Elbert County: Nature, History and Special Places
Accommodation in Elbert County
Elbert County brings together long-standing events, parks, historic places and varied landscapes. Those who want to watch birds will find opportunities along several roads and in different habitats; those interested in local history will encounter, among other things, a fair tradition dating back to the 19th century. This variety offers different points of interest to consider when choosing where to stay.
Landscape and Birdwatching
State Highway 86 through Elbert County is designated as the Plains-to-Pines Scenic Corridor. There are several different places to look for wildlife: along scenic Ridge Road, Cassin’s Kingbirds and other grassland species can be spotted in yucca-covered hills. Coyotes and foxes can also be seen hunting along the grassy areas there.
Other bird species can be found along other roads and in other landscapes. The area accessible via CR 150 includes ponderosa pine forest with Cassin’s Kingbirds, Spotted Towhees and Black-headed Grosbeaks. Dickcissels and other grassland and edge species can be spotted on Elbert Road and in Elbert. North of Kiowa, the road toward Bennett passes through yucca habitat where Cassin’s Sparrows breed. Along Comanche Creek Road, birds can be watched from the roadside near a private lowland riparian forest along Comanche Creek.
The different birdwatching locations appeal to different interests, from woodland birds and grassland species to a riparian forest along a creek. If you are planning your trip around birdwatching, these different landscapes may help you choose the places you want to explore.
Parks and Activities in Elizabeth
A roughly 1.5-mile soft-surface trail in Casey Jones Park can be used for walking, running, biking and horseback riding. Its approximate length can help you factor the route into your daily plans; the listed activities offer a guide when considering how to spend time outdoors.
The annual Elizabeth Stampede is held at the rodeo grounds in the same park in early June. It has been a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo since 1988. The first annual Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo took place in late May 1966. The park is also home to Casey Jones Pavilion, a historic building that has been used for community events and other community functions for more than 100 years.
Evans Park is home to Dragonfly Pond, which is stocked with trout annually by the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife. The park also has Prickly Pines, an 18-hole disc golf course. The first tee is beside the parking lot by the pond. If you would rather play a round than follow a trail through the park, this offers another possible focus for your time outdoors.
Festivals and History
The history of the Elbert County Fair begins on October 2, 1891: on that day, Elizabeth held the one-day Vegetable Day event. In 1934, the fair was reorganized with a focus on 4-H and moved to Kiowa, where it has been held ever since. Elizabeth and Kiowa are therefore connected to different chapters in the event’s history.
Elizabeth’s Historic Walk and Talk also focuses on local history. The annual event centers on Elizabeth’s historic downtown. A wagon is provided for participants with limited mobility who cannot complete the entire route on foot. A historic property at 188 S Main Street has been listed in the local register since 2003 and in the National Register since 2023.
The Elizabeth Celtic Festival takes place on the third weekend of July and has been held in Elbert County since 1992. Along with the fair and the Historic Walk and Talk, it offers another cultural point of interest, distinct from the nature and park themes.
Planning Visits and Choosing Where to Stay
The Elbert County Historical Society & Museum has regular summer hours from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, from Memorial Day Sunday through Labor Day Sunday. Visits to the Bailey Saddle Museum are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. As there are no set opening hours, calling ahead will confirm whether someone is available.
Your interests can help you choose a vacation rental: the fair tradition is connected to Kiowa and Elizabeth, while museums, historic events, parks and wildlife viewing offer other distinct themes for your stay. Choose where to stay based on which of these themes matters most to you. You can also discover other places in the county, including Kiowa and Agate.
For the broader travel overview: Colorado.
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