5 minute read
A space for outdoor adventures
Logan County • Crook, Fleming, Illiff, Merino, Peetz, Sterling Explore stories of early settlers
A covered wagon similar to those used by pioneers who traveled the Overland Trail is on display inside Overland Trail Museum's High Plains Education Center. (Callie Jones/ Journal-Advocate)
The Overland Trail Museum’s gold panning “creek” is a popular attraction during the warm months. (Sara Waite/ Journal-Advocate)
The Overland Trail Museum has grown significantly since it began in 1936 as a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Additions to the original stone building have transformed the museum into a showcase of natural history, natives and settlers.
What hasn’t changed is the museum’s mission: to preser ve and share the rich history of the Overland Trail and the heritage of the early settlers who traveled it.
“Items we have here were items the first settlers brought with them and items donated by their families,” said museum curator Kay Rich.
The museum is home to a oneof-a-kind Rural Electrification of America exhibit in the Dave Hamil building, which also houses special temporary exhibits highlighting ar tifacts from the museum’s collection.
The museum has also acquired over the years a collection of area historic buildings — some of them originals, some reproductions — that form a “village” in the museum cour tyard, including a church, one-room school and country store. The area’s agricultural heritage is reflected in the Karg Barn and displays of antique farm equipment, and the community’s connection to the railroad is evident with the restored ATSF caboose and boxcar depot.
The High Plains Education Center, dedicated in the fall of 2011, features interactive exhibits on the people, geography and industries found in the area. The building also includes a large meeting room that can be rented for pri-
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vate functions and classroom space for children’s programs.
The newest addition, the Print Shop and Media Center, will be dedicated in the summer of 2021. It houses an Inter type machine and antique printing press, among other things, and includes historical images and front pages from local newspapers going back nearly a century.
The museum hosts programs for all ages throughout the year, including monthly Family Fun Saturdays on the first Saturday of the month, children’s holiday programs, Histor y Cafe for adults, and Christmas open houses in December.
The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday during its summer season, April 1 to Oct. 31, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday from Nov. 1 to March 31. It is closed on holidays.
For more information, call 970522-3895, or visit the Overland Trail Museum Facebook page.
Logan County • Crook, Fleming, Illiff, Merino, Peetz, Sterling A space for outdoor adventures
Fun to be had in every season at North Sterling State Park
Looking for a place to get away for some outdoor fun and relaxation? Look no fur ther than Nor th Sterling State Park (http://bit.ly/2Jz4onU), located just a short drive from Sterling in Logan County.
The 3,000-acre irrigation reser voir boasts two boat ramps for those wanting to enjoy a day on the water. Explore the great coves and fingers of the lake, take in the wildlife and geographical formations, find a shady spot for a picnic or cast a line into the warm-water fishery.
Nor th Sterling is open to fishing year round, featuring walleye, crappie, perch, bass, bluegill, trout, catfish, tiger muskie, wiper and nor thern pike. Please refer to the Colorado Fishing Regulations published annually by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for a complete listing of size restrictions and possession limits.
PJ Marina, located by the Visitor Center, is accessible from the nor th entrance or by water. The marina is open weekend hours through Labor Day, contingent upon water levels, with extended holiday hours. They of fer seasonal and daily boat slip rentals, firewood, fuel and bait, as well as the supplies you’ll need to enjoy your campsite.
Natural sur face trails of fer miles of options for those on foot, bike or horseback. For archery enthusiasts, an 11-station range boasts 18 targets, including three sight-in targets, at 20, 30 and 40 yards for field tips or target tips only. The park also of fers a designated stargazing area near the campgrounds on the south side, where you can enjoy the wonders of the night sky away from pesky night pollution.
Prairie wildlife is abundant in
Jeff Durbin and daughter Hailey on the 24-foot pontoon boat available through their business, North Sterling Boat Charter and Rental at North Sterling State Park. (Sara Waite/Journal-Advocate)
the park, on the ground and in the air. Land-based animals of all sizes and species call the park home, from prairie dogs to coyotes, badgers, deer and antelope. Birdwatchers will enjoy sighting a wide variety of raptors, including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and American kestrels, among other types of birds. A complete Bird Species List can be found on the park website or at the Visitor Center, and guided bird walks can be arranged by calling 970-5223657.
Hunting is carefully managed and permitted during established seasons from the first Tuesday after Labor Day through the Friday before Memorial Day. Hunting area maps are available at the Sterling Visitor Center and south entrance brochure kiosk.
The park boasts three campgrounds with a total of 141 campsites. It can accommodate the larg-
North Sterling State Park offers miles of trails where hikers, bikers and horseback riders can enjoy the natural landscape. (Journal-Advocate file photo)
