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What to Do

Are you looking to plan a visit to Sterling? Find a variety of ideas to fill your itinerary. Maybe you love museums or hiking and biking? Perhaps you enjoy golf or disc golf or fishing and boating? Here you’ll discover a variety 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!

Ready for some free-range tourism? You’ve come to the right place to roam.

What to See

The art and culture center for northeast Colorado, Sterling is known for its tree sculptures by renowned artist Bradford Rhea, creator of America’s gift to Pope John Paul II during his historic 1993 visit to the United States. Sterling also boasts the region’s largest display of bronze artwork in northeastern Colorado. With many talented artists and a commitment to community art, Logan County is colored by numerous murals in both Sterling and Merino and new metal art creations are popping up in several parks and other public places.

Sterling has a rich past to explore in the historic downtown are, as well as at the Overland Trail Museum, which records the greatest migration of people our country has ever experienced.

Where to Eat

Our culinary culture includes down home favorites at local diners, and unique cuisine and signature specialties at our restaurants. A gigantic scoop of hard ice cream is a favorite at the charming Simkins Parlour. Stop at Parts & Labor Brewery in the former Bill's Motors 1926 building for a vintage shop vibe, an extensive and quirky menu, and a brew made with locally grown wheat. The Hot Spot Smokehouse delivers hopped up barbecue and feast at local "reader's choice" Best Place to Eat, The Grill at River City.

Where to Stay

Accommodations in Sterling 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.

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Baja Tacos

Baja Tacos

231 Broadway St, Sterling, 80751

Baja Tacos has been serving Sterling for over 20 years. We have our own signature secret spice recipe that you won’t find anywhere else. We are the one & only original Baja Tacos. Come in and see us!

Best Western Sundowner

Best Western Sundowner

125 Overland Trail St, Sterling, 80751

A 3-minute walk from the Overland Trail Museum, this straightforward hotel off I-76 is 1.7 miles from central Sterling and 14.1 miles from North Sterling State Park. The casual rooms and suites have free WiFi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minifridges ...
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Buffalo Hills Campground & RV Park

Buffalo Hills Campground & RV Park

22018 US Hwy 6, Sterling, 80751

I-76 and Hwy 6 Full-hookup, pull through sites. Tent sites. Clean modern bath and shower. Game room and mini golf. Theatre.

Burger King

Burger King

1602 W Main St, Sterling, 80751

Well-known fast-food chain serving grilled burgers, fries & shakes, plus breakfast.

Colonial Motel

Colonial Motel

915 S Division Ave, Sterling, 80751

For The Discriminating Traveler. Quaint, Clean, Free Refrigerator. & Micro, Internet, and Color Cable TV W/60 Channels, Large Parking, Accept Dogs, In Room Coffee, Check-Us out....Reasonable Pricing

Columbine Park

Columbine Park

1318 South 3rd Avenue, Sterling, 80751

Sterling’s multi-use trails, especially in Columbine Park, are getting busier all the time. Our trails are open to walkers, joggers, skaters, and bicyclists, of all ages and abilities.

Crest Motel

Crest Motel

516 S Division Ave, Sterling, 80751

In downtown Sterling, this low-rise boutique motel is two miles from the Overland Trail Museum and 12.9 miles from North Sterling State Park. The modern rooms all have free WiFi, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, mini fridges and microwaves. There's a ...
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Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen

700 W Main St, Sterling, 80751

Soft-serve ice cream & signature shakes top the menu at this classic burger & fries fast-food chain.

Daylight Donuts

Daylight Donuts

409 Chestnut St, Sterling, 80751

Counter-serve chain serving donuts & its own brand of coffee for sit-down or takeout. Open Daily 5am-11am.

Domino's Pizza

Domino's Pizza

701 W Main, Sterling, 80751

Delivery/carryout chain offering a wide range of pizza, plus chicken & other sides.

Dream Redeemer (bronze)

Dream Redeemer (bronze)

808 Elm St, Sterling, 80751

Ticks and tocks of magic clocks, Hands whirling as they run; Meshing gears rewind the years, Erasing all that's done. Night and day he churns away, With passion he redeems; Deflated lives his throne revives. Machining all new dreams.

El Jacal Mexican Grill

El Jacal Mexican Grill

115 N 10th Ave, Sterling

Everything fresh - the way you want it! Come experience the real flavors of Mexico.

Exordium (Marble)

Exordium (Marble)

Merino

20,000 lb. marble sculpture created Bradford Rhea. This sculpture of seven angels was inspired by Revelation 8:6

Fiesta Restaurant

Fiesta Restaurant

807 Sidney Ave, Sterling, 80751

If your taste buds are looking for something different, take them on an exciting journey through our authentic Mexican cuisine. From our famous Fajitas to our Chicken tenders and French fries or our Taco salads, Fiesta Mexican Restaurant guarantees the gr ...
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Covid-19 Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
Fox 5 Theatre

Fox 5 Theatre

313 Poplar St, Sterling, 80751

Modest venue showing first-run blockbusters & independent movies with weekly ticket specials.

Covid-19 Hours: 6-8 pm Thurs-Fri, 4-6 pm Sat-Sun
Grill at River City

Grill at River City

1116 W Main, Sterling, 80751

American restaurant and sports bar. Fresh - friendly - local.

Hays Student Center Ballroom

Hays Student Center Ballroom

100 College Ave, Sterling, 80751

This is a multi-purpose facility used for conferences, banquets, receptions, testing, bazaar/fair booths, health clinics, etc. The ballroom seats 400 theatre style or 350 with tables and chairs banquet style. The facility is air conditioned, and has a sou ...
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Hootenannie's Pub

Hootenannie's Pub

324 W Main St, Sterling, 80751

We offer a wide range of food, including some of the best burgers you will find. All in a classy but relaxing environment. Come early and enjoy a fast and quick lunch or stay late and enjoy a mellow party atmosphere with bands, DJs, and exciting events.

Hot Java Espresso

Hot Java Espresso

930 W Main, Sterling, 80751

Drive thru coffee shop and more! Sandwiches, bagels and bakery treats.

Hot Spot Smokehouse

Hot Spot Smokehouse

620 Main St, Peetz, 80747

Small town bar and grill where you can enjoy a cold beer, good food, and great people. BBQ, Pool, Ping Pong, Live Entertainment.

Covid-19 Hours: Tues/11am-7pm; Wed-Sat/11am-10pm
Hot Spot Smokehouse at Sky Ranch

Hot Spot Smokehouse at Sky Ranch

17408 Highway 14, Sterling, 80751

Now located at Sky Ranch Golf Course to provide world class BBQ Bistro cuisine.

J & L Cafe

J & L Cafe

423 N 3rd St, Sterling, 80751

A local favorite, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1935.

Jimmy John's

Jimmy John's

831 W Main St, Sterling, 80751

Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.

Logan County Fairgrounds

1120 Pawnee Avenue, Sterling, 80751

Fairgrounds buildings are available for use by the public for a variety of agricultural and non-agricultural related activities including horse shows, farm equipment demonstrations, 4-H and FFA contests, home and trade shows, craft fairs, flea markets, we ...
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Lu's Buffalo Stop

Lu's Buffalo Stop

32351 CR 52, Proctor, 80736

A favorite folksy restaurant of locals and travelers alike.

Covid-19 Hours: Mon – Fri 7am – 7pm, Sat 8am- 2pm
McDonald's

McDonald's

214 W Main, Sterling, 80751

Classic, long-running fast-food chain known for its burgers, fries & shakes.

