This Small and Charming Colorado Town Is So Remote, It Is Almost in Nebraska

If there is one part of Colorado that is, in my humble opinion, criminally overlooked, it is the Eastern Plains. Yes, the mountains are stunning, and yes, our cities are pretty darn cool, but the Plains have the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see, the friendliest folks, and are chock-full of rich agriculture that helps feed the country. As a native of eastern Colorado, I am always looking for new places to explore, which is how I came across Holyoke, a charming small town in Colorado just minutes from both the Nebraska and Kansas state lines.

As cliché as it sounds, Holyoke (population 2,296 as of 2024) looks like something off a postcard—you can see its residents’ pride in every home, business, and on every corner. Since it is a small town, I figured we could easily see and do everything in an afternoon… I was gravely mistaken!

The first stop when traveling any distance with kids is the hotel, which, in this case, was the Cobblestone Inn & Suites. Lodging options in Holyoke are limited to a few Airbnbs and the Cobblestone, so we chose the latter, and I am SO glad we did. As a germophobe, I NEED to know the room is clean, and the Cobblestone exceeded my squeaky-clean expectations. It wasn’t just the cleanliness that impressed me—the front desk staff were incredibly kind and helpful, and the food was superb (more on that in a minute).

Once we were settled, it was time to explore the town’s many historical sites, beginning with the eye-catching Holyoke Public Library. Housed inside the 1919 W.E. Heginbotham House, this Craftsman-style building features original red brick, half-timbered gable ends, and a striking terracotta roof, making it one of the most distinct libraries in the Centennial State.

The library isn’t the only well-preserved building in Holyoke. The downtown area includes many original structures, plus gems like the 1927 “house with a canopy” Reimer-Smith Oil Station, the 1906 Millage Farm District (pictured), and the 1936 Phillips County Courthouse.

Next on the route is Auntie’s Antiques, a cozy spot tucked along S. Interocean Ave. The store is brimming with treasures—from refurbished furniture and home décor to handmade signs, candles, and jewelry.

Each vendor’s booth is carefully arranged, full of seasonal décor, quirky finds, and unexpected gems. It’s easy to get caught up browsing the aisles, and if you love antiques (like I do), this is a stop in Holyoke you definitely won’t want to miss.

After exploring the town, we returned to the hotel and headed to the lounge for a feast. My mom, my highly picky 6-year-old, and I were thoroughly impressed with the menu, which featured traditional bar food plus wine, beer, and spirits. Thanks to a recommendation from the table next to us, we opted for a large pepperoni pizza, chips and guacamole, and egg rolls. Everything was beyond tasty, with our table favorite being the pizza.

The following morning, everyone enjoyed a good night’s rest before heading downstairs for breakfast. The Cobblestone’s continental spread felt more generous than most, with plenty of hot options like eggs, biscuits and gravy, and bacon, alongside cold choices such as cereal, yogurt, and fruit.

Holyoke—and all of its good people—I owe you an apology, as I underestimated just how special this town is and how much it has to offer locals and visitors alike! I WILL be back soon and cannot wait to explore even more hidden gems. For even more to see, do, and eat around Holyoke, please visit the official website of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce.

To discover more incredible boots-on-the-ground adventures across America from our team of local travel experts, check out all of the articles in Only In Your State’s Everyday Explorers series. What small towns in Colorado would you like to see featured next on Only In Your State’s Everyday Explorers? Tell us where we should go on our nominations page.