Rocky Ford, Colorado Visitor Information

Anytime of the year is a great time to visit Rocky Ford and the surrounding area. There are monthly events held at the Arkansas Valley Fair grounds and numerous activities at the Gobin Building. Be sure and check the Events Calendar.

In June, you'll want to be sure and catch the Cruisin' Into Summer Festival with car shows, food and craft vendors, and more. Each August, Rocky Ford is home to the Arkansas Valley Fair, the longest running continuous fair in Colorado. This event features a carnival, games, rodeo, truck and tractor pull, demolition derby, fantastic parade and the famous Watermelon Day, where everyone takes home a free watermelon. Every November, hot air balloonists from around the country converge on Rocky Ford for The Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival. A craft show runs on the same weekend as the Balloon Festival, so you can enjoy some shopping after watching the colorful launch of the balloons. For something fun every month in the spring, summer and early fall, come have a good time and some good food at the Wake Up Breakfast.

For nature lovers, Rocky Ford has a great place to view birds and wildlife just outside of town on Highway 266 (see map). The Rocky Ford Wildlife Area is a wooded expanse with three ponds that attract a variety of birds and animals. You can hike the shaded paths between the ponds and revel in the songs of the birds. The hiking is easy, and the marshy ponds provide a great habitat for wildlife viewing. Other areas for bird and wildlife watching include Crystal Lake, Rocky Ford High School and the Rocky Ford Golf Course.

History buffs will take great pleasure in visiting the Rocky Ford Museum, located in the historic Carnegie Library at 1005 Sycamore Ave (see map). This museum follows the history of Rocky Ford from it's founding through the 20th century. Featured exhibits include a history of the Arkansas Valley Fair, and agricultural history including the world famous melons and beet sugar industry. Other nearby historical attractions include Bent's Old Fort (20 miles), Boggsville National Historic District (30 miles), Picketwire Canyon  Dinosaur Tracks (37 miles) and the historic Santa Fe Trail (20 miles).

If fishing and hunting are more to your liking, you will find some pleasant fishing at Ryan's Ponds and Crystal Lake. Hunters will find plentiful pheasant, quail, doves, duck and goose hunting near Rocky Ford, as well as big game including deer and antelope. For more information on hunting contact the chamber office.

Movies are always more enjoyable on the big screen, and Rocky Ford has the only operating historic single screen theater in the valley. The Grand theater, located at 405 South Main, is on the historic register and has a beautiful art deco style interior. Current movies are shown every weekend. You might catch yourself marveling at the architecture as much as the movie. Phone 719.254.6006 to find what movie is currently showing.

For shopaholics, you will find numerous antique and collectible stores in and around Rocky Ford. These shops specialize in everything from glassware to old west collectibles, and you will be sure to find a unique treasure. In the late summer and early fall, the Farm Markets around Rocky Ford offer some of the best produce you will find anywhere, including Rocky Ford Watermelons and Cantaloupes, the sweetest sweet corn, onions, peppers, squash, tomatoes and the plumpest pumpkins.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy spending some family time in our beautifully maintained parks, which are perfect for family picnics and gatherings. The Rocky Ford Swimming Pool is open in the summer and offers a great chance to cool off and have some fun. The Rocky Ford Golf Course is a uniquely challenging nine hole course with a relaxed atmosphere. You don't need to reserve a tee time, and will find the price per round easy on your wallet.

Spend a few days in and around Rocky Ford, and you will leave relaxed and refreshed. If you would like more information, please contact the Chamber office.