Pueblo

Pueblo, also known as the Steel City or Home of the Heroes, is a city of about 112,000 people in the Eastern Plains of Colorado. It is on the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. == Understand == === History === Before Europeans came to the region, the indigenous Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne peoples lived in the area since prehistoric times. Eventually though, Spanish colonists came into the region. Eventually, a trading post and fort named El Pueblo was established by trappers, hunters, and traders of various backgrounds. However, a massacre occurred at the post causing its abandonment. Eventually, railroads began to run through the area and prompt growth causing the establishment of multiple cities which all eventually consolidated into the City of Pueblo. The city became a major economic center especially in regards to steel, thanks to the steel mill, operated by Colorado Fuel and Iron (CF&I), southeast of the city's center. The steel mills brought significant immigration to Pueblo, with immigrants from all around the world, such as Italians, Slovenian, German, Japanese, Lithuanian, African-American, Russian, and even more, all coming to Pueblo. This made the city incredibly diverse, over 40 languages spoken in the steel mill and over a dozen non-English newspapers were being printed. Unfortunately, a great flood due to the Arkansas river destroyed the downtown and the economy, and made many of the residents of Pueblo leave. Since then, Pueblo has become known for having four medal of honor recipients, a military decoration awarded to Americans who have distinguished themselves in wartime with valor. Pueblo is unique in this regard because it is tied for the most recipients of the Medal of Honor with Holland, Michigan. === Climate === Pueblo has an arid climate, with hot summer days and mild winters. It generally snows less in Pueblo compared to other areas of Colorado, generally snowing the most in January with little precipitation year-round, and lots of sunshine. Stay hydrated in Pueblo, as the arid climate can be intense. === Talk === The majority of people in Pueblo speak English as their primary language. There are many people who speak Spanish as their primary or only language, however knowing Spanish is not required at all, and you can get around just fine with English. == Get in == === By car === Pueblo is on Interstate Highway 25, about 45 miles south of Colorado Springs, 120 miles south of Denver, and 100 miles north of the New Mexico border. US Route 50 connects Pueblo to points east and west. === By plane === 1 Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB IATA). It has commuter service from Denver with United Express. (updated Apr 2020) Colorado Springs Airport (COS IATA) is the closest full-service airport. == Get around == === By car === Cars are the primary form of transportation in Pueblo. There is plenty of parking around the city, and in the downtown area there are city-owned parking lots. === By bus === The City Of Pueblo Transit is the city's bus operator. Fares are $1.00 for one-way & $3.00 for a day pass. However, the busses are infrequent (one per hour) and only run from around 6:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon on weekdays, and 8:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon on Saturdays. The busses do not run on Sundays. It is also difficult to get around with the busses, as all of the lines only really connect at the center of town. Making it take a long time to get from one part of town to the other. === By bicycle === The city of Pueblo has many bicycle routes throughout the town, and some bicycle lanes, some being separated from cars and some being shared. Shared lanes should be signed. == See == 1 Buell Children’s Museum, 210 N Santa Fe Ave., ☏ +1 719 295-7200. The nation’s No. 2 ranked children’s art museum, according to Child Magazine, is here in Pueblo. This 12,000-square-foot, two-level facility offers innovative, hands-on exhibits focusing on the arts, science and history for people ages one to 101. 2 El Pueblo History Museum, 301 North Union, ☏ +1 719 583-0453. Adults $7, seniors/military/students $5, children under 6 free. (updated Sep 2024) 3 Rosemount Museum, 419 W 14th St, ☏ +1 719-545-5290. (updated Mar 2021) 4 Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, 31001 Magnuson Ave, ☏ +1 719-948-9219. This is a great museum containing a large collection of aircraft and military memorabilia. From World War 1, 2, America's involvement in the Middle East, and even the Space Race, this museum showcases fascinating aircraft from all over history. (updated Mar 2025) 5 Steelworks Museum of Industry and Culture, 215 Canal St (Central exit off I-25. Go two blocks south on E. Abriendo to Canal Street; turn east), ☏ +1 719-564-9086. 10AM-4PM. Steelworks Museum is in the National Registered CF&I Medical Dispensary part of CF&I office complex. Exhibits include timeline of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company from 1872 to 1993, the story of steel, mineral and gem collection, life in a mining camp, a working nail machine and the mine rescue car. $8 adults. == Do == 1 Lake Pueblo State Park, 640 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, ☏ +1 719-561-9320, Lake.Pueblo.Park@State.Co.Us. Parking $10/vehicle/day, Basic campsite $28, Electric hook-up campsite $36 (camping rates do not include parking fee). 24 hrs (but between 10PM-5AM, you must be actively camping, fishing, or boating). Visitor center: Daily, 9AM-4PM. (updated Sep 2024) Pueblo Symphony Orchestra, 301 N. Main St. Suite 102, ☏ +1 719-545-7967. The Pueblo Symphony orchestra presents a six-concert season of eclectic programs appealing to many different tastes. 2 Pueblo Plaza Ice Arena, 100 North Grand Ave, ☏ +1 719 553-2735. The only permanent indoor ice rink in Pueblo. Figure skating and hockey classes and sessions, as well as open public skating, are available. (updated Mar 2025) 3NOT EXISTING IMAGE Historic Arkansas Riverwalk (The Riverwalk, Pueblo Riverwalk). 24/7. Pueblo's main center of town, a canal looping around the downtown of Pueblo in the same spot as where the Arkansas River was before the Great Flood. The riverwalk has lots of food, shopping, history boat rides, events, history, and art. There are various plaques describing the history of the flooding and a slab of steel from the 9/11 attacks in New York City, that was given to the City of Pueblo. Take a walk here, go to an event, or even take one of the historic boat rides along the canal. No entry fee. (updated Mar 2025) == Buy == 1 Pueblo Mall, 3429 Dillon Dr, ☏ +1 719 543-1114. M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Opened in 1976, Pueblo Mall is at the intersection of Interstate 25 and Colorado State Route 47. As Pueblo's only enclosed shopping center, Pueblo Mall's premier location provides high visibility and easy access for the community. The mall's anchor tenants are Dillard's and JCPenney. == Eat == Pantry Restaurant, 1/2 E Abriendo Ave 107, ☏ +1 719-543-8072. Traditional food with amazing green chili. Tian Jin, 3400 W Northern Ave, ☏ +1 719-560-0903. If you are craving Chinese food, this is the place to go. Southwest Deli and Cafe, 1873 S Pueblo Blvd, ☏ +1 719-564-5539. (updated Mar 2021) == Drink == Brues Alehouse Brewing Co., 140 Riverwalk Pl. (updated Mar 2021) == Sleep == 1 SpringHill Suites Pueblo Downtown, 150 South Sante Fe Ave, ☏ +1 719-546-1234. Luxury hotel downtown. 2 Comfort Inn & Suites, 3910 Outlook Blvd, ☏ +1 719-544-5500. == Go next == Bishop Castle, 12705 State Highway 165, in the village of Rye, 719 485 3040. A quirky one-man construction project in progress since 1971 started by the late Jim Bishop, open to visitors during daylight hours year-round. The structure features, among other things, a 160-foot-tall tower, a dragon-shaped chimney, and a ballroom. You can climb to the top of the castle, or just snap a photo and keep driving. Donations are appreciated.