Colorado is renowned for its limitless places to visit, exciting attractions, and enjoyable weekend activities.
One shining example of it is the municipality of Pueblo, the seat of Pueblo County, Colorado.
Amazingly, this town is the hometown of four Medal of Honor recipients, earning the moniker “The Home of Heroes.”
Moreover, Pueblo has a rich and vast history, making it an ideal destination for history buffs.
At the same time, it’s a beautiful town to explore the outdoors and see the natural beauty of Colorado.
This town is a great place to relax your mind and body from stressful city life.
Moreover, Pueblo’s attractions don’t need you to break the bank to enjoy all of them.
Here are the free things to do in Pueblo, Colorado, to give you great ideas.
Paul Brady Photography / Shutterstock.com
First on your itinerary should be the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo.
This fantastic attraction can be accessed through N. Union Avenue, which takes you along the shores of the Arkansas River.
It’s where you’ll join fellow visitors in a great sightseeing activity.
Historically, this riverwalk was constructed as part of Pueblo’s efforts to improve its tourism sector, which turned out remarkably.
Paul Brady Photography / Shutterstock.com
Today, it’s one of Pueblo’s most famous attractions, which is likened to San Antonio’s own Riverwalk.
The entire attraction spans over 32 acres of urban waterfront beauty with plenty of excursions and entertainment.
Bring your loved ones to the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk for a fun day and an excellent way to start your Pueblo adventure.
Faina Gurevich / Shutterstock.com
The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center – River Campus is a beautiful multi-campus educational center and nature preserve.
You can visit this place along Nature Center Road.
It’s a great place to bring kids or even grownups to get in touch with nature through its exciting educational programs.
An excellent way to enjoy your time at this nature preserve is by exploring Colorado’s local flora and fauna.
Or perhaps join its River Campus and Mountain Campus, which draws more than a thousand eager participants yearly at no cost.
You’ll learn plenty of worthwhile things at the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center – River Campus.
Learn about wildlife rehabilitation, nature education, stewardship, and outdoor recreation, making it a worthwhile place in Pueblo to visit.
Your visit to Pueblo won’t be complete without the Heroes Plaza – National Medal of Honor Memorial.
Pueblo is home to four Medal of Honor recipients in history.
Thus, visiting this historical landmark along Central Main Street allows you to dive deeper into the town’s rich and honorable history.
The plaza features life-sized bronze statues of all four recipients: Carl Sitter, Drew Dix, William Crawford, and Raymond Gerald Murphy.
All four recipients served the United States armed forces in different wars; amazingly, all four are proud sons of Pueblo.
Wiliam Yates and David Dirrim designed the bronze statues and memorial after its establishment in 1998 in Pueblo’s downtown area.
Today, you can visit the Heroes Plaza – National Medal of Honor Memorial and learn about the bravery of each of the four hometown heroes.
Jeffrey, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The City Park of Pueblo is a fantastic asset of the town, established in 1904.
You can visit this park along Carlile Avenue.
This municipality of Pueblo purchased the park from Charles Dittmer in 1903 to provide the town’s locals with a place for recreation.
Most of its existing structures were constructed in the 1930s.
Martin Lewison, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Today, this park remains one of the local’s favorite places to hang out and enjoy the outdoors.
It’s where you’ll find the Pueblo Zoo, fairgrounds, golf course, and other attractions, making it a wonderful place to wander.
At the same time, the City Park of Pueblo is a perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy hiking, biking, or playing disc golf.
Otherwise, chill under the tree’s canopy while enjoying the park’s beauty with your loved ones.
Pueblo Main Street serves as the main thoroughfare of the downtown area.
Also known as the “Pittsburgh of the Plains,” this area in Pueblo became home to major smelting and steel mill facilities back in the day.
However, Main Street has gone far from its industrial past as it became the town’s center for commerce, activities, and tourism.
Walking through Pueblo Main Street lets you get acquainted with the locals and the town’s history.
At the same time, you’ll enjoy seeing century-old buildings that serve as small shops and other businesses that keep the town bustling.
Along the way, you’ll pass through the town’s museum, parks, and other attractions, giving you valuable time during your visit.
If you’re fortunate enough, you might catch one of Pueblo’s festivals while strolling Main Street.
Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pueblo Railway Museum is a fascinating outdoor museum that details the town’s vast railroading history.
You can visit this museum for free along West B Street.
This volunteer-run museum is an excellent place for railway enthusiasts to explore its vast open-air museum that spreads through the Pueblo Union Depot.
You can see a vast collection of vintage engines, carriages, and rolling stock that served the railroad industry back in the day.
At the same time, the museum regularly hosts public events year-round, giving more excitement to your visit there.
Drop by the Pueblo Railway Museum and dive into the town’s rich heritage.
Pueblo Art Guild Gallery is a local organization of artists which enriches the town’s local arts scene.
Head to the Mineral Palace Park along N. Santa Fe Avenue to see the local artists’ masterpieces.
This group regularly holds an art gallery featuring their members’ various artworks.
If you’re yearning to see Pueblo’s local arts scene, it’s your perfect chance to catch them at Mineral Palace Park.
Visiting the Pueblo Art Guild Gallery won’t just allow you to get a glimpse of the town’s local arts scene but also an opportunity to mingle with local artists.
At the same time, you can explore the rest of the Mineral Palace Park to see other attractions.
Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mineral Palace Park is a gorgeous 57-acre outdoor attraction known for its history.
You can visit this park along N. Santa Fe Avenue.
It has an elegant arboretum, a playground, a trail, a pool, a fishing pond, and plenty more amenities.
However, most parkgoers who visit this place are drawn to its fascinating bygone era, notably the Colorado Mineral Palace, which now serves as Pueblo’s municipal greenhouse.
Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Back in the day, the palace served as a great testament to Colorado’s prosperous mining industry, which paved the way for the park’s construction.
Today, you can still see most of the original features of the Mineral Palace Park while enjoying its gorgeous views and other attractions with your loved ones.
Besides history, you and your loved ones can enjoy picnicking, strolling, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities at this famous park.
The Center for American Values is an organization that mainly offers educational and charitable programs.
You can visit this place along S. Main Street.
Besides its noble cause, this place is widely known for its “Portraits of Valor” gallery.
This fantastic attraction displays a collection of 154 portraits of all the nation’s Medal of Honor recipients, including the four Pueblo locals who received the honor.
Moreover, the gallery is one of the only two permanent displays in the nation, making it a must-see historical attraction.
Visiting this place won’t just allow you to see these heroes up close but also will enable you to pay your respects.
Drop by the Center for American Values for a spectacular historical experience.
Check out Ray Aguilera Park, formerly Bessemer Park, along W. Northern Avenue.
Locals know this park as one of Pueblo’s best places to relax and unwind.
It has all the amenities you need for a great park experience.
It has a picnic area, sports facilities, drinking fountains, pavilions, a playground, a splash pad, and restrooms.
Moreover, this park has held significance in town since councilman Ray Aguilera changed its name.
Overall, Ray Aguilera Park is a charming spot in Pueblo where you can pass the time or enjoy various outdoor activities.
PEO ACWA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Pueblo Whitewