Haswell ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Haswell, Colorado.
1. Nation's Smallest Jail
TINY HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Nation's Smallest Jail in Haswell is a quirky landmark measuring just 12' x 14', making it famously tiny. This unique attraction offers visitors a glimpse into small-town law enforcement history. The diminutive jailhouse represents an intriguing piece of Americana that draws curious visitors to this rural farming community.
2. Fort Lyon National Cemetery
HISTORIC MILITARY CEMETERY
Fort Lyon National Cemetery serves as a solemn resting place for veterans who served the United States. The cemetery features orderly rows of white headstones set against the Colorado plains landscape. Visitors can pay respects while learning about military history in this peaceful and contemplative space.
3. John Martin Reservoir State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
John Martin Reservoir State Park offers exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities centered around the second-largest body of water in Colorado. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and wildlife viewing throughout the expansive park. The reservoir is known as a premier bird watching location, particularly during migration seasons when thousands of waterfowl visit the area.
4. Kit Carson Museum
FRONTIER HISTORY PRESERVED
The Kit Carson Museum showcases the life and times of the famous frontiersman and the early settlement period of eastern Colorado. Exhibits feature historical artifacts, photographs, and informative displays about pioneer life on the plains. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of those who settled this region during America's westward expansion.
5. Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
1840S TRADING POST
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is a meticulously reconstructed 1840s adobe fur trading post that once served as a commercial and cultural crossroads along the Santa Fe Trail. Costumed interpreters bring history to life, demonstrating daily activities and crafts from the period. Visitors can explore the fort's rooms, plaza, and grounds while learning about the diverse cultures that interacted at this important frontier outpost.
6. Haswell Town Well
NAMESAKE WATER SOURCE
The Haswell Town Well is the legendary water source that reportedly gave the town its unique name, derived from the phrase 'has a well.' This historic water source was crucial for early travelers and settlers in this arid region of Colorado's eastern plains. Though the original claim is unconfirmed, this distinctive origin story has become an accepted part of local lore and town identity.
7. Kiowa County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Kiowa County Museum preserves and displays artifacts documenting the rich history of this eastern Colorado region. Exhibits showcase pioneer life, agricultural development, and the natural history of the high plains environment. The museum offers insight into the resilience of communities like Haswell that have persevered through drought, economic challenges, and changing times.
8. Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
SOLEMN HISTORICAL MEMORIAL
The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site commemorates the tragic 1864 event where U.S. Cavalry attacked a peaceful camp of Cheyenne and Arapaho people. This sacred space honors the victims and provides educational exhibits about this dark chapter in American history. Visitors can walk contemplative trails and gain perspective on the complex relationship between Native peoples and westward expansion.
9. Prairie Winds Farm Market
LOCAL PRODUCE STAND
Prairie Winds Farm Market offers fresh, locally grown produce and homemade goods from area farmers. The seasonal market showcases the agricultural bounty of the eastern plains with fruits, vegetables, and specialty items. Visitors can connect with local growers while experiencing the farm-to-table traditions that sustain this rural community.
10. Haswell Community Church
HISTORIC RURAL CHAPEL
Haswell Community Church stands as a testament to the enduring faith of this small plains town. The simple yet charming structure has served as a gathering place for local residents for generations. Visitors can appreciate the architectural heritage and community spirit represented by this longstanding religious institution.
11. Crowley Heritage Center
CULTURAL HISTORY EXHIBITS
The Crowley Heritage Center preserves the cultural legacy of this eastern Colorado region through engaging exhibits and historical collections. Displays feature artifacts from pioneer homesteads, early agricultural implements, and photographs documenting community development. The center offers a window into the challenges and triumphs of settling and sustaining life on the high plains.
12. Queens State Wildlife Area
PRAIRIE WILDLIFE VIEWING
Queens State Wildlife Area provides protected habitat for native prairie species and migratory birds in eastern Colorado. The expansive natural area features shortgrass prairie ecosystems that support pronghorn, prairie dogs, and numerous bird species. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, and seasonal hunting in this pristine example of Colorado's eastern plains environment.
13. Big Sandy Creek
SCENIC NATURAL WATERWAY
Big Sandy Creek winds through the plains near Haswell, creating a riparian corridor that attracts wildlife and offers scenic beauty. The seasonal waterway carved impressive canyons and valleys into the otherwise flat landscape over thousands of years. Visitors can explore the creek's banks for birdwatching, photography, and enjoying the contrast between water and prairie environments.
14. Ordway Prairie Preserve
NATIVE GRASSLAND CONSERVATION
The Ordway Prairie Preserve protects a significant stretch of native shortgrass prairie ecosystem, increasingly rare in the modern agricultural landscape. The preserve supports diverse plant and animal species adapted to the challenging conditions of the high plains environment. Visitors can witness seasonal wildflower displays, observe prairie wildlife, and gain appreciation for conservation efforts protecting this unique American landscape.
15. Haswell Grain Elevator
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
The Haswell Grain Elevator stands as an iconic symbol of the agricultural heritage that defines this farming community. This towering structure once served as the economic center of the town, facilitating the storage and transport of locally grown grain. The elevator represents the vital connection between rural producers and wider markets that sustained communities across the Great Plains.