieftain.

Teddy helped open the Pueblo 'Y', Taft came to the fair

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, made visits to Pueblo before, during and after his presidency. He campaigned in the city in 1900 while hoping to serve as vice president during then-President William McKinley's second term.

Roosevelt visited Pueblo again in May 1903, during his first term as president, with a message about the importance of brotherhood. That speech can be found on the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University's website .

After his presidency, Roosevelt dedicated the newly built Pueblo YMCA Building near Eighth Street and Santa Fe Avenue in 1910, according to a history compiled by Ralph C. Taylor. Video footage from the Library of Congress appears to show Roosevelt speaking in Pueblo again in 1912.

William Howard Taft, the 27th president, made his trip to Pueblo on Sept. 23, 1909. As Taft rode from Colorado Mineral Palace to the Colorado State Fairgrounds, windows of every building along the way were "crowded with joyous humanity" and bursts of applause, according to the Chieftain.

Taft's automobile arrived at the fairgrounds around 5 p.m. that evening. He viewed exhibits with "undoubted interest," had conversations with local farmers, and enjoyed watching horses and bronco riding during his tour of the fair, the Chieftain reported.

Wilson's address at Pueblo Memorial Hall was his last

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president, was 63 years old when he visited Pueblo on Sept. 25, 1919. The Steel City was one of many planned stops for Wilson that fall as he attempted to rally citizen support for his League of Nations — an international organization with a mission of world peace.

Wilson was in poor health the day he delivered a 55-minute speech at the newly built Pueblo Memorial Hall. While the speech was the first public address given at Memorial Hall, it would turn out to be Wilson's last large-scale public address before his 1924 death.

Near the end of his speech, Wilson struggled to speak as tears began falling down his face. His wife Edith had to help him off the stage when he finished. On Oct. 2, Wilson's poor health escalated as he suffered a stroke that would leave him incapacitated for the remainder of his presidency.

On Nov. 3, 1928, presidential candidate Herbert Hoover spoke in Pueblo. He was elected to the presidency three days later and came back to Pueblo to campaign days before the 1932 election. Unfortunately for Hoover, 58.15% of Pueblo County residents cast their vote for his opponent in 1932.

That opponent was none other than Franklin D. Roosevelt. Like his distant cousin Theodore, Franklin came to Pueblo multiple times. While governor of New York in 1930, he made a stop in Pueblo to praise the city for its industrial prowess.

FDR came to Pueblo at least two times while president — once on Oct. 12, 1936, and again on July 12, 1938. He spoke from a railroad car outside Pueblo Union Depot on both occasions. Harry S. Truman, Franklin Roosevelt's presidential successor, delivered a speech at the same place on Oct. 7, 1952.

Ike, Kennedy and Clinton among modern presidents to visit Pueblo

Mamie Doud, the wife of 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower, lived part of her early childhood in Pueblo and received medical care from Pueblo physician Dr. Herbert Black during her adulthood. Eisenhower visited Black in Pueblo as well, according to the history compiled by Taylor.

On Jan. 16, 1957, Eisenhower toured Pueblo County in 20-degree weather to speak with local ranchers about drought in the region.

On Aug. 17, 1962, John F. Kennedy became the fifth consecutive president to visit Pueblo. He came to Pueblo School District 60 Stadium, now Dutch Clark Stadium, to speak about the Arkansas Fryingpan Project designed to bring water from the Western Slope to Pueblo.

In 1986, then-vice president George H.W. Bush visited the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo to release a golden eagle. Bush would later be elected president in November 1988. He served one term as president before being defeated by Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton in the 1992 election.

Clinton visited Pueblo twice during his campaign against Bush and twice while president. He addressed large crowds at Pueblo Community College in 1995 and the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center in 1996. Clinton came to the Pueblo again in 2016 to campaign for his wife Hillary.

Like Clinton, 44th President Barack Obama saw Pueblo as an important campaign spot. He made two stops in Pueblo while running for his first term in 2008 and returned in 2012 while campaigning for reelection.

