Stay Active Year Round in Pueblo

Lake Pueblo and Other Water Recreation

Lake Pueblo State Park, the most visited state park in Colorado, is an aquatic hot spot, with more than 60 miles of shoreline and 4,500 acres of surface water. The lake is ideal for water sports of all kinds, including jet skiing, tubing, wake boarding, boating and parasailing. North Shore Marina offers 608 boat slips, the Water Street Cafe and a Ship’s Store that sells snacks, toys, sports equipment, boating parts and water rafts. River surfers are a new crop of water enthusiasts making waves in the area. Thanks to Pueblo’s Whitewater Park, the area is quickly becoming Colorado’s main surfing destination. The venue provides great waves and eddies in one central location.

Historic Arkansas Riverwalk

The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo is another popular attraction in Colorado, although it offers much more than mere waterworks. The 32-acre downtown Riverwalk includes a scenic walkway, outdoor amphitheater, nature center, small shops, cafes and artworks. Residents commonly visit the Riverwalk to exercise on its various pathways. Pontoon boat rides are the most favored activity of tourists. The Riverwalk is always abuzz with community involvement. There is outdoor entertainment every Friday and Saturday night from May to September. An outdoor farmers market also provides food and entertainment throughout the summer.

Pueblo Zoo and The Nature and Raptor Center of Rock Canyon

The Pueblo Zoo, located in City Park, treats guests to a scenic stroll through the habitats of more than 420 animals of 140 species. Visitors can get up close and personal with farm animals at the Pioneer Ranch, or see a shipwreck journey to habitats around the world at the Islands of Life exhibit. The Nature & Raptor Center of Pueblo, located in Rock Canyon, also provides visitors with a wealth of wildlife viewing. A variety of animals and plants are housed within the center’s blend of natural habitats, allowing guests to observe, explore and enjoy nature.

National Little Britches Rodeo Association

Family, fellowship and fair play form the creed of the National Little Britches Rodeo Association of Pueblo. NLBRA participants range in age from 5 to 18, allowing entire families to travel and experience the rodeo rush together. The annual National Finals Rodeo is held at Pueblo’s Colorado Sate Fairgrounds, where about 900 contestants compete to receive more than $60,000 total in scholarship prizes. NLBRA is not only a source of entertainment in Pueblo, but is also an important tool for community enrichment.

Article by: Julianna Edmonds for livability.com