Julesburg offers a range of options for planning your trip, from the history of the town and Sedgwick County to activities along the South Platte River and at DePoorter Lake. You can choose which themes will shape your stay, from the museum, historic sites, loop trail, and walking path to seasonal birdwatching.
History in Julesburg and Sedgwick County
The South Platte River Trail is a 19-mile loop that begins at the Colorado Welcome Center in Julesburg. At the original Julesburg townsite, the trail has interpretive panels with historical information about the Byway. This route brings both the length of the loop and the history of the original townsite into focus.
The Fort Sedgwick Museum covers the history of Fort Sedgwick and all of Sedgwick County. Exhibits include artifacts and memorabilia related to the Union Pacific Railroad, the Pony Express, Native Americans, and early pioneers. Its scope therefore extends from the fort to subjects representing the history of the entire county.
Other historical points of interest are marked by various dates and registry entries. The Union Pacific Railroad Julesburg Depot was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on February 11, 2004. The Hippodrome Theatre was opened by AE Lanning in July 1919. In 1999, the Hippodrome Arts Centre became the first building in Sedgwick County to be listed in the state register of historic places. These details relate to different aspects: the opening of a theater and the listing of two named sites in registers.
South Platte River, lake, and wildlife watching
Lion’s Park, also known as Julesburg State Wayside, has a Watchable Wildlife Trail along the South Platte River. You can watch birds along the South Platte River near Julesburg; sightings are seasonal and variable. The spring and fall bird migrations are particularly noteworthy. If you would like to include nature in your travel plans, you can take these seasons into account when choosing when to visit, without expecting to see particular species.
DePoorter Lake lies northeast of Julesburg. A paved, accessible walking path runs around the lake. This differs from the 19-mile South Platte River Trail loop: here, the focus is on a walk around the lake, while the trail offers a longer loop starting at the Welcome Center.
Visitors can also fish in the tailwater below a dam on the South Platte River. Fishing conditions may vary. The Julesburg Dragstrip offers a different focus, welcoming racers and fans.
Hours and practical information
The Fort Sedgwick Museum is accessible. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, it is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, its hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointments are recommended. Hours may change, so check before your visit.
The Colorado Welcome Center in Julesburg offers free maps, restrooms, picnic areas, and walking paths. These visitor services may change, so check the latest information before your visit. The center is also the starting point for the South Platte River Trail; if you plan to hike the loop, you can use it as a point of reference.
For an overview of the wider area: Sedgwick County.
