Experience abundant wildlife, serenity of the prairie, and unique recreational opportunities just 25 miles northeast of Greeley. The windswept plains of Pawnee National Grassland will help you get closer to nature.
History of Pawnee National Grassland
Archaeological data traces the human history of Pawnee National Grassland back 12,000 years. First home to prehistoric peoples and later to Native American groups like the Arapaho, Pawnee, Comanche, Kiowa, and Cheyenne, this prairie has a long history. Rock shelters, lithic scatters, and stone circles that still exist provide today’s archaeologists with keys to the Grassland’s past.
Officially, the United States acquired this land as part of the Louisana Purchase in 1803. Native American nations continued to live on and control most of the prairie, however, until the U.S. government began forcibly removing them and resettling Americans of European descent on the land in the 1880s. Starting in the 1930s, Pawnee National Grassland was restored via New Deal conservation programs and in 1960 the US Forest Service took over the area and officially established Pawnee National Grassland.
Recreation at Pawnee National Grassland
You can visit the Grassland to go camping in the Crow Valley Recreation Area, hiking at the Pawnee Buttes, or shooting in the Baker Draw Designated Shooting Area. The biggest attraction to Pawnee National Grassland is bird watching, though. Bird watchers from all over the country come to watch unique high plains species such as the mountain plover, burrowing owl, and birds of prey. It’s also easy to spot birds in migration and to see the lark bunting (Colorado’s state bird) in the spring and summer.
At Pawnee National Grassland, visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, cycling, and stargazing. Nearby museums allow you to learn more about the history of the area as well.
How to Get There
Pawnee National Grassland is in the northeastern part of Colorado, and you can take state highways 392 and 14 to get there. The Grassland has several entrances served by highways and service roads. The 30-by-60-mile area is always open, though some of the facilities may have limited hours. If you decide to go camping or hiking in the Grassland, be sure to check the Forest Service website for any rules about the site’s use or important safety information.
Ready to escape to nature and step back into Colorado’s past? The Pawnee National Grassland is waiting for you! Whether you’re a Greeley resident or a tourist, it’s worth making the trip.