The Up-And-Coming City in Colorado That’s Perfectly Sized

Erie is a wonderful place to visit and is an even better place to live. This up-and-coming city in Colorado has a population of over 40,000 residents as of 2024, reflecting rapid recent growth. It's close to both Boulder and Denver, but unlike many other local cities and towns, it doesn't sprawl into either one—it's its own, unique entity with a semi-rural, country-like feel.

Erie was settled in the mid-1800s and was officially incorporated in 1874. It was named after Erie, Pennsylvania, which was the hometown of Richard Van Valkenburg, a Civil War veteran and Episcopal reverend who served as the town's judge, police magistrate, postmaster, mayor, school board president, and state legislature representative. That said, the first permanent house in Erie was actually built by Oliver Wise in 1869, not Van Valkenburg. Visitors interested in learning more about this time period in Erie's history will appreciate a visit to the Wise Homestead Museum, which is housed in that original 1869 homestead.

This town was fully established and began to grow by leaps and bounds after coal was discovered nearby. Most of the town's early settlers were coal miners. Erie was unique at the time in that local coal miners owned the homes and property they built on, rather than living in company-owned housing. By 1871, the Boulder Valley Railroad began passing through Erie to transport coal to larger markets. Coal mining continued to be a major industry in Erie for decades, and at its peak, the town was well-known as the most important coal town in the state. However, demand for coal declined as the twentieth century wore on. The final commercial mine closure in the area was that of the Eagle Mine, which closed in 1978, marking the end of an era.

Today, Erie is a great place to visit and to live. Although it's just 20 minutes from Boulder and a half hour from downtown Denver, it retains its distinct character. You'll find countless hiking and biking trails in and around Erie with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, as well as excellent golfing at Colorado National Golf Club. Other bucolic attractions include the no-kill livestock rescue Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary and the popular agritainment venue Anderson Farms, which offers hayrides, produce picking, farm animals, and more. The skies above come alive each summer during the Erie Hot Air Balloon Festival, when colorful balloons launch at dawn and light up at night during the Balloon Glow, adding a magical touch to the town’s scenic charm.

Erie is also an active arts community. The town’s Cultural Arts Division supports local artists and sponsors events at places like the Erie Community Center and High Plains Library District. It also manages public art installations, including the “Wings to Dreams” sculpture and upcoming canary-themed artworks, enriching the town’s cultural landscape. Classes and visual and performing arts programs are popular and are highly attended by local residents as well as people who travel from other nearby towns to enjoy them, too.

You're sure to love everything about this up-and-coming city in Colorado. Erie is as welcoming as it is scenic, blending small-town charm with modern convenience. Plan your visit using the Only In Your State Itinerary Planner—effortlessly map out hikes, local eats, and hidden gems, all tailored to your style. For official events, town projects, community resources, and places featured, be sure to also visit the Town of Erie’s official website. You might just find yourself picturing life here full-time. After all, Erie’s motto—“Your Future Is Here. ExpERIEnce!”—feels less like marketing and more like a bit of clairvoyance.