Boasting a bustling downtown, beautiful parks, incredible breweries and a tight-knit community feel, Greeley is one of our favorite cities in Northern Colorado. No matter what time of the year it is, there’s plenty to do here for everyone — including kids.
This summer might look a little different than most, as many businesses are temporarily closed and there are many restrictions in place, there are still plenty of ways to maximize the rest of the season. From sipping beer on a patio to long bike rides along a scenic trail, here are a handful of things you can do this summer in Greeley!
Hike Through Pawnee National Grassland
Photo Courtesy of Marjaliisa [CC BY-SA]
Here in Greeley, we are surrounded by opportunities for outdoor recreation. And if you like to hike, make your way to Pawnee National Grassland, a 193,060-acre grassland about 25 miles northeast of town. The 4.7-mile Pawnee Buttes Trail is the perfect place to start! Internationally known as a popular birding area, the grassland is the perfect place to go hiking, biking, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, stargazing and wildlife watching. Throughout its history, the land has seen the promise of the frontier, the tragedy of the Dust Bowl and the regrowth of the west.
Grab a Drink + Snacks at Brix Brewery & Taphouse
There’s no doubt you can get a good beer at Brix Brewery & Taphouse. After all, they have 60 taps of Colorado beers, including a selection of their very own beers brewed in-house. But they also have a variety of cocktails and food to pair with your drink of choice, including a giant pretzel, sandwiches, a charcuterie board and other shareable snacks.
Swim at Centennial Pool
Photo Courtesy of Greeley Parks & Recreation
Good news: Centennial Pool is open for the summer! This is the perfect place to cool off during the hot summer months. Click here for updated hours for lap swim and public swim, which includes 30 minutes of time in between each session to allow for proper cleaning and sanitizing. Current state and CDC-recommended hygiene and social distancing still applies to outdoor pools. The pool will be limited to 50 people during open swim times and only one person is allowed per lap lane during lap swimming. Avoid groups of 10 or more people at all times. Visitors should bring adequate water and hand sanitizer, and stay home if you have flu-like symptoms. It is encouraged that all swimmers are “swim ready” upon arrival, having showered and already dressed in swim attire.
Go to the Greeley Farmers’ Market at the Depot
For the 28th year, the Greeley Farmers’ Market at the Depot is offering a wide variety of locally grown and produced food products, including in-season fresh produce, meats, cheese, honey, breads and other baked goods. This lively market takes place at the Union Pacific Depot in the heart of Greeley.
In response to COVID-19, the market is adjusting its systems to align with both state and CDC guidelines. Any shoppers who aren’t feeling well are encouraged to stay home. The market will have signage indicating the main entrance and exit, designed to create a one-way flow of traffic. Visitors are asked to abide by the following rules: wear a mask, have an idea of what products you need, wash your hands, keep a 6-foot distance from other shoppers and vendors, limit what you touch, minimize use of cash, and don’t eat at the market.
Take the Kids to the Island Grove Splash Park or Sunrise Splash Park
Photo Courtesy of Greeley Parks & Recreation
Let the little ones splash around at Island Grove Splash Park or Sunrise Splash Park, both of which are open for the season daily from 12–4 p.m. No reservations or admission fees are required to visit the splash parks. Keep in mind that city staff do not sanitize equipment and facilities, including seating and picnic areas. Consider bringing your own chairs or blankets to sit on to avoid contact! And of course, maintain a distance from other visitors at all times.
Dine On a Patio in Downtown Greeley
Dining at restaurants is still an option for summer 2020 — with a few restrictions in place, of course! At this time, there are several restaurants in downtown Greeley open for dine-in. Head to Meeker’s for classic American food, Luna’s Tacos & Tequila for all the tacos your heart can handle, and Santeramo’s Pizza House and Italian Food for hearty Italian food. The best part? All three have outdoor patios if you’re not ready to eat inside a restaurant just yet — plus, you get to soak up all the Colorado sunshine!
Get Ice Cream at M&M Creamery
Photo Courtesy of M&M Creamery
Formerly called Longview Creamery, M&M Creamery is a relatively new ice creamery in town. M&M Creamery makes a variety of flavors, from the classics, like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, to alcohol-infused flavors, like Bourbon Pecan, Bing Cherry Sour Sam, and Bananas Foster. They currently only deliver to the Greeley area for online orders — or you can pick some up at the following locations in Greeley: Pope Farms Garden & Produce, Tower56 Distilling, Margie’s Java Joint, Highland Park Liquors, and Your Place Coffee!
Walk the Loop in Bittersweet Park
Nothing about this park is “bittersweet”. In fact, we might argue it’s 100% sweet. This quaint park in the middle of Greeley has a small lake, a walking trail, a memorial for veterans, a playground and open green space. This is also one of the best places to watch the sunset over the serene lake! Walk the 1.3-mile loop around the lake a time or two to stretch your legs, get some Vitamin D, and take in all of the sights and sounds of this peaceful park.
Drink Beer at Wiley Roots
Photo Courtesy of Ingrid Jones via Wiley Roots Brewing Co.
What is a Northern Colorado summer without craft beer? Some of our favorite local breweries have opened their doors just in time for patio season. One of our favorite breweries in the area, Wiley Roots, is open once again for dine-in — or should we say “drink-in”? Snag an outdoor table to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air! Both inside and out, they have a number of protocols in place to ensure a safe experience for all guests. When you arrive, wait to be seated and wear a mask unless you are seated. All orders will be processed at your table. Please leave all glasses, bowls, napkins, etc. at your table., as your table will be bussed, cleaned and sanitized after you leave.
Have a Picnic at Lincoln Park
Sometimes a simple picnic is the most perfect summertime activity. Grab some food to-go at a restaurant (or some snacks from the grocery store!) and make your way to Lincoln Park, situated smack dab in the middle of downtown. This small park offers a lovely green space for picnicking, relaxing under a shade tree, or walking along the paths.
Bike Along the Poudre River Trail
The Poudre River Trail travels from Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley to Colorado Highway 392 in Windsor where it connects to a separate paved trail in River Bluffs Open Space. It is a perfect trail for biking, whether you’re a beginner or a pro! Following the winding Cache la Poudre River, the Weld County section of this trail is fully paved, well maintained and features informational signs that highlight historical sites along the way. You can get even more information on the website, including a map, wildlife, trail conditions and more.
Happy Summer!
What are you looking forward to this summer in Greeley? Let us know about your favorite activities and destinations in the comments below.
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