Covid-19 Hours: Sun – Thurs 5am-11pm, Fri – Sat 5am – 1pm
Metamorphosis (Bronze)

Metamorphosis (Bronze)

102 N Riverview Rd, Sterling, 80751

The shape of the original tree suggested the form of spreading wings which inspired Rhea to sculpt the tree trunk into his beautiful version of a caterpillar spinning a cocoon which bursts into a butterfly ready to take flight. This piece is frequently re ...
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Mi Ranchito

Mi Ranchito

203 Broadway St, Sterling, 80751

Some of the best Mexican food that Sterling Colorado has to offer. Large servings and great prices will have you coming back for more.

Covid-19 Hours: Mon – Sun 11am-9pm; Aun 11am-8pm
Minuteman (Bronze)

Minuteman (Bronze)

Columbine Park, 1212 S. 3rd Ave., Sterling, 80751

This sculpture depicts a revolutionary-era colonial guardsman in authentic dress and in proper stance to protect his nation. Among the forests of dreams and men, Some trees of freedom stand; and from their roots soldiers emerge, To march throughout ...
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North Sterling Reservoir State Park

North Sterling Reservoir State Park

24005 Country Road 330, Sterling, 80751

12 Miles north of Sterling Electrical hookups in Elks and Inlet Grove Campgrounds. Showers, laundry facilities, water hydrants, picnic pavilion. Fishing and hunting. Water sports. Hiking trails.

North Sterling State Park

North Sterling State Park

North Sterling State Park, 24005 Co Rd 330, Sterling, 80751

Sterling is the gateway to North Sterling State Park, a boater’s paradise featuring a 3,000-acre lake and 1,500 acres of land supporting a variety of recreational activities. Clean, modern facilities offer camping (141 sites), picnicking, swimming, hik ...
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Oakwood Inn

Oakwood Inn

810 S Division Ave, Sterling, 80751

Comfortable rooms at reasonable rates. Travelers who shop smart can trust our family-run hotel is safe and maintained with pride.

Overland Trail Recreation Area

Overland Trail Recreation Area

Co Rd 370, Sterling, 80751

The multi-use trails around a fishing pond and along the river bottom are open to walkers, joggers, skaters, and bicyclists of all ages and abilities. Dogs are welcome too; they must be on a leash at all times in all parks except at the Overland Trail Rec ...
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Papa Murphy's Take n Bake Pizza

Papa Murphy's Take n Bake Pizza

712 W Main, Sterling, 80751

Chain outlet offering build-your-own takeaway pizzas, to be cooked at home.

Covid-19 Hours: Mon – Sun 11am-8pm
Parts & Labor Brewing Company

Parts & Labor Brewing Company

402 Main St B, Sterling, 80751

Parts and Labor Brewing Co. handcrafts all its beers inside the doors of a renovated, century-old Cadillac dealership repair shop. Their expansive menu ranges from beer bites and burgers to salads and sandos. You're going to want to try the Mom's Not Home ...
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Pawnee Pioneer Trails Byway

Pawnee Pioneer Trails Byway

Ault

Northeast Colorado's Pawnee Pioneer Trails scenic and historic byway leads you through a fascinating prairie expanse. With the expansion of America into the West, explorers and settlers could hardly believe their eyes when looking upon the Great Plains. W ...
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Peter L. Youngers Fine Arts Gallery

Peter L. Youngers Fine Arts Gallery

100 College Ave., Sterling, 80751

Located in E.S. French Hall at Northeastern Junior College, this gallery is named after a long-time, very accomplished artist and art professor and is home to a rotating show, which changes monthly, from September to May. Visitors should stop by this gall ...
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Pi Kappa Cino Coffee

Pi Kappa Cino Coffee

100 Broadway, Sterling, 80751

A premier drive-thru espresso in Sterling, Colorado. PKC opened in December 2005. We’ve been serving up the best espresso drinks in NE Colorado ever since.

Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park

17615 Highway 14, Sterling, 80751

A True Natural! Get off the beaten path and get on the nature trail! Enjoy a .6 mile trail in Sterling’s Pioneer Park (17615 Highway 14) that traverses through trees and brush and over hill and dale. Grab your camera and take a quiet hike. Listen to the ...
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Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut

224 W Main, Sterling, 80751

Family-friendly chain known for its made-to-order pizzas.

Covid-19 Hours: Sun-Thurs-10:30 am-10:00pm; Fri-Sat-10:30am-1:00am
Plainsman Pete (Wood)

Plainsman Pete (Wood)

100 College Ave, Sterling, 80751

This carving serves as a "mascot" for the two-year community college. Commissioned by the NJC's 45th year as an outstanding education institution. It was originally located outside on campus but was moved inside in the 1990s to assure that it did not beco ...
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Quality Inn

Quality Inn

2020 Leisure Lane, Sterling, 80751

Situated at the intersection of Interstate 76 and the GAR Highway, this simple 3-story hotel is 1 mile from the Overland Trail Park and Museum and 3.6 miles from Logan County Fair. All rooms have en suite bathrooms, as well as free WiFi, flat-screen TV ...
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Recreation Center & Pools

Recreation Center & Pools

808 Elm St, Sterling, 80751

The Sterling Recreation Center has an indoor pool and outdoor pool. The indoor pool has a capacity of 225, including the diving well and an outdoor pool with a capacity of nearly 450. The outdoor pool includes several water features including a Multi-Play ...
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Riverview Golf Club

Riverview Golf Club

13064 CR 370, Sterling, 80751

The Riverview Golf Club is a public golf course conveniently located right off I-76 and minutes from downtown Sterling, Colo. The golf course and facility are operated by Brent and Jessica Fiscus of Plainsview Golf, Inc. Riverview offers golfers an experi ...
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Riverview Golf Course

Riverview Golf Course

13064 Co Rd 370, Sterling, 80751

The Riverview Golf Club is conveniently located right off I-76 and minutes from downtown Sterling, Colo.. The golf course and facility are operated by Brent and Jessica Fiscus of Plainsview Golf, Inc. Riverview offers golfers an experience unmatched in t ...
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Riverwalk RV Park

Riverwalk RV Park

555 East Chestnut St., Sterling, 80751

Newest RV Park in Sterling Are you looking for a place to stay that's peaceful and inviting along the river? Look no further than Riverwalk RV Park! We are located just off 1-76 Exit 125 - one mile from downtown Sterling - alongside the South Platte Ri ...
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Sam & Louie's Italian Pizzeria

Sam & Louie's Italian Pizzeria

310 Main St, Sterling, 80751

Sam & Louie’s in Sterling, CO is all about relating to our guests on a personal level in a welcoming, fun, relaxing atmosphere. Great care is taken while preparing your meal and providing that level of customer service you deserve, all while creating the ...
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Covid-19 Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11-am-4pm
Santiago's

Santiago's

123 N 4th St, Sterling, 80751

We are dedicated to providing you with the best Mexican food that is authentic, affordable, and always fresh; striving to bring you a family atmosphere with outstanding customer service in a casual dining environment.

Covid-19 Hours: Everyday 5:30am – 4pm
Scion (Wood)

Scion (Wood)

110 Riverview Road, Sterling, 80751

This sculpture consists of several bold, dauntless figures representing the incredible tenacity of those surviving life on the Plains. All of the figures are partially united in common support to symbolize the necessity for a cohesive element within the c ...
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Seraphim (Wood)

Seraphim (Wood)

420 N 5th St, Sterling, 80751

This cottonwood sculpture was inspired by a verse from the Bible which, when explored further, tells about four living creatures covered with eyes front and back - a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle in flight. Each has six wings and eyes all over, inside ...
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Simkins Parlour

Simkins Parlour

316 Main St, Sterling, 80751

Now serving: Premium Hard Ice Cream, Delicious High Plains Spice Company Coffees, Gourmet Soups, Specialty Items, and Fresh Salads with an array of toppings to choose from!

