Lamar – Colorado Hometown A Tourist’s Delight
Have you ever wondered what to do for the holidays? If you live in the Midwest, or Colorado to be more precise, I have a suggestion… Visit the southeastern corner of Colorado and all the wonderful tourist sites around Lamar, Colorado.
Lamar, Colorado is the hometown of some famous people. Some of them you might recognize, like Scott Elarton, currently of the Kansas City Royals. Writer Gary Penley put Lamar on the map with his book “Rivers of Wind” and NT Betz wrote “The Fleagle Gang: Betrayed by a Fingerprint,” a collaborative account of newspaper reporters on a notorious crime spree that includes robbery in 1928 from the First National Bank that changed the face of Lamar forever. And I, Jan Verhoeff, a merchandiser and writer who spends her time promoting new businesses and tourism businesses in the southeastern corner of Colorado.
Lamar, Colorado is a stopover for famous people. Zebulon Pike chose the valley of Willow Creek to camp while his men weathered a harsh winter and prepared for their long journey west to where he saw Pike’s Peak. Although he never actually climbed the top, he bears his name as a keepsake. Oprah Winfrey paused long enough to label local cowboys racist rednecks, refer to those of us who live here as renegades living in “America’s armpit,” and endear herself to us more by implying that we’re all armed criminals. A host of country music stars visited the Prairie City and left their mark on the population with two wonderful country radio stations.
Lamar, Colorado is home to the Big Timbers Museum. Newly renovated, the Big Timbers Museum houses a large collection of area memorabilia, military exhibits including one of the 13 revolutionary flags, and such nifty specials as a huge ball of yarn, one of the first permanent wave machines (ouch!) and Tributes to American pioneers.
Lamar, Colorado is a historic community on the Arkansas River. Home to a robbed Rail Road Depot, Lamar claims more than an average share of historic structures and plenty of stories to tell. This community boasts a welcoming Arts Center, Enchanted Forest (incredible on the dryland prairies), and the best known baseball and golf courses this side of Texas.
If you’re looking for touristy things to occupy your time, visit our community and join in any of the summer celebrations taking place during your visit. It’s a good time on the prairie tonight, the barn dance will be great!