Plains, Trains and Art in Greeley, Colorado

Just over an hour from both Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, Greeley is an unexpected cultural oasis on Colorado’s eastern plains that makes for a great basecamp to explore. Whether it’s visual or performance art, you’ll find something intriguing to enjoy no matter the season.

Greeley has several yearly events that draw music lovers from across the country. In April, University of Northern Colorado hosts the UNC-Greeley Jazz Fest, bringing jazz artists from all walks of life together. The first Saturday in June, the Greeley Blues Jam takes place at Island Grove Park where you’ll find live music all day. And if Country Western is more your style? Don’t miss the Greeley Stampede, a 100-plus-year-old event that includes music, rodeo, a daily parade where longhorns walk down the street, and more. In 2023, it will run June 22 – July 4. If you’re not in town during one of these events, check out the Moxi Theater which hosts all sorts of musical acts, four or more days a week. The downtown venue has great vibes and is just blocks away from the Union Colony Civic Center, one of Northern Colorado’s favorite performing arts venues offering more than 100 events per year including Broadway musicals.

In addition to music, Greeley also has a huge visual arts scene. With more than 400 pieces of public art sprinkled throughout the city, you can make a morning out of walking past murals, sculptures and more. Find maps at greeleycreativedistrict.org/explore.

To see art on a much smaller scale, head to the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. Here, you’ll find hundreds of railroad scenes as you explore multiple exhibits filled with model trains. It’s a nostalgic and magical experience that’s great for kids and adults alike.

While it might seem like a stretch to call beer art, when you order a flight at WeldWerks Brewing, you’ll agree with us. In a state with more than 400 craft breweries, WeldWerks stands out for its truly unique offerings. Take the Smoked Lager, brewed with smoked malt and smoked peaches. Or, there’s the sour series with brews that include lactose like the Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake. It’s a sour brewed with actual orange creamsicles, orange puree, cream cheese, milk sugar, vanilla and graham cracker. If you like inventive drinks, this is the place to go. The Annex, located at the Greeley taproom, serves a thoughtful menu to go with your pint. You’ll find a Tokyo hot dog on the menu with furikake and togarashi popcorn, alongside butternut squash and chorizo gnocchi.

Another fun and funky spot to check out is Luna’s Tacos & Tequila. It serves delicious street tacos, has a great tequila and mezcal selection and there’s a gorgeous mural on the rooftop patio.

When it’s time for bed, you’ll find your vacation dollars go farther in Greeley with more affordable lodging options. If you’re looking for something unique to round out your culture-filled weekend, book a room at the Currier Inn. Located in an old Victorian house walking distance from downtown, the inn has an on-site crepe restaurant so you can enjoy a delicious breakfast the next morning. It’s open to non-hotel guests as well.

Learn more at VisitGreeley.org.