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Keenesburg, Colorado

Keenesburg Colorado Market Street
Welcome to Keenesburg, CO! Photo: Jeffrey Beall

Situated 40 miles northeast of Denver at 4,944 feet, Keenesburg is a rural plains town, so recreation is quieter. This small farming community has a population of 1,216 in 2020

The town was named for Les Keene, an early settler of the area. Keenesburg is a Statutory Town in Weld County, sitting at an elevation of 4,944′. It’s best known for its large animal sanctuary, which rescues big game from all over the world.

Main Attractions

Grizzly bear
Spectators on the walkway over a grizzly bear habitat at the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Photo by: Wild Animal Sanctuary

Wild Animal Sanctuary – A 720-acre refuge for hundreds of lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and large carnivores rescued from illegal situations. A 1.5-mile elevated walkway overlooks many of the animals in their rehabilitative habitats.

Banner Lakes State Wildlife Area – Hundreds of acres of sprawling protected land make this SWA a sought-after waterfowl hunting area. In the off-hunting season, visitors can explore all of the marshes, ponds, and trails that are nestled within the area.

Recreation

people watching from a raised pathway a grizzly bear at the Wild Animal Sanctuary
Fishing at Barr Lake State Park, a short drive from Keenesburg, CO. Photo by: Marilynn Court

Camping – Wild County RV park is located right within town and offers 182 hook-up sites with 24/7 access.

Fishing – Banner Lakes offers 10 ponds to fish from, as long as you have a valid permit. You are not able to use motorized boats in these waters. Barr Lake State Park also has expansive waters to fish for trout.

Hiking – Schey Park offers nice, shaded walking trails in town. Head 20 minutes southwest to Barr Lake State Park for over 12 miles of trails varying in difficulty.

Accommodations

Downtown
Road entering Keenesburg, CO. Photo by: Loco Steve

Keene Motel – The only accommodation you’ll be able to find in Keenesburg, this highly rated spot is a reliable place to rest. Service is friendly, beds are comfortable, and it’s in a great location.

If you need more options for your stay, check out these hotels in Brighton, about a 25-minute drive from town.

Special Events

People partner dancing outside
Partner dancing at Keenesburg Days, held annually in August. Photo by: facebook.com/townofkeenesburg

Apr – Spring Town Wide Garage Sale – This is a perfect way to spring clean! Sign up with the town to be part of the list of addresses holding sales for the weekend and earn some extra cash.

Apr – Easter Egg Hunt – Bring your kids to put their egg-hunting skills to the test at Schey Park. This event is held the Saturday before Easter and offers prizes for different age categories.

Jun-Jul – Movie Night in the Park – Pack up a picnic and some lawn chairs to watch family-friendly movies under the stars at Schey Park.

Aug – Sunflower Nationals Auto Show – A car lovers paradise, this one-day festival features many antique cars, a parade, raffle drawings, and live music performances.

Dec – Christmas in Keenesburg – Celebrate the holiday season with a visit from Santa and the rodeo queens, marshmallow roasting, and a parade to end the night.

Main street of a small town
Main Street of Keenesburg, CO. Photo by: Jeffrey Beall

Activities near Keenesburg

Towns:

  • Brighton (20mi)
  • Denver (41mi)
  • Greeley (33mi)
  • Hoyt (30mi)
  • Longmont (38mi)
  • Loveland (49mi)

Wildlife:

  • Wild Animal Sanctuary

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