Sterling: Nature, Art, and History

Sterling offers several clearly distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: water and trails at North Sterling State Park, wildlife viewing in parks, and history, visual arts, and local culture. The historic Overland Trail runs through Sterling along the South Platte River. If you’re looking for a hotel in Sterling, the focus of your stay can help guide your plans: Would you like to spend time by the water, explore trails, or focus on museums and art? The places below give these options a more concrete shape.

Water, Trails, and Nature

North Sterling State Park offers nearly 3,000 acres of water on the reservoir, with coves to explore. Activities on the water include boating, fishing, jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and water skiing. When planning your trip, you can choose among a range of activities on the reservoir. The park also has about 6.5 miles of hiking trails. They connect several viewpoints and recreation areas, including the campground and swimming beach.

Wildlife adds another dimension: At North Sterling State Park, you can spot herons, turkey vultures, pelicans, hawks, falcons, eagles, geese, and ducks. Pioneer Park offers a different setting for wildlife viewing. Its 0.6-mile nature trail winds through trees and dense brush; along the way, you can observe birds and wildlife. The park’s disc golf course combines open and wooded holes with elevation changes and narrow passages. At the Overland Trail Recreation Area, multi-use trails run around a fishing pond and along the riverbank. These trails therefore differ in their settings, from the reservoir and its viewpoints to vegetated paths and the riverfront.

History, Art, and Culture

The Overland Trail Museum building was constructed in 1936 as part of the Works Progress Administration. The museum commemorates the historic migration of gold seekers and early pioneers searching for their fortunes. In addition to the main building, the complex includes a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a general store, and a church. Each building showcases a different aspect of the historic complex, while the museum’s focus highlights migration and pioneer history.

Several venues offer different perspectives for art enthusiasts. The Sanderson Gallery displays 40 paintings by William Sanderson. Exhibitions at the Peter L. Youngers Fine Arts Gallery change monthly from September through May. Sterling Creatives is an artists’ cooperative in Sterling featuring locally made art, workshops, and demonstrations. The Logan County Arts League Creative District focuses on art, music, culinary creations, and cultural heritage. The annual Sugar Beet Days festival celebrates the region’s sugar beet industry; its program includes live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts exhibitors, and family-friendly activities.

The Logan County Farmer’s Market offers another glimpse of the region’s products. Local growers, producers, artisans, and makers come together there. Offerings include seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and handmade products. The market and festival thus complement the museum and art themes with food, crafts, and regional culture.

Practical Information for Your Stay

Sterling’s Tourist Information Center is at the eastern entrance to town, at the Colorado Department of Transportation rest area off I-76, Exit 125. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Since hours may change, check opening times before your visit. The historic Overland Trail runs through Sterling along the South Platte River and offers another historical point of reference for planning your trip.

The places and offerings mentioned each have a different focus and can help you decide what interests you during your stay in Sterling.

For a broader travel overview: Logan.