Sky Ranch Golf Course

Sky Ranch Golf Course

17408 CO-14, Sterling, 80751

Located in Sterling, CO, Sky Ranch is the premier golf course in the northeast region of Colorado. Founded in 1916 as Sterling Country Club, the course has a rich history within Colorado golf lore. The course is the oldest in northeastern Colorado and one ...
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Skygrazers (Bronze)

Skygrazers (Bronze)

1318 South 3rd Avenue, Sterling, 80751

This delightful carving has become the symbol of the "City of the Living Trees" It was dedicated to the city in the fall of 1984. Just beyond the clouds of doubt and chaos they appeared; a congregation of spindling appendages fused in a mass of true be ...
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Sonic

Sonic

421 Chestnut St, Sterling, 80751

Fast-food burger & fries joint with an old-school feel, including retro drive-in service.

Spurz Grill

Spurz Grill

4333 Highway 63, Atwood

A family-friendly restaurant featuring American cuisine and specialty burgers. Great place for a special evening and group gatherings.

Starbucks

Starbucks

425 Poplar Street, Sterling, 80751

With every cup, with every conversation, with every community - we nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection. It takes many hands to craft the perfect cup of coffee – from the farmers who tend to the red-ripe coffee cherries, to the master r ...
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Sterling Elks Lodge

Sterling Elks Lodge

321 Ash St, Sterling, 80751

The Sterling Elks Lodge offers the Dome Room and Ballroom for small, medium or large events.

Subway

Subway

900 W Main, Sterling, 80751

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads.

Super 8 Motel

Super 8 Motel

12883 Hwy 61, Sterling, 80751

Adjacent to Interstate 76 and US Route 6, this simple budget hotel is 0.9 miles from the Overland Trail Park and Museum and an 8-minute drive from Logan County Fairgrounds. Rooms sleep up to 5 and include en suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs with pre ...
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Taco Bell

Taco Bell

1301 W Main, Sterling, 80751

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos

Taco John's

Taco John's

317 W Main, Sterling, 80751

Fast-food chain featuring tacos, burritos, nachos & breakfasts mixing Mexican and Western flavors.

The Mask (Wood)

The Mask (Wood)

100 College Ave, Sterling, 80751

This piece exemplifies the traditional theme of comedy & tragedy. It originally was located at the entrance of the old Oak Street Theater, which was home to the Prairie Players, a local theater troupe. It took approximately 200 hours to complete. The crac ...
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Tipsy Cow Bar & Grill

Tipsy Cow Bar & Grill

109 Colorado Ave, Merino, 80741

A place to hang out with your friends and make new ones and eat a good home-cooked meal.

Village Inn

Village Inn

203 N 4th St, Sterling, 80751

Family-friendly chain serving home-style American classics such as chicken-fried steak & pot pie.

Covid-19 Hours: Mon – Sun 7am-8pm
Wendy's

Wendy's

1205 W Main, Sterling, 80751

Fast-food burger chain known for its shakes, as well as sides such as chili & baked potatoes.

Covid-19 Hours: Drive thru open 6:30am-Midnight; dining room open from ...
Windlace (wood)

Windlace (wood)

420 N 5th St, Sterling, 80751

The sculpture symbolizes the courage, grace and evolution of women in our society. It was dedicated to the City of Sterling in the spring of 1987. Against a swirling breeze, imprisoned souls ascend; Rising from their knees, In a vision they transcend. -Br ...
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Wisdom Park

Wisdom Park

320 Plainview Ave, Sterling, 80751

Playground equipment, basketball court, playground equipment, concrete walking path, lighted pavilion, picnic tables and restroom.. Located at Plainview and Charmony Place.

Wonderful House

Wonderful House

100 Broadway Plaza, Sterling, 80751

MANDARIN • HUNAN • SZECHUAN • CANTONESE CUISINE

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