The Town Of Erie In Colorado Just Turned 150 Years Old And It’s The Perfect Spot For A Day Trip

If you're in a celebratory mood and are looking for a quick day trip from Denver, then you should head on up to Erie! Erie, Colorado's 150th Anniversary is this year and you might as well visit this lovely and welcoming small town that's just outside of both Denver and Boulder to commemorate this important local milestone. Erie has a population of just 30,000 residents, but there's still quite a bit to do in town during your visit. I think Erie is super adorable and that it is a perfect example of an all-American town. You'll love exploring this small city for the day or longer! Read on to learn more.

Erie was settled and named in 1867, but it wasn't incorporated until 1874. Coal was discovered here in the early 1860s, so the town quickly grew up around coal mining after that.

In most coal mining towns, the coal mining company owned the homes for the workers, or simply set up a temporary mining camp for the workers' residences, but in Erie, the workers owned their homes themselves. This was rather unique at the time.

In the early days of Erie, i was also one of the only towns in the area that allowed alcohol to be served. By 1895, there were 12 saloons in town.

Erie has had its ups and downs since then; it has been hit by major floods in 1890, 1921, and 1972. But it has always rebuilt!

The demand for coal dropped in the mid-20th century and the mines in Erie closed by 1960.

Today, it's a pleasant residential area that is known for great mountain views and friendly folks.

You'll love exploring this area for the day!

The Wise Homestead Museum is operated by the Erie Historical Society. If you want to learn more about what life was like back when Erie was founded, it's a great first stop.

This homestead belonged to Oliver and Ada Wise and their three children and was founded in 1869 when the family moved to Colorado from Wisconsin to farm.

Anderson Farms is one of the most popular attractions in Erie. It's open to visitors in the summer and fall. In the summertime, you can pick your own flowers at this farm - which is a lot of fun - but you especially don't want to miss Anderson Farms' Fall Festival.

The Anderson Farms Fall Festival is one of the best fall events in the entire region and is fun for the whole family.

Erie is also home to the Luvin' Arms Animal Sanctuary. This non-profit is dedicated to giving abused and neglected farm animals a happy and safe home that they can enjoy without fear for the rest of their natural lives.

Tours must be booked in advance. You'll love meeting the animals that live at this farm sanctuary!

Want to see even more animals in Erie? You can also visit Lil' Buckaroos Petting Zoo! Meet sheep, goats, cows, donkeys, alpacas, and more and give them all pets along the way.

You'll need to make a reservation for this visit, too.

If you're just looking to spend some time outside during your visit to Erie, then you might want to check out Erie Lake.

Alternatively, you could also visit and stroll around Thomas Reservoir. Both of these bodies of water are great for bird watching!

When you get hungry during your visit, there are quite a few enticing and well-rated restaurants in Erie, too.

Stacy's Kitchen is a wonderful option for simple sandwiches and baked goods.

You're sure to love everything on the menu.

Looking for beers and pub food? You'll really enjoy dining at The Rusty Melon.

The brews, burgers, apps, sandwiches, salads, and mac and cheese served at The Rusty Melon are all to-die-for!

Looking for somewhere a little more fancy to eat, in Erie? Try Piripi!

This spot is still casual and welcoming, though - it has an entire room of toys and arcade games for the kiddos to play with during your visit.

You'll enjoy the Latin and Mediterranean cuisine served here, and Piripi has a great wine list, too.

Be sure to spend some time strolling around downtown Erie while you're visiting, too. This town is so charming!

Erie is a great place to visit anytime, but it'll be especially fun to discover and explore it this year during the town's 150th Anniversary year! You're going to fall in love with this enchanting Colorado town. Have a great visit!

Looking for somewhere to stay in Erie? Check out VRBO.com for inviting vacation rentals!