Brush: History, Rodeo and Wide-Open Plains

Brush lies in the fertile South Platte Valley and the wide-open plains of northeastern Colorado. Its location along I-76 and at the junction of US Highways 34 and 6 with Colorado State Highway 71 gives you a clear sense of its geography. Brush brings together a history you can explore at the former Knearl School and along the Texas-Montana Trail, an annual rodeo, and recreational opportunities on the plains. When planning your trip, you can choose different focuses: historic sites, the July 4 rodeo, or biking trails in and around Brush, as well as fishing at Prairie Trails Park.

History at Knearl School and Along the Trail

The Brush Area Museum and Cultural Center is housed in the former Knearl School, a historic landmark. The school was added to the National Register of Historic Buildings in 1997. The museum has two large galleries and also commemorates the Texas-Montana Trail, which ran through Brush along Clayton Street. Historically, 10,000 to 15,000 cattle were driven north along this trail each year. Visitors can also learn about horse racing, petroleum, sugar beets, a tuberculosis facility, and feedlots at the museum. The topics thus range from cattle drives and horse racing to agriculture, petroleum, and health history.

Explore Historic Downtown on Foot

A walking tour of historic downtown focuses on the townscape. Museum staff also give a history presentation about this area. Both offerings cover downtown in different ways: the tour looks at it as a place, while the presentation focuses on its history. If you are choosing between a walking tour and a presentation, the format of the experience is a helpful distinction.

The Three-Day Brush Rodeo

The Brush Rodeo takes place every year on July 4 and lasts three days. The sporting events include bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and mutton bustin’. The program also includes a free barbecue, Little Princess Rides, a July 4 parade, and a closing fireworks display. The rodeo is therefore not limited to the competitive events, but also includes other activities. Its annual date and three-day duration give you two specific points to consider when planning your trip around the event.

Arts and Crafts at the Brush Art Center

The Brush Art Center has a different focus from the history museum. It includes a gallery and a shop featuring works by local artists from Morgan County and the surrounding region. It also hosts Paint & Sip events led by a practicing artist, as well as craft fairs featuring goods made by local artisans. If you would like to include arts and crafts in your trip, this offers a contrast to the history of the trail and the town: the focus here is on regional artwork, creative events, and handcrafted goods.

Fishing, Biking Trails and Scenic Byway

There are also specific options for outdoor activities. Fishing is available at Prairie Trails Park. Brush and the surrounding area have numerous parks and biking trails; from Brush, you can also explore the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic Byway. The options differ in scale: fishing is available at a specific park, parks and biking trails are found in and around Brush, and the scenic byway is a way to explore the region from Brush. You can compare the different options based on whether you are interested in fishing, biking trails, or a scenic route.

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