The South Platte River flows from its headwaters in the Mosquito Range west of South Park across Colorado’s northeastern plains. From downtown Fairplay to the Nebraska border at Julesburg, its course through Colorado is approximately 380.3 miles. As it meanders through Logan County, the South Platte River includes several channels and flows near the Overland Trail Recreation Area. Fishing is optional, and there are many scenic walking/hiking trails along the Sterling stretch. (map to come)

The Overland Trail Recreation Area is a Sterling municipal park, but with the feel of being close to nature. Located on the east edge of town next to the South Plate River, this park is highlighted by a small pond perfect for a lazy afternoon of fishing along its banks. Catch your limit? Take a walk on the path that circles the pond. Head out on the natural path along the adjoining South Platte River. Listen to the songbirds. Watch for Canada geese, deer, beavers, turtles, or an occasional eagle soaring overhead. It’s a dog’s world at the Overland Trail Recreation Area....

While the Tamarack Ranch State Wildlife area features small ponds and wetlands, this site is primarily used for hunting (deer, rabbit, squirrel, pheasant, bobwhite quail, dove, waterfowl, and turkey). Other recreation activities here include hiking, wildlife viewing, limited camping, and birding. This enormous and varied location is probably among the top ten state wildlife areas in Colorado, and certainly not a spot to be missed during the summertime. Northern Cardinal has been seen here, and White-throated and Harris’s Sparrows are possible during the winter. Ring-necked...

Jumbo (Julesburg) Reservoir is a 1,578-acre body of water located in the Jumbo State Wildlife Area on the border of Logan and Sedgwick counties. Anglers can expect excellent fishing for walleye and crappie, and quality fishing for channel catfish and bluegill. The area is under the recreational management of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

If you’re seeking a low-key and lazy getaway, enjoy a relaxing outing at the Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area.  Boating that creates a white water wake is prohibited, but a leisurely float on a kayak is highly encouraged! This SWA location covers more than 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.  

North Sterling State Park is the jewel of Logan County Centered on a large reservoir about 15 miles northwest of Sterling, this park offers interesting topography, hiking trails, camping, fishing, birding, and fantastic boating. Majestic bluffs and expansive views of the golden prairie greeted early settlers traveling westward via the nearby Overland Trail. Those panoramic views now welcome modern visitors to North Sterling State Park. This park is a boater’s and fisherman’s paradise offering a 3,000-acre lake with a fascinating array of flats and coves to explore. An...

Bird watchers are finding their perfect playground on the Pioneering Plains of northeastern Colorado. The natural backdrop of Plains areas such as Sterling, Fort Morgan and Julesburg invites birders to journey off the beaten track in search of new encounters with a variety of species in an unspoiled environment. Did you know there are more than 300 species of birds in this area?  As a state, Colorado is recognized on most “top 10 states for birding” lists and the northeast corner of the state offers some of the highest quality birding experiences in the US Great Plains. Species...

Maps: Sterling Attractions, City of Sterling Streets, and Logan County Historical Sterling Self Guided Tour Sterling Coloring Page for Kids Prairie Ecosystem Word Search View the Logan County and Northeast Colorado Virtual Guide Overland Trail brochure Historical Sites in Eastern Colorado Historical Logan County Schools Historical Logan County Courthouse Explore Sterling and Logan County’s Art & Culture Bradford Rhea Tree Sculptures Jumbo State Wildlife Area Prewitt State Wildlife Area Tamarack Ranch State Wildlife Area Hunting at North Sterling State Park Logan County Shooting...

Colorado is packed full of things to do year-round. From family attractions, national parks and outdoor adventure to cosmopolitan cities and welcoming towns, these Colorado vacation ideas will fill your trip itinerary to overflowing and show you how to truly Come to Life.

When the days start getting longer, it’s time to get out and enjoy our wide-open space. We’ve got some out-of-the-ordinary ideas to help you plan your free-range experience in the warm sunshine or under our starry skies. So spring off the beaten path and make your next Colorado Road trip to Sterling and Logan County. THE BEST SPRING ACTIVITIES IN LOGAN COUNTY 1. Birding. Spring birding is legendary. Birds are flaunting their very best and brightest colors as they prepare for mating season. Their spring migration journeys take them across hundreds and thousands of miles, giving...

Northeast Colorado winters can often be mild and dry, allowing us to enjoy some of our favorite fall activities well into December, January, and February. But even when the temperatures drop and everything is dusted with a layer of snow, it’s fun to bundle up and have a good time as a free-range visitor on your next Colorado road trip. THE BEST WINTER ACTIVITIES IN LOGAN COUNTY Photo Courtesy of North Sterling State Park 1. Ice Fishing. North Sterling State Park is a fisherman’s paradise offering a 3,000-acre lake with a fascinating array of flats and coves to explore. The park...