Obama's campaign stops included South Union Avenue and the Colorado State Fairgrounds, but where he stopped to eat is what many Puebloans most remember about his visits. He ate lunch at Jorge's Sombrero during one of his 2008 campaign visits and ate breakfast at Romero's Cafe on Aug. 2, 2012.

Donald Trump hosted a rally at the Pueblo Convention Center on Oct. 3, 2016. Despite being countered by about 150 protestors that evening, Trump became the first Republican presidential candidate to win Pueblo County since 1972 on Nov. 8, 2016.

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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at [email protected]. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at  subscribe.chieftain.com .

Team USA Youth World Championship Camp Underway In Colorado Springs

by  Luke Santangelo

The 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships are geared up to take place in Pueblo, Colo., Friday, Oct. 25, through Saturday, Nov. 2, where boxers from over 30 countries will travel to the United States in hopes of winning gold at Youth World Championships. 

These rising stars are set to shine bright on a global stage for the World Boxing U19 Championships, which will serve as a key indicator of the future of boxing while also helping to determine future boxers with Olympic potential. 

The 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships will be the first major tournament to watch in the next Olympic cycle, as boxers from all over the world will travel to Colorado in hopes of taking a step toward their Olympic dreams. 

Team USA will be represented by 14 boxers, eight men and six females at the upcoming event. Emmanuel Chance (East Orange, N.J.) and Shamiracle Hardaway (Lagrange, Ga.) lead the way with experience for Team USA after competing on behalf of the 2023 USA Boxing Youth team. 

Team USA arrived in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday, Sept. 8, ahead of its first Youth World Championship camp, which begins on Monday, Sept. 9 before wrapping up on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. 

Full camp roster can be seen below. 

Ticket pricing for the 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships begins at $10 for a single-day pass or $50 for an all-week pass. Fans can also purchase tickets exclusively for Saturday's finals at the price of $25. 

Any media planning to attend and cover the event may submit their information for a media credential  here . To stay updated on the 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships, visit the event page, located  here . 

TEAM USA YOUTH WORLDS CHAMPIONSHIP CAMP ROSTER

48 kg: Joscelyn Olayo-Munoz, Las Cruces, N.M. 

48 kg: Alanis Artiga, Houston, Texas 

50 kg: Lorenzo Patricio, Waianae, Hawaii 

50 kg: Thomas Covington, Westland, Mich. 

51 kg: Laila Zakirova, Staten Island, N.Y. 

51kg: Ivy Enriquez, El Paso, Texas 

54 kg: Violet Lopez, Milwaukee, Wis. 

54 kg: Sa’Rai Brown El, Marietta, Ga. 

55 kg: Emmanuel Chance, East Orange, N.J. 

55 kg: Salim Ellis-bey, Philadelphia, Pa. 

57 kg: Mercedes Castanon, San Antonio, Texas 

57 kg: Patience Billingsley, Euclid, Ohio 

60 kg: Shamiracle Hardaway, Lagrange, Ga. 

60 kg: Sage Rosario, Manhattan, Kan. 

60 kg: Marcus Luther, Washington, D.C. 

60 kg: Yahir Diaz Martinez, Orlando, Fla. 

65 kg: Mesiah Nimo, Dallas, Texas 

65 kg: Lavant Brownlee, Louisville, Ky. 

65 kg: Nevaeh Williams, Cleveland, Ohio 

65 kg: Yu’ shore Williams, Toledo, Ohio

70 kg: Malachi Ross, Grandview, Mo. 

70 kg: Ahmed Almajdi, Fort Worth, Texas 

75 kg: Joseph Awinongya, Joliet, Ill. 

80 kg: Elijah Lugo, Marietta, Ga. 

80 kg: Anthony Washington, Detroit, Mich. 

80 kg: Marik Ortiz, Uvalde, Texas 

90 kg: Rishon Sims, Harrisburg, Pa. 

90 kg: Nnajai Wright, Richmond, Va.