Bradford Rhea Tree Sculptures The Coolest Colorado Attraction

If you ask me, northeast Colorado is one of the most criminally overlooked parts of the state, as it is just about as far away from the mountains as you can get. Despite this, the rolling plains and golden farmland are a beautiful sight to see, as are amazing, one-of-a-kind attractions like the little-known Bradford Rhea Tree Sculptures:

Welcome to Sterling, Colorado: the "City of Living Trees" that is home to not only cottonwoods galore but the one-of-a-kind Bradford Rhea Tree Sculptures.

Created by artist Bradford Rhea, the intricate tree sculptures are just that: sculptures carved from dying cottonwood trees and brought back to life via "fanciful creatures and inspiring characters."

What kind of fanciful creatures and inspiring characters will you find in Sterling? Rhea created everything from the iconic "Skygrazers" (a tower of giraffes looking toward the sky) to the "Minuteman" (a revolutionary-era colonial guardsman who stands in proper stance in front of the Colorado National Guard) to "Seraphim" (a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle in flight, as inspired by Revelation 4:6).

In addition to his cottonwood sculptures, Rhea also creates art with other mediums like bronze and marble.

Featuring 17 unique sculptures, Bradford Rhea's work is located within walking distance and can be enjoyed via a self-guided tour.

Maps for the self-directed tour can be found at the Tourist Information Center at the Sterling Rest Area or can be printed on Explore Sterling's website.

Please note: Explore Sterling recommends taking the self-guided tour Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. when all of the businesses containing the artwork are open.

Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Remember to nominate it here! For even more to do around Sterling, check out You Will Feel Like Everyone Knows Your Name At The Friendly Local Hot Spot In Colorado, The J&L Cafe.

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Sterling, CO 80751, USA

The Bradford Rhea Tree Sculptures May Just Be One Of The Coolest Things We Have Ever Seen In Colorado

Annie

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