Posted in Colorado History March 28, 2023 by Annie

Few People Know Colorado Was Home To The First Rodeo In America

While many out-of-staters associate Colorado with legal marijuana and skiing, there is another side to the Centennial State that many do not realize: Colorado is THE place for cowboys and rodeos! In fact, not only does Colorado host the iconic National Western Stockshow, but we also hosted the first rodeo in America!

Welcome to Deer Trail: A tiny Eastern Plains town that hosted the country's first-ever rodeo.

Taking place on July 4, 1869, the Deer Trail Rodeo consisted of many of the same things you will find in modern rodeos, including the "Bronco Bustin' Contest," where area ranchers rode their outlaw horses and fought tooth and nail not to be kicked off.

Though other cities and states may try to lay claim to hosting the first rodeo, Deer Trail has proven to be the actual location, thanks to its records in the Guinness Book of World Records, Colorado State Legislature, Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame, and the History. Channel.

As if this isn't cool enough, Deer Trail is the site of the first rodeo in the country and the world!

When you visit the Deer Trail Rodeo today, you will experience the rough riding excitement from that first show, plus bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and much more.

To learn more about the Deer Trail Rodeo - including past and future shows - be sure to like them on Facebook.

The Deer Trail Rodeo takes place every summer in early July.

Do you have a favorite attraction, event, or restaurant that you would like to see featured here on Only in Colorado? Tell us about it via our nomination form! While you’re visiting the Eastern Plains, home of the first rodeo in America, you will also want to check out The Underappreciated Museum That Shows You A Side Of Colorado You’ve Never Seen Before.

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Address: Deer Trail, CO 80105, USA