[Downtown Main Street in Sterling, Colo. Photo: Felipe Galoppini] Sterling is a fairly large plains city tucked in northeastern Colorado. In 2010 the home rule municipality and county seat recorded a population of 14,777.
It’s the largest town in both Logan County and Northeast Colorado. This makes it the commercial hub of the region, home to stores like Walmart, The Home Depot and numerous chain restaurants. The downtown features several blocks of places to eat and shop.
There is a two year residential college in town, Northeastern Junior College. The Crosson Field Municipal Airport is located in town, however, there are commercial scheduled flights. The closest commercial airport is Denver International Airport, some 120 miles to the southwest.
There are a few freight carrier railroads serving town, but no passenger trains. Located 47 miles to the southwest, Fort Morgan hosts the closest Amtrak station. The Black Hills Stage Lines operates bus service from Fort Morgan to Denver, as well as Nebraskan cities of Kearney, North Platte and Omaha.
History
Settled in 1868 at an elevation of 3,937 feet, the town was incorporated in 1884. It is home to Logan County Courthouse, a uniquely domed building erected in 1909. There has been a post office in town since 1874. It was named after a local railroad official’s hometown of Sterling, Illinois.
Accommodations
Entrance to the Overland Trail Museum in Sterling, Colo. Photo: Jeffrey Beall
Painting of Sterling, Colorado train station assumed to be made in 1880s..
Main Street in Sterling facing north from the 1920s.
Old Sterling High School built in 1909.
Infamous “Blizzard of 1949” near Sterling.
Things To Do near Sterling, CO
Made in Colorado:
Towns:
- Brush (35mi)
- Denver (129mi)
- Fort Collins (102mi)
- Fort Morgan (47mi)
- Greeley (91mi)
View the town’s official website.
