Colorado
Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Small Town In Colorado That’s Invaded By Thousands Of Migrating Tarantulas Each Year

La Junta, Colorado, is famous for the annual tarantula migration where thousands of spiders cross the highway in search of mates.

Published Aug 9, 2019

Written by 

Annie

It's that time of year again when creepy crawlies invade the streets and can be seen in huge groups! No, we're not talking about Halloween (though that is right around the corner) but rather the annual tarantula migration where thousands of giant spiders cross the highway in search of their perfect mate. If seeing this natural phenomenon is on your bucket list, you will want to make plans to visit this small Colorado town that is invaded by tarantulas every year:

Welcome to La Junta, Colorado: Home to historic sites, Otero Junior College, and...

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Wikimedia Commons

...thousands of tarantulas in search of their soulmate!

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Getty Images/graphmaster

Beginning in late August, thousands of male tarantulas start their trek across Highway 109, where they use their sense of touch and vibration to locate females in nearby burrows.

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YouTube/USA Today

Why do they flock to southeast Colorado? It is because of the vast prairie landscape a la the Comanche National Grassland.

The annual migration takes place from August through October but the best time to view - according to Visit La Junta is September 10th.

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YouTube/USA Today

Can't make it on September 10th? It is suggested you visit any evening in mid-September, especially if the weather is warm and there is little to no wind present.

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YouTube/USA Today

The tarantulas' peak migration time is an hour before sunset, so plan accordingly!

Do you want to make an entire weekend out of your viewing? La Junta is the perfect place to do so, as it boasts such important pieces of Colorado history as Bent's Old Fort, Picketwire Canyon (pictured), and several museums.

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TripAdvisor/funtobeme

In addition to the historical aspect, La Junta is also home to a vast array of delicious restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores!

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Google/Erin Harris

You can discover even more to do around La Junta by reading This One Small Colorado Town Has More Outdoor Attractions Than Any Other Place In The State.

Are you ready to get an even better look at the migration? Check out this mesmerizing video from USA TODAY:

Are you brave enough to watch the tarantula migration? If so, who will you take? Let them know by tagging them in the comments!

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Tiny Plains Town In Colorado That’s The Perfect Day Trip Destination

Holyoke, Colorado, is a charming small town with rich agriculture, recreational activities, cultural sites, and a vibrant downtown.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Annie

Nearly everyone who lives in or visits Colorado has enjoyed our purple mountain Majesties, but have you ever taken in our perfect plains? If not, you are missing out on an entire side of the state that is often criminally overlooked, and it is time to make a day trip ASAP! Where should you go? We recommend Holyoke, Colorado, a tiny Plains town that offers plenty to see and do:

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Welcome to Holyoke!

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Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Facebook

Located in the most northeast corner of the state, Holyoke is home to 2,500 friendly and welcoming residents, plus a surprising amount of things to see and do.

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Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Facebook

Incorporated in 1888, Holyoke is known near and far for its rich agriculture scene, making the landscape surrounding the town - fields of wheat, corn, and alfalfa - even more enchanting.

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Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Facebook

In terms of things to see and do around town, Holyoke has it all, beginning with such recreation opportunities as golfing at the scenic 18-hole course, walking and biking around the beautifully manicured parks, and some of the best pheasant hunting in the state.

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Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Facebook

Are you looking to add a little culture to your trip? No problem, as Holyoke also boasts a theater, museum, and two places on the historic register (The Burge Hotel and the Heginbotham Library, pictured).

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As if you needed another reason to visit, Holyoke is also home to a thriving downtown area complete with delicious restaurants, unique shopping, and special events!

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Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Facebook

Have you ever visited Holyoke, Colorado? What did you think? If you're planning a road trip there, be sure to check out our road trip essentials packing list. Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For even more to do around Holyoke, check out the article below:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/colorado/small-town-winery-co/

Love exploring all that Colorado has to offer? Take a look at this stunning footage of Mesa Verde National Park:

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The One Colorado Town That’s So Perfectly Southern

Estes Park in Colorado offers a southern experience with its architecture, food, and friendly atmosphere.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Annie

Are you longing for a vacation down south? Whether you come from a southern state, enjoy the culture, or just flat out love home-cooked dishes, you are guaranteed to find all of the above right here in Colorado, thanks to this one Colorado town that is so perfectly southern. Come with us as we explore Estes Park, Colorado.

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Located along the beautiful Big Thompson River in northern Colorado, Estes Park is a historic Native American settlement that was later incorporated with the hopes of it becoming a popular tourist destination.

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Sitting at the headquarters of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is home to nearly 6,000 residents and welcomes an average of 3 million tourists per year.

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While some tourists drive by on their way to RMNP, many stop into town to stretch, eat, or stay the night.

What is it about this small mountain town that reminds us of a southern state? Well, for starters, there is the...

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...architecture...

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The infamous 420-room Colonial Revival hotel sure reminds us of the historic Colonial buildings you would find in states like North Carolina and Virginia.

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...food...

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Yelp/Ric R.

BBQ, cajun, home-cooked... the gang is all here in Estes! (Pictured is a mouthwatering plate of BBQ from the highly acclaimed Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Tap House.)

...friendly locals...

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...and an overall sense of patriotism that you can't find just anywhere.

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It is for these reasons and more that we find the town of Estes Park, Colorado to be perfectly southern! What do you think?

Have you visited Estes Park, Colorado recently? What did you think of your experience there? Let us know!

Do you consider yourself to be more of a Midwesterner? Then you are going to love exploring this one town near Denver:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/colorado/denver/fort-morgan-colorado/

Rocky Mountain Park is just outside of Estes Park, but how about exploring another beloved national park in Colorado? We've got some amazing footage of Mesa Verde below:

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