Fowler, Colorado

Fowler is a little plains community located about halfway between Pueblo and La Junta on US Highway 50. The statutory town had a population of 1,253 in 2020 and resides at an elevation of 4,340′ within Colorado’s Lower Arkansas River Valley on the banks of the river.

The Otero County town has a mantra of “Community Powered”, indicating the involvement of the whole village in shaping the town’s future. Fowler looks ahead to what’s to come with renewable energy and communication systems. There are several shops and businesses on the main street, which houses a variety of late 1800s and early 1900s architecture.

History

Fowler CO Historical Society — Fowler Historical Society. Photo by: Billy Hathorn

Fowler was incorporated on August 25th, 1925 and named for Orson Squire Fowler, who founded the town. He was a phrenologist, which today is considered a pseudoscience. He studied the surface of the skull, theorizing that the bumps predicted mental traits.

The town was originally built as a train station to serve the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. In its early days, it was named Oxford after an ox who was killed at the railroad crossing. Another town by the same name on the same railway line prompted the community to change the name to Fowler.

Recreation

Lake Meredith Reservoir Crowley County Colorado — Lake Meredith Reservoir, Crowley County, CO. Photo by: Jeffrey Beall

Camping –

Fowler RV Park is a 3.5-acre park with gravel RV sites, a brand-new playground, coin showers, and laundry facilities. It is also in a great location within the town, right next to the golf course and community swimming pool.
Lake Meredith campground has a handful of primitive camping sites on the northern shore of the reservoir. The area tends to get extremely windy though, so RVs or trailers might be more enjoyable than tent camping.
Lake Henry campground has several spots available on a first-come, first served basis with no fee for usage. There are no hookups available, but spots are plenty big enough for either tents or larger camping rigs.

Fishing –

The Arkansas River is a prime spot to fly fish for rainbow and brown trout. Upstream, Pueblo has put a lot of effort into restoring the water quality of the river, resulting in a better fishing experience for all.
Lake Meredith Reservoir requires a valid fishing license to fish its frequently stocked waters. Either cast your line from a boat or shore areas for walleye, catfish, and crappie.
Lake Henry has 1,100 acres of water to fish for saugeye, wiper, catfish, walleye, and so much more. There is a designated fishing pier to use as well if you have mobility issues.

Person in short sleeve white shirt and white hat about to swing at a golf ball on the Cottonwood Links Golf Course — Getting some swings in at Cottonwood Links Golf Course in Fowler, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/cottonwoodlinksfowler

Golfing – Cottonwood Links is a nice 9-hole course right in town. It’s perfect for any level golfer and has a relaxing clubhouse that can be rented for events.

Hiking –

Fowler doesn’t have much hiking, but if you want some fresh air head 45 minutes east to Bent’s Old Fort Hiking Trail by La Junta. It is a 1.5-mile loop around the interesting historic site, and much of the trail runs along the river.
Withers Canyon trailhead is also near La Junta to the south and has access to the Picket Wire trail. The trail wanders for 8.5 miles along a river if you want a longer trek, or opt for the shorter 1-mile loop for easy views of the canyon.

Accommodations

Hotel room with two double beds with aztec patterned comforters and a mounted painting of a horse running at the Fowler Inn. — Room at the Fowler Inn. Photo by: facebook.com/fowlerinn

Booking.com

Fowler Inn – The only accommodation serving Fowler, this is a locally owned, no-frills motel. Rooms come with one king or two double beds, a private bathroom, and a desk if you need to get some work done.

If you’re looking for more options, head 30 minutes east to check out the hotels in La Junta.

Dining

Pitcher of beer, glass of water, and platter of chips and salsa on the table at the Tamarack Grill in Fowler. — Festival fall specials at The Tamarack Grill in Fowler. Photo by: facebook.com/the-tamarack-grill

The Tamarack Grill – Start your day out with a hearty breakfast burrito, grab a quick sandwich for lunch, or enjoy a steak and shrimp dinner at this small-town grill. They also serve up pizzas, three types of homemade pie, and cold beer on tap.

Chelsey’s Wings Burgers and Spirits – If you’re looking for a lively place to watch the game while you chow down on a juicy burger, Chelsey’s is the spot for you. There is also a pool table and plenty of happy hour specials each day.