Fort Morgan, Colorado

As the largest municipality in Morgan County, Fort Morgan is located on the high plains of northeastern Colorado about 82 miles northeast of Denver. The town sits on the banks of the South Platte River and has plenty of community parks to get some fresh air.

In 2020 there was a recorded population of 11,597. The elevation of this Morgan County town is 4,324 feet. Several historic attractions, a quaint downtown, and a lively music scene make Fort Morgan a worthwhile stop.

History

Historic brick schoolhouse — Historic Lincoln Schoolhouse in Fort Morgan, CO. Photo by: Jeffrey Beall

This historic military post turned charming town came into existence in 1859 and was originally called Camp Tyler. There was a high volume of people flooding into the state for the Gold Rush, and the most common and safest route was along the South Platte River. To shorten the distance to the capital Denver, an auxiliary trail was created near Fort Morgan.

Although quicker, this trail was more exposed to local Native Americans. There was a high threat of attacks for the migrants, so a military base was established to mitigate harm. Thus, Fort Morgan was born. It was made with permanent materials in 1865 and was renamed Fort Morgan in 1866.

The fort was short-lived however and was abandoned by 1868 when a rail line came through town. Settlers began to trickle into the area again in the mid-1880s from nearby Greely. A small but thriving business community was quickly established and by 1900 there was a school district, nine churches, a hotel, and a Masonic lodge in Fort Morgan.

Main Attractions

image of Fort Morgan Museum — Fort Morgan Museum and Library. Photo by: Jessica Hughes

Fort Morgan Library & Museum – Located in the heart of Fort Morgan, the museum showcases a variety of interesting displays such as the Glenn Miller exhibit, artifacts from the Plains Indians, and local artist showcases.

Pawnee Pioneer Trail Scenic & Historic Byway – From town, take this historic byway up to the Pawnee National Grassland. As one of Colorado’s natural prairie landscapes, this wide-open space is great for exploring wildlife, nature, and beautiful scenery. Hiking can be enjoyed at the Pawnee Buttes Trail.

Rainbow Arch Bridge – Spanning the South Platte River, the Rainbow Bridge is one of the last few bridges of its kind left standing. It has also been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a stroll across for a beautiful view of the South Platte River.

Recreation

Sunset over grasslands with buttes — Sunset over the Pawnee Buttes, about an hour from Fort Morgan. Photo by: Shannon Dizmang

Camping –

Riverside Park is a first-come, first-served city-run park with 10 sites for smaller RVs. There is even a pool to enjoy in the warmer months.
Emerald RV Park is conveniently located right off the highway for quick access to dining and shopping downtown. There are 88 RV sites with showers, a dump station, and a snack bar.
Read about the camping near Fort Morgan and Jackson Lake.

Fishing –

The South Platte River flows very close to Fort Morgan and offers ideal conditions for trout fishing year-round.
Jackson Lake State Park has year-round fishing from the shore or watercraft. You’ll find trout, walleye, catfish, bluegill, and wiper, just to name a few.

Hiking –

Riverside Park is in the northern part of town and has several nature trails to explore. The longest one is the outer park loop, which totals 3.4 miles.
A 1-hour drive north of town will take you to Pawnee Buttes, a beautiful rock formation within the Pawnee National Grasslands. There’s an easy 4.8-mile out and back trail that takes you through the open fields and closer to the buttes themselves.

Accommodations

Hotel lobby — Light and modern lobby at the Fairfield Inn in Fort Morgan, CO. Photo by: Marriott

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Booking.com

Comfort Inn Fort Morgan – This Comfort Inn is on the smaller side with only 50 rooms, but that makes the ambiance much cozier and more peaceful. There is strong WiFi throughout the property, and a free hot breakfast with fresh coffee is served in the lobby each morning.

Hampton Inn Fort Morgan – Conveniently located within walking distance of many boutiques and dining in town, this hotel has about 80 comfortable rooms.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Morgan – One of the newly renovated accommodations in town, the Fairfield Inn is a great option for any type of traveler. There is a heated pool, meeting rooms, free breakfast each morning, and a fitness center.

Read about the best hotels in Fort Morgan.

Dining

The Mav decal over a bar — The Mav Kitchen and Taphouse in Fort Morgan, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/themavtaphouse

The Mav Kitchen and Taphouse – Freshly made American classics and a large selection of beer and wine.

All About the Smoke BBQ – Locally owned BBQ joint serving up to 3 meals a day. They have plenty of smoked meats and homemade sides to fill you up.

Pollo Norteño – This small food truck serves up some of the best-roasted chicken, tacos, burritos, and carnitas in town.

Special Events

Couple walking their dog through a car show — Taking a stroll through the Fall Harvest Car Show in Fort Morgan, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/fortmorgantourism

Jun-Aug – Thursday Night Live! Downtown Concert Series – Every summer Thursday night, head to Downtown City Park for an evening full of live music, food vendors, and games for the whole family.

Jul – BOBStock Music Festival – An annual two-day music festival held the second full weekend in July. There will be a variety of musical acts spread across 3 stages along with kid’s games and food vendors.

Sep – Fall Harvest Car Show – Annual event held the third weekend in September. See a display of vintage and modern cars lining the streets of downtown Fort Morgan.

Dec – Christmas Parade – Local organizations, clubs, businesses, and churches create floats to display on a route that winds through Fort Morgan. Santa himself will conclude the parade.