· Prairie Oases

Sterling

Aliases: Overland Trail Recreation Area, Columbine Park, Pioneer Park

As the largest town in northeastern Colorado, Sterling is the logical base for a trip to the area, and several town parks are worth a visit whether you’re staying overnight or stopping by for the day. The Overland Trail Recreation Area gives access to the South Platte River and its associated riparian habitat, while Pioneer Park just to the west of town has the best migrant traps. Both locations could have Mississippi Kites, which only breed in a few places in this part of the state, as well as migrants in season, sparrows in the winter (including Harris’s Sparrow with luck), and others.

County: Logan

Directions: From Denver: take I-76 east for approximately 130 miles to the town of Sterling. Sterling is located west of I-76 at exit 125/US 6. To reach the Overland Trail Recreation Area, take exit 125/US 6 and go west to CR 370/Riverside Rd. Head north and the Recreation Area is immediately on the west side. Additionally, as you drive west on Hwy 6, you will see the Museum Park on the south. To reach Pioneer Park, continue into town on Hwy; after the curve, Hwy 6 becomes Chestnut St. At 4th St., go south, then in two blocks go west onto CO 14/Main St. Pioneer Park will be two miles west, on the north side.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Municipal
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations

Parking: Varied
Lodging: Hotels in Sterling, camping at North Sterling State Park

Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: ADA accessible facilities in town, some access to trails

Latitude: 40.620542
Longitude: -103.181246

» Visit the website for Sterling