Burlington Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Burlington, Colorado with this comprehensive travel guide featuring must-visit attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink recommendations, and more.


Introduction to Burlington

Burlington is a small town located in the Eastern Plains region of Colorado. Known for its beautiful Rocky Mountain backdrops and wide-open vistas, Burlington offers adventure seekers and nature lovers endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Its rich history and unique local culture also make it a fascinating place to visit.

List of Places to Visit in Burlington

Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, learning about local history and culture, or simply looking to relax and unwind, Burlington has something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit in Burlington:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Old Town Museum Complex: A collection of historic buildings that showcase life in the early 1900s, including a schoolhouse, church, blacksmith’s shop, and more.

  • Kit Carson County Carousel: A beautifully restored carousel from the early 1900s, featuring hand-carved animals and intricate details.

  • Burlington Heritage Center: Explore the history of Burlington and learn about the town’s founding and development.

  • Limon Heritage Museum: Just a short drive from Burlington, this museum chronicles the early days of Limon and the surrounding area, with exhibits on local history, mining, and agriculture.

Natural Attractions of Burlington: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bonny Lake State Park: With more than 1,900 acres of water and miles of shoreline, this park is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, anglers, and bird watchers.

  • Comanche National Grassland: A stunning expanse of grassland that spans nearly 450,000 acres. Visitors can hike, bike, and explore the area’s unique geological features.

  • Pawnee Buttes: These striking rock formations rise from the prairie and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Smith Lake State Wildlife Area: A popular spot for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and visitors can also spot waterfowl, deer, and other animals.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Burlington

Burlington and the surrounding area offer countless opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. Some of the top routes include:

  • Pawnee Buttes Trail: This 4-mile round trip hike takes you out to the base of the Pawnee Buttes and offers stunning views of the surrounding prairie.

  • Bonny Lake State Park Trails: With several miles of hiking and biking trails, this park has something for everyone.

  • Kreutzer Nature Trail: This 1.5-mile loop trail takes you through a variety of ecosystems, including prairie, riparian, and wetland areas.

Best Things to Do in Burlington: Activities and Tours

  • Burlington Ghost Walk: Take a guided tour through the town’s historic district and learn about the mysterious and often spooky events that have taken place in Burlington over the years.

  • Bonny Lake State Park Water Sports: Whether you’re into kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or fishing, Bonny Lake State Park is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts.

  • Comanche National Grassland Jeep Tours: Take a guided tour through the stunning Comanche National Grassland and learn about the area’s unique geology, history, and ecology.

Week-Long Itinerary for Burlington

For those looking to spend a week in Burlington, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Kit Carson County Carousel and the Old Town Museum Complex
2 Hike the Pawnee Buttes Trail and explore Comanche National Grassland
3 Visit the Burlington Heritage Center and the Limon Heritage Museum
4 Spend the day fishing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding at Bonny Lake State Park
5 Take a Jeep tour of Comanche National Grassland
6 Visit Smith Lake State Wildlife Area and go bird watching or wildlife viewing
7 Take a ghost walk tour through the town’s historic district and explore local shops and restaurants

Food and Drink Scene of Burlington

Burlington may be a small town, but it’s home to a number of excellent restaurants and bars. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Green chili: A Colorado staple, green chili is a spicy stew made with green chilies, pork, and other ingredients.

  • Rocky Mountain oysters: A unique local delicacy, Rocky Mountain oysters are deep-fried bull testicles.

  • Bison burgers: Colorado is known for its bison, and many of the restaurants in Burlington serve delicious bison burgers.

Local Beverages

  • Colorado craft beer: Colorado is home to a thriving craft beer scene, and many of the local breweries offer unique and delicious brews.

  • Colorado wine: While Colorado may not be as well-known for its wine as California or Oregon, there are a number of wineries in the state that make excellent wines.

  • Palisade peaches: While not technically a beverage, Palisade peaches are a must-try local delicacy and can often be found in juices, smoothies, and other drinks.

Where to Stay in Burlington: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

While Burlington is a small town, there are a number of accommodation options for visitors. Some of the top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Burlington include:

  • Best Western Plus Carousel Inn and Suites: A comfortable and convenient hotel located in the heart of Burlington.

  • Country Manor Motel: A budget-friendly option with clean and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Burlington: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for the perfect souvenir from your trip to Burlington? Here are some local products to consider:

  • Colorado craft beer: Many of the local breweries offer cans and bottles of their beers to take home.

  • Rocky Mountain honey: Colorado is home to a number of great honey producers, and their products make a sweet and delicious souvenir.

  • Local art and crafts: The Burlington area is home to a number of talented artists and artisans, and their creations make for unique and memorable souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Burlington

Burlington is a small town with a strong sense of community and a unique local culture. Visitors should be respectful of the local customs and traditions and take the time to learn about the town’s history and culture.

Best Time to Visit Burlington

The best time to visit Burlington is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are in full swing. Keep in mind that summers can be hot and dry, so be sure to pack accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Burlington

When visiting Burlington, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

  • Take the time to explore the town’s history and attractions.

  • Spend time outdoors and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Don’t:

  • Leave trash or litter in the natural areas.

  • Ignore local traffic laws and regulations.

  • Be disrespectful to locals or fellow visitors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Burlington

Burlington is generally a safe town, but visitors should still take the usual precautions to stay safe and secure, especially when exploring the great outdoors. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for potential hazards like uneven terrain or wildlife.

Health in Burlington

Burlington has a number of medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals. It’s always a good idea to bring any necessary medications or medical supplies with you, especially if you have specific medical needs or conditions.

Getting to Burlington: Transportation Options and Logistics

Burlington is located in the Eastern Plains region of Colorado, about 140 miles east of Denver. Here are some transportation options for getting to Burlington:

  • Airports Near Burlington: The closest major airport to Burlington is Denver International Airport (DEN), which is about 140 miles west.

  • Bus Stations Near Burlington: There are no bus stations in Burlington, but Greyhound offer stops in nearby cities such as Limon and Fort Morgan.

  • Other Options: Driving is the most convenient way to get to Burlington, and there are several major highways that pass through the area, including I-70 and US-24.

How to Get Around in Burlington

While Burlington is a small town, there are several transportation options for getting around, including:

  • Car rental: There are several car rental companies in Burlington that offer convenient and affordable rentals.

  • Bike rental: For those looking to explore the town at a leisurely pace, bike rental is a fun and eco-friendly option.

  • Walking: With its small size and pedestrian-friendly streets, exploring Burlington on foot is easy and enjoyable.

Where to Go Next from Burlington: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Burlington is a great starting point for exploring the Eastern Plains region of Colorado. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site: Located about two hours from Burlington, this important historic site commemorates the tragic events of 1864, when U.S. soldiers attacked and killed hundreds of Cheyenne and Arapaho people.

  • Rocky Mountain National Park: About a three-hour drive from Burlington, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, with stunning mountain vistas, abundant wildlife, and miles of hiking and biking trails.

  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Located about four hours southwest of Burlington, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a unique and dramatic landscape of steep cliffs, rugged rocks, and deep canyons.

Conclusion

Burlington may be a small town, but it offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors. From exploring local history and culture to hiking, biking, and camping in the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone in Burlington. So why not plan your visit today and discover all this charming town has to offer.

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