Downtown Walsenburg. Photo: Ken Lund
Walsenburg is a historic Front Range town with plenty to offer the recreation seeker. It’s the northern most town on the Highway of Legends, a national scenic byway.
There’s a good-sized downtown, with a lot of historic buildings. Walsenburg is the Huerfano County seat and its most populated city, with 3,068 people in 2010. The elvation is 6,171 feet.
History
Fred Walsen settled nearby in 1870 and soon opened a mercantile. The town grew and Walsen assisted in the incorporation of the town, so they honered him by calling it Walsenburg.
Coal mining began in the region in 1876 and lasted more than 100 years. An estimated 500 million tons of coal was mined before operations ceased.
Main Attractions
Highway of Legends – This nationalscenic byway features 82 stunning miles of grand scenery, with two mountain passes and lots to do and see.
Lathrop State Park – Lathrop is Colorado’s first state park, situated two miles west of downtown. It offers more than 1,600 acres and two big lakes.
Things To Do near Walsenburg
Scenic Drives:
State Parks:
Towns:
- Aguilar (18mi)
- Colorado City (25mi)
- Cuchara (27mi)
- La Junta (73mi)
- La Veta (16mi)
- Ludlow (24mi)
- Pueblo (48mi)
- Trinidad (37mi)
Visit the official town website.
