Washington County Colorado

Exploring Washington County, Colorado

Nestled in the plains of northeastern Colorado, Washington County offers visitors gorgeous vistas and small town charm. With a population just over 4,500 spread across more than 2,500 square miles, this rural county provides a peaceful getaway from bustling city life.

Geography and Climate

Washington County sits along the state’s northeastern border with Nebraska. The South Platte River runs through the county’s eastern side, while the wide open grasslands and rolling hills of the High Plains stretch to the west. With an average elevation around 4,000 feet, the land consists mainly of prairie, farmland, and scattered cottonwood trees along waterways.
The area sees hot summers, with average highs in the 80s-90s°F from June to August. Winters tend to be cold and windy, with average lows in the teens from December to February. Snowfall averages 25 inches per year, providing picturesque views across the plains. Overall the climate is dry, with annual rainfall around 15 inches.

History and Culture

Humans have lived in this region for over 13,000 years. Nomadic tribes like the Apache, Cheyenne, and Arapaho traversed the land before European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s. Drawn by promises of free land through the Homestead Act, pioneers built simple sod homes and tried farming the arid soil. Cattle ranchers followed, raising livestock on the open range.
When Colorado became a state in 1876, the area was split between several frontier counties. Washington County itself wasn’t established until 1887 from portions of these counties. It was named after the nation’s first president, George Washington.
The county seat and most populous town is Akron, with a population just over 1,700. Small rural communities like Otis and Woodrow dot the landscape, surrounded by wheat fields, cattle ranches, and the occasional wind farm or oil well.
Residents take pride in their western heritage. Many families have lived here for generations, descending from those tough homesteaders that carved a living out of the harsh plains. Community events like county fairs and rodeos celebrate that pioneer spirit.

Things to Do

Though small in size, Washington County offers visitors plenty of ways to experience the rural Plains:
– Take in the Views: With so few trees, the big sky country views seem to stretch forever. Grab a camera and capture the sea of grasslands, farms, and wildflowers. Sunrises and sunsets paint vibrant colors across the horizon.
– Visit Akron: The county seat has several attractions, including the Washington County Museum with regional artifacts and history. Antique shops and eateries line Main Street. The historic Joy Theater from the 1920s still shows movies.
– Hike Pawnee National Grassland: One of the few public lands in the county, this preserve protects shortgrass prairie habitat. Visitors can spot wildlife and wildflowers on trails through the grassy landscape.
– Attend a Local Event: County fairs, festivals, and rodeos celebrate the agricultural heritage. Cheer on cowboys riding bucking broncos, or enter pie eating contests and tractor pulls.
– Try Farm-to-Table Dining: Area restaurants offer fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from nearby farms and ranches. From steaks to green chile stew, the cuisine highlights regional flavors.
– Go Stargazing: With so little light pollution, Washington County offers phenomenal night skies. Meteor showers, nebulas, planets, and countless stars dazzle overhead.
– Visit a Historical Site: Locations like the Orphan Train Museum in Otis or the old courthouse in Akron showcase local history. Get insight into the harsh realities settlers faced.
– Shop for Antiques: Scour eclectic antique stores and junk shops across small towns to uncover hidden gems. Haggle for deals on rare collectibles.
– Camp Along a River: Pitch a tent along the Arikaree or South Platte Rivers. Cast a fishing line, build a campfire, relax to the sound of flowing water.
With wide open spaces, small town charm, and gorgeous high plains scenery, Washington County offers the perfect peaceful escape. Immerse yourself in the rural heritage through events, dining, and sightseeing across this remote region.