Sterling: Water, Nature and Culture

Sterling can be experienced through three distinct highlights: the waters of North Sterling Reservoir, trails through nature, and cultural history brought to life in museums and art venues. For planning your trip, a simple question can help: Would you like to focus on water sports and fishing, wildlife watching, or art and history? These interests can guide your search for a vacation rental and help you choose outings that suit the kind of trip you want.

Water and Trails

North Sterling State Park offers nearly 3,000 acres of reservoir waters, with coves to explore. At North Sterling Reservoir, you can go boating, fishing, jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and water skiing. Activities range from fishing and paddling to motorized options. If you enjoy spending your days by the water, there are several ways to shape your stay here.

North Sterling State Park also has about 6.5 miles of hiking trails connecting several viewpoints and recreation areas. Wildlife watching is another part of a visit to the park: birds you may see include herons, turkey vultures, pelicans, hawks, falcons, eagles, geese, and ducks. You can consider water activities and trails as different focuses for your plans.

There are trails of different lengths to choose from. Pioneer Park has a 0.6-mile nature trail through trees and dense brush, where you can watch birds and wildlife. The Overland Trail Recreation Area offers multi-use trails around a fishing pond and along the riverbank. These descriptions can help you weigh a nature trail against trails with viewpoints or a setting by a pond or riverbank.

Discover History and Art

The Overland Trail Museum explores the historic migration of gold seekers and early pioneers who were looking to make their fortunes. The museum building was constructed in 1936 as part of the Works Progress Administration. The complex also includes a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a general store, and a church. These buildings offer several tangible aspects of the historical theme.

Another connection to history is the old Overland Trail, which runs through Sterling along the South Platte River. For art enthusiasts, the Sanderson Gallery displays 40 paintings by William Sanderson. The Peter L. Youngers Fine Arts Gallery presents changing exhibitions monthly from September through May. Visiting hours are listed as Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission; check these details before your visit.

Sterling Creatives is an artists' cooperative in Sterling featuring locally made art, workshops, and demonstrations. The Logan County Arts League Creative District is dedicated to promoting art, music, culinary creations, and cultural heritage. Alongside the historical museum, you can also explore contemporary arts topics that appeal to different interests.

Visitor Information

Sterling's Tourist Information Center is at the east entrance to town, at the Colorado Department of Transportation rest area on I-76, Exit 125. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Since hours may change, it is best to check them before your visit.

When searching for a vacation rental, you can first decide what you want your trip to focus on: water sports and fishing, nature trails and wildlife watching, or history and art.

For the broader travel overview: Logan.