Erie, Colorado

Situated close to Denver and Boulder, Erie is a plains town that values the conservation of its natural environment and open spaces. It offers magnificent scenery from its hills and the community provides a sense of comfort.

It’s located about 30 minutes north of Denver in Boulder County at 5,130 feet of elevation. The town mottos are “Your Future Is Here” and “expERIEnce”. Erie’s population is growing, and about 30,038 people call the area home as of 2020.

History

Historic picture of Erie, CO — Historic picture of Main Street in Erie, CO. Photo by: Erie

Erie’s history begins with Reverend Richard J. Van Valkenburg. He migrated to Colorado in the 1820s from Erie, Pennsylvania, and founded a Methodist Church. He also was simultaneously laying the foundation for a town. He served as the mayor when the town was officially incorporated in 1874.

Briggs Mine was created for extracting coal, and paired with the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad, Erie became an important hub for shipping coal to Denver. The town continued expanding during the 1900s, and today is a well-established area with many things to do.

Main Attractions

Person feeding sheep — Visitor feeding the sheep at Lil Buckaroo’s Petting Zoo. Photo by: facebook.com/lilbuckaroospettingzoo

Erie Community Park – 41 acres of dedicated space for the community. There are plenty of picnic shelters, sports fields, and a massive playground. There is also a public skatepark and multiple walking trails to utilize.

Lil Buckaroo’s Petting Zoo – Pet cute animals while you learn about sustainable farming, animal welfare, and being more environmentally friendly at this petting zoo! They have Nigerian goats, miniature cows, sheep, alpacas, and pot-bellied pigs.

Recreation

Bike Trail Erie Colorado — Erie bike trail. Photo by: Let Ideas Compete

Biking – Head to Sunset Open Space and find the Erie singletracks. There are over 3 miles of trails for all skill-levels, and it has gorgeous views of the Front Range.

Camping –

Boulder County Fairgrounds campground is conveniently located and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tent camping is prohibited, so this place is best suited for RV and car camping.
St. Vrain State Park is north of Erie and has 87 campsites open year-round. There are fishing ponds and hiking trails to explore here as well.

Fishing – Erie Lake is located right off of Highway 287 and offers a serene spot for bluegill and trout fishing. Thomas Reservoir is also nearby and offers great fishing and wildlife spotting.

Hiking – Just to the east of Erie, you’ll find many parks and open spaces with hiking trails to explore. South Teller Farm, White Rocks, and Niwot Loop trailhead are all popular routes.

Accommodations

Interior of hotel room — Bright, colorful interior of Aloft Denver hotel rooms, a short drive from Erie, CO. Photo by: Marriott

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Booking.com

Woodspring Suites Thornton – Located in northern Thornton, a short drive from Erie. This accommodation includes clean, brightly colored rooms and free wifi.

Hampton Inn & Suites Lafayette – Near southern Erie, Hampton is a laid-back spot with an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast to enjoy.

Aloft Denver North Westminster – A colorful and modern hotel with a game room, pool, and lounge area.

Read about the best hotels near Erie.

Dining

Interior of bistro bar — Interior of 24 Carrot Bistro during a pirate-themed event. Photo by: facebook.com/24carrotbistro

Birdhouse – Great selection of ramen, tacos, and craft cocktails in a modern space.

INJOY Restaurant – A hidden gem with contemporary decor and refreshing New American dishes.

24 Carrot Bistro – This bistro is a fine dining experience set in a cozy brick ambiance. Reservations are highly suggested to enjoy this farm-to-table food.

Special Events

Balloons ready for liftoff at the Erie Balloon Festival. Photo by: Richard Saxon

May – Erie Town Fair and Balloon Festival – With over 200 vendors, live entertainment, and sunrise hot air balloon launches, this event is hugely popular and sure to impress.

Jun – Bike Rodeo – Make bike safety fun for your kids by taking them to get their gear checked by police officers. After they’re in the clear, kids will be able to try and make it through the obstacle course.

Jun – Youth Fishing Derby – Free event held at Thomas Reservoir for the little ones to show off their fishing skills.

October – Boo! on Briggs Street – Come out to celebrate this spooky holiday with a costume contest, live music, and plenty of free candy to go around.

Sep – Tails and Ales – Bring your furry friend to The Boneyard at Reliance Park to enjoy craft food and beverage while mingling with other dogs and owners.

Sep – Luvin Arms Gala – An annual event featuring a live auction, cocktail hour, and vegan dinner, that benefits the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary.

Dec – Parade of Lights – Local choirs, free carriage rides, and a parade of lit-up floats make this event the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.