Pueblo is a southern Colorado destination that blends art, history and outdoor recreation with attractions for a range of budgets.
This list highlights a mix of longtime favorite attractions with some lesser-known things to do in Pueblo, CO, many of which are free or inexpensive.
Key Takeaways
There are a lot of neat things to do in Pueblo, Colorado, especially if you’re there on an extended trip:
- Educate and entertain the kiddos with a visit to the Buell Children’s Museum or Pueblo Zoo.
- Admire the art installations in the Union Avenue Historic District, Pueblo Neon Alley and the Arkansas Riverwalk.
- Step into Pueblo’s rich past with a trip to the Rosemount Museum and El Pueblo History Museum.
- Fish, hike and enjoy the outdoor recreational activities offered at Lake Pueblo and Lake Minnequa Park.
- Consider timing your visit to coincide with the Colorado State Fair, which offers the typical fair experience combined with a unique look at the state’s agricultural history.
1. Learn something new at the Buell Children’s Museum
If you’re looking for kid- and budget-friendly things to do in Pueblo, CO, check out the Buell Children’s Museum. Buell is full of hands-on exhibits focused on art, science and history. Tickets are only $12 for adults and $10 for children and seniors.
While the exhibits are educational, Buell feels less like a museum and more like an immersive adventure designed to get kids thinking. Instead of looking at relics behind glass, children are encouraged to problem solve and create their own art.
The 12,000-square-foot museum is in the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center in downtown Pueblo, which is also home to the Ryal’s Family Library and several art galleries.
2. Go fishing on Lake Pueblo State Park
Lake Pueblo State Park is a well-known fishing and outdoor recreation spot in Pueblo. The lake features 4,600 surface acres of water and about 60 miles of shoreline for fishing.
Beyond fishing, guests enjoy boating, camping and hiking miles of trails. The cherries on top are breathtaking views of Pikes Peak and the Greenhorn and Wet Mountains, making it a great option for outdoor enthusiasts on a longer stay.
A park entrance pass is required for vehicles and individuals. Individual daily passes are $4, while vehicle passes range from $10 to $17 depending on the vehicle's registration.
3. Stroll the Union Avenue Historic District
This district is the perfect place for an old-time feel in Pueblo. Once a wholesale and warehouse district serving the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, the area was heavily affected by the Great Pueblo Flood of 1921. Today, its century-old buildings are home to boutiques, art galleries, bars and cafes.
If you’re looking for free stuff to do in Pueblo, Colorado, it’s hard to beat a peaceful afternoon stroll for coffee and shopping in this unique district. Consider visiting on the first Friday of the month to take part in the Creative Corridor's First Friday Art Walk.
The Union Avenue Historic District also borders the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo, which is lined with public art, restaurants and historic attractions. Seasonal boat rides are also available.
4. Meet 400+ animals at the Pueblo Zoo
The Pueblo Zoo, which spreads across 25 acres in Pueblo City Park, is home to more than 400 animals representing 125 species from around the world. Zookeeper talks and animal feedings are held daily. Otter and lion feedings are during the summer months, while penguin feedings take place year-round.
Current pricing is:
- Adults: $15.25
- Children 3-17: $11.25
- Seniors 65+: $12.25
- Military adults: $12.25
- Military children: $8.25
- Children 2 and under: free
A portion from each ticket sale goes toward conservation efforts that help endangered species. Behind-the-scenes packages are available for an additional cost and offer closer experiences with the animals.
5. Discover Pueblo Neon Alley
Look behind a bakery in the historic district of Pueblo at night and you may be surprised to find the Pueblo Neon Alley. This alleyway has around 40 neon signs, giving it the feel of an outdoor art installation. Some of the most popular lights include Aladdin’s genie lamp and a giant pencil.
The Pueblo Neon Alley is free to visit and is one of the more unique things to do in Pueblo, Colorado. It’s the convenient start or an end to an evening spent strolling the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk.
6. Explore the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo
The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is a must for anyone looking for free stuff to do in Pueblo, CO. This 32-acre urban waterfront is in the heart of downtown, Pueblo. It offers a mile-long paved channel and walking paths where you can view public art for free. Pedal and gondola boat rides are available for a fee during the spring and summer months.
History buffs may enjoy the “Walk of Valor” interactive experience, with QR codes located at 11 historical stops that tell various stories. The experience highlights the stories behind Pueblo's "Home of Heroes" nickname.
The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is directly connected to the Union Avenue Historic District making it a perfect pairing with a day spent visiting shops and museums.
7. Step back in time at the Rosemount Museum
The Rosemount Museum is a nice visit for anyone interested in the Victorian era. Stepping into the 37-room Victorian mansion is like walking into a time capsule.
The mansion was built in 1893 for the Thatcher family and still contains nearly all its original furnishings. Consider taking a guided tour, and watch the house come alive with stories about its past. Guided tours are available throughout the day, with the last tour beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Known as “Colorado’s Crowned Jewel,” the mansion-turned-museum provides a more intimate look at Victorian life and architecture than you typically get in a traditional museum.
Admission is as follows:
- Adults: $8
- Kids 6-18: $4
- Seniors 60+: $6
- Children 5 and under: Free
8. Dig into history at El Pueblo History Museum
The El Pueblo History Museum is home to an active archaeology site and innovative exhibits that explore the region’s cultural and industrial history. One of the more popular attractions is a replica of a 19th-century adobe trading post, which visitors can walk through.
The Borderlands of Southern Colorado exhibit provides useful context for anyone looking to understand the multicultural makeup of modern Pueblo and the city’s complex political history.
Admission for the El Pueblo History Museum is as follows:
- Adults: $10
- Seniors 60+: $8
- Children: Free
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
El Pueblo History Museum is also walking distance from the Riverwalk and Union Avenue, making it a perfect stop on a day exploring downtown Pueblo attractions.
9. Explore the Pueblo Levee Mural Project
Checking out the Pueblo Levee Mural Project is one of the more unique things to do in Pueblo, CO. The project spans over 125 murals and 130,000 square feet along the flood levee of the Arkansas River.
The area once held the Guinness World Record for the largest outdoor mural gallery in the world between 1995 and 2016. The levee has since been reconstructed, resulting in the loss of many of its original pieces. However, it’s still an impressive sight, with local artists adding a new generation of murals in a wide variety of subjects and styles.
The murals are free to view and offer an easy way to combine public art with a walk through the downtown area.
10. Fly through history at Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
The Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum is an illuminating stop for anyone interested in aircraft and space exploration history. This museum is located on the site of a former World War II training base and spans 85,000 square feet over two hangars.
You can see many marvels of aircraft up close, including a rare B-29 Superfortress.
The museum also houses the Southern Colorado Space Museum, which includes artifacts from Apollo-era rockets and the Kennedy Space Center.
Admission is:
- $10 for adults.
- $8 for seniors and veterans.
- Free for active-duty military and kids 7 years old and younger.
11. Fish and Stroll at Lake Minnequa Park
Consider getting some fresh air and exercise at Lake Minnequa Park. The 270-acre city park is free to visit. In addition to being a great fishing spot (you’ll need a Colorado fishing license), it also includes a 2.5-mile trail around the lake, basketball courts, athletic fields and picnic areas.
Lake Minnequa is also an interesting part of Pueblo’s history, as it was created in the 1870s to supply water demanded by the local steel mill’s operations. The area was later converted to an amusement park at the turn of the 20th century, before closing in 1940.
The park is easy to access and perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for free things to do in Pueblo. Areas like this make Pueblo one of the best remote work travel destinations, since the park is perfect for a quick nature break amidst the nine-to-five grind.
12. Play carnival games at the Colorado State Fair
If you’re going to be in Pueblo around Labor Day, consider checking out the Colorado State Fair. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Pueblo, with everything from rodeo events and concerts to livestock competitions.
Admission prices are as follows:
- Adults 13+: $15
- Kids 5-12: $7
- Children 4 and under: Free (with an adult)
Admission includes access to several attractions and activities, including kid-approved duck races and Agri Golf.
At the Colorado State Fair, you can get your thrills while enjoying some of the more unique attractions that center around Pueblo’s rich agricultural history.
Start planning your Pueblo stay
There are so many things to see and do in Pueblo: public art, historic sites, outdoor recreation, museums and family-friendly entertainment. With so much to explore, The Steel City is a perfect spot for a longer trip, whether you’re visiting for fun or are a digital nomad working remotely.
With full kitchens, pet-friendly rooms and flexible booking, Extended Stay America hotels can serve as a convenient, affordable base for exploring everything the city has to offer.
Ready to book your trip to Pueblo? Explore Extended Stay America hotels in Pueblo, CO today.
