7 Spring and Summer Events in Sterling

Spring and summer events in Sterling to put on your calendar NOW!

If you’re looking for a Colorado road trip a little outside of the usual, Sterling is the perfect destination for weekend getaways and special visits to enjoy some of the best annual fairs, festivals and events in the state. Here are our signature celebrations that should be penciled in on your travel schedules as you plan your Sterling visit!

 

The Sportsman Experience – April 29-30

sportsman experience birds eye 2

This fun and interactive experience highlights the outdoor activities and resources in Logan County such as hunting, fishing, biking, birding and more. The expo atmosphere of this gun and outdoor show features a variety of vendors, demonstrations, presentations and activities for the whole family. Learn more here.

 

High Plains Truck and Tractor Pull – June 18

tractor pull

Get yer motor running to Sterling for the annual Father’s Day weekend hot rod truck and tractor pull. This pull includes 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive pickups and modified tractors, with a second track for mini-tractors and modified lawnmowers. For information or tickets, call 970-580-1278.

 

International Feedlot Cowboys Association Finals – June 22-25

ken bornhoft roping

When you want to see some real action-packed competition, plan to check out this 4-day team roping and barrel race event which draws over 200 real feedlot cowboys from six states to the Logan County Fairgrounds Arena for the 49th annual finals. It’s free to the public! Find more information here.

 

July Jamz – Every Friday in July

july jamz running girl 21 kenmcdowell

What could be better than live music under the stars in the middle of Sterling’s downtown? We can’t think of anything! The July Jamz concert series rocks and rolls every Friday evening in July on the grassy lawn at the Logan County Courthouse Square. Bands performing will be announced here at a later date for the July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 schedule. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket.

 

Heritage on the Plains – July 1-4

1860s base ball

The annual one-day Heritage Festival has been expanded to four days of fun for 2022, starting with a free July Jamz concert on Friday; a sanctioned BBQ cook-off, Colorado Beer and Wine tasting, corn hole tournament and street concert on Saturday; outdoor church service, breakfast, an authentic 1860s baseball game by the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association, car show, demonstrations by Blacksmith Sam, children’s games and homemade root beer on Sunday; and ending with a spectacular fireworks display and live music on Monday. Watch for more details here.

 

Colorado Flatlanders Rod Run in the Park – July 8-10

red pickup

This fan-favorite is held in the beautiful and shady Pioneer Park in Sterling, with the show and shine taking place from 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday. Classes for awards include street rods, street machines, trucks, original intent, late models, club choice, club memorial picks, Tony’s Truck pick and sheriff’s pick. Click here to learn more.

 

Logan County Fair & Rodeo – August 2-7

sawyer and kracker together

One of the biggest events of the year in Sterling is the Logan County Fair & Rodeo, held the first full week of August, this year being August 2-7. What a celebration it will be! Rodeos, bull riding, agriculture and livestock exhibits, carnival, vendors, food trucks, demolition derby, parade, beer garden, country music concert featuring SAWYER BROWN and special guest UNCLE KRACKER, and much, much more. There really is something for everyone, from the cricket races and friendly dog tail-wagging contest to freestyle bullfighters and thrilling amusement rides! Don’t miss it!

Coffee Love in Logan County

coffee montage

When the temperatures drop, warm up your day with a café au lait or any other cup of joe that’ll help you find your get-up-and-go! Here’s a quick list of some of our favorite Downtown Sterling options for your next Colorado road trip.

Roam freely and find other things to do while you’re at it!

coffee at the carnegie

1.  From caffeine-infused drinks, and other non-caffeinated specialty drinks, the friendly folks at Brew Grit Coffee have you covered. Try their signature Americano or Tenderfoots, and “the best darn cinnamon roll in northeast Colorado!” (dine-in and drive-thru)

2.  Voted “Best Coffee in Sterling,” Hot Java Espresso serves up even more than delicious cups of joe.  Along with 50+ syrup flavors, the menu is bursting with a huge variety of bagels, bakery items, sandwiches and more. (drive-thru)

3.  Relax at The Lounge in McCauley’s Mustache Café with gourmet espresso-based drinks, loose leaf tea, Red Bull Spritzers and customizable crepes.

4.  Located in the town square across from the Historical Logan County Courthouse, Simkins Parlour features cozy seating and gourmet High Plains Spice Company coffee. Don’t neglect the varieties of old-fashioned ice cream. Try a scoop in your java! (dine-in)

5.  Be on your way fast at Pi Kappa Cino Coffee with two drive-thru windows to get your favorite espresso drink on the go. How about a Kentucky Bourbon Latte or a Tiramisu Mocha? (drive-thru)

6. Settled in the charming and unique Old Library Mercantile, the Coffee at the Carnegie serves some of the best coffee, bites and sweets in the perfect spot to get to know the people and heritage of northeastern Colorado.

7. Just 15 miles from downtown Sterling, head to the Common Grounds Coffeehouse in Merino and relax in this delightful coffee shop/art gallery/bakery.

coffee in paris

For more delectable coffee and delightful cafés, click here.

Western Art from the Great Plains - On Exhibit Through March 31

Overland Trail Museum’s New Art Exhibit Depicts Western Heritage

(Credit: Story and photos by Callie Jones, South Platte Sentinel)

stj l western art exhibit overland trail museum 03

A Native American hide painting, a portrait of a world champion rodeo rider and bronze sculptures depicting pioneer life are just a few of the pieces that can be found in Overland Trail Museum’s newest exhibit, “Western Art from the Great Plains,” in the Dave Hamil Rotunda.

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3 Reasons to Visit Logan County

flat flat road

1. Skip the Traffic Jams

Are you ready for a Colorado road trip to Sterling? Find a variety of ideas to fill your itinerary. Here you’ll discover a plethora of activities for every level of adventure. And to top it all off, you’ll rarely be caught in a traffic jam or stand in line. It’s what we like to call free-range tourism and we’ve got the space to find your place, no matter the weather!

inside brewery

2. Ditch the Long Lines

We are open for you to enjoy our culinary culture which includes down-home favorites at the local diners and exquisite cuisine in upscale restaurants. A gigantic scoop of hard ice cream is a favorite at the charming Simkins Parlour, and the Hot Spot Smokehouse has some of the best BBQ around. Stop at the Parts & Labor Brewing Company for a selection from their diverse menu and a brew made with locally grown wheat.

crest motel

3. Roam Freely and Relax

Accommodations in Sterling and Logan County range from a quaint boutique motel to modern hotels in beautiful settings. Travelers who prefer recreational vehicles or tent camping will feel right at home at our campsite facilities.

 

Eight Reasons to Spend Your Holiday in Sterling, Colorado

courthouse lights

Northeast Colorado offers a Hallmark holiday setting with its quaint, lit-up towns, seasonal decor, and specialty local shops. For birding, hunting, and wildlife enthusiasts, this corner of Colorado offers a snow-free environment to keep you outside longer. Here are eight reasons to visit Logan County this winter. 

1. Have A Hallmark Christmas

color lights downtown 3

Sterling is the perfect Hallmark-style town to visit over the holidays. With the Historical Logan County Courthouse as the centerpiece in the quaint downtown area, amble among the lighted trees, street lamps and seasonally decorated storefronts. Browse and shop at the many unique boutiques and specialty stores. Stop for a bite to eat at a heated patio, or enjoy in-door dining with a handmade beer. The two-story-tall Christmas tree inside the rotunda of the Logan County Courthouse will be decorated with handmade ornaments from local organizations and individuals.

2. Drive Through A Winter Wonderland

lights at riverview by tami

Photo Courtesy of Tami Brown

Drive through an extraordinary lights display at Riverview Golf Course and be awed by the many colorful illuminated decorations arranged into tunnels, stars, trees, snowmen, and even a penguin skating on a “lake” of lights. The display is available for viewing Thursday-Sunday nights. Admission is free, but there is a donation box at the entrance if you’d like to support the new tradition!

3. Experience Christmas on the Prairie

christmas on the prairie tami and momma

Enjoy “Christmas on the Prairie” at the Overland Trail Museum in Sterling throughout the month of December for twinkling lights, roasted chestnuts, festive entertainment, cookies, caroling, hot cider, cozy fires and memories that last a lifetime.

4. See the Delightful Parade of Trees

parade of trees 2016 by mj

Experience the delightful Parade of Trees at the Sterling Public Library at the Sterling Public Library on Tuesday, December 21, 5-8 pm. The lights will be turned down to allow the beautifully decorated trees to shine. The evening features refreshments and live music, too.


5. Shop for Locally-Made Gifts

wickedly good treats blue macarons

Many of Sterling’s merchants are open for extended hours during the month of December for your holiday shopping. Shop for Sterling-made goodies and gifts at Colorado Popcorn Company, High Plains Spice Company, Mike’s Meat Market, Parts & Labor Brewing Company, Red’s Wine Boutique, Rideau Organics, Sterling Creatives Art Co-Op and Gallery, Sweetly Vintage, or Wickedly Good Treats, just to name a few.

6. Winter Golfing

northeastern18 golf 2

With mild winter weather in northeast Colorado, golfing is a sport you can enjoy year-round. Take your pick from Logan County’s three golf courses with affordable tee times that are easy to book or disc golf fans can enjoy the scenic Pioneer Park Disc Golf Course in Sterling.

 

7. Birding

rose breasted grosbeak

The northeast corner of the state offers some of the highest quality birding experiences in the US Great Plains. Species you can anticipate seeing include: Golden Eagle, Swainson's Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Mountain Plover (can be hard to find), Burrowing Owl, Prairie Falcon, Say's Phoebe, Horned Lark, among many others. 

8. Ice Fishing + Wildlife Viewing + Hunting

nssp courtesy ice fog

Photo Courtesy of North Sterling State Park

Prewitt State Wildlife Area has over 3,000 acres which are managed primarily for fishing and hunting. Camp, picnic, fish, boat or just sit on the shore of Prewitt Reservoir and watch hundreds of pelicans gather. Anglers can expect excellent fishing for walleye and crappie, and quality fishing for channel catfish and bluegill on the reservoir at Jumbo State Wildlife Area or North Sterling State Park.  

Hometown Holidays

Come Home for the Holidays

white lights main street 2

Sterling is the perfect Hallmark-style town to visit over the holidays. With the Historical Logan County Courthouse as the centerpiece in the quaint downtown area, amble among the lighted trees, street lamps and seasonally decorated storefronts. Browse and shop at the many unique boutiques and specialty stores. Stop for a bite to eat at a heated patio, or enjoy in-door dining with a handmade beer. Bring mittens to playfully toss a snowball at your crush under the glow of the Christmas lights.

The two-story-tall Christmas tree inside the rotunda of the Logan County Courthouse will be decorated with handmade ornaments from local organizations and individuals. Come in during regular hours (Monday-Friday) starting December 1 until January 1, 2022, and see this wonderful display.

Enjoy “Christmas on the Prairie” at the Overland Trail Museum throughout the month of December for twinkling lights, roasting chestnuts, festive entertainment, cookies, caroling, hot cider, cozy fires and memories that last a lifetime.

A special “treat” for the season will be Northeastern Junior College Theatre’s presentation of “Desserts on Broadway,” a musical performance and scenes from Broadway best served with a variety of homemade desserts. December 3 and 4 at 7 pm.

Celebrate the holiday season with “Light, Joy and Peace” presented by Windsong Chorus, Centennial State Chorus, RE-1 Valley Children’s Chorale on Sunday, December 5, 3 pm.

Voices will be raised on Saturday, December 11 at 7 pm when the Northeastern Junior College Music and Recording department presents the joyful Winter Ensemble Concert, featuring music from the NJC Contemporary Choir, Concert Choir, Concert Band and Community Jazz Band.

See and experience the extraordinary Parade of Trees at the Sterling Public Library on Tuesday, December 21, 5-8 pm. The lights will be turned down to allow the beautifully decorated trees to shine! The evening features refreshments and live music, too.

Many of Sterling’s downtown merchants are open for extended hours during the month of December for your holiday shopping. Click the eNews link at www.logancountychamber.com for updated information.

wickedly good treats blue macarons

Shop for Sterling-made gifts:

Colorado Popcorn Company – A gourmet popcorn manufacturer, wholesaler and local retailer in Sterling.

Cualtzy Bakery & Treats - Traditional Mexican treats baked fresh daily + custom cakes and cupcakes.

High Plains Spice Company – Hand-mixed seasoning, tea and coffee blends, from everyday to gourmet.

Mike’s Meat Market – Beef sticks and summer sausage handmade from start to finish.

Parts & Labor Brewing – Handcrafted ales (cans, growlers and swag available for gift giving).

Red’s Wine Boutique – Specializing in small-batch productions (labels feature rescue dogs).

Rideau Organics – Plant-based skincare for active lifestyles, inspired by Colorado’s beautiful and rugged landscape.

Sterling Creatives Art Co-Op and Gallery – Locally made art, from pottery and jewelry to slumped glass and stained glass.

Sweetly Vintage – A bit of old, a bit of new, and lots of handcrafted and upcycled furnishings.

Wickedly Good Treats – Custom-made cupcakes, cookies, macaroons and more.

Visit https://www.exploresterling.com/winter for more seasonal ideas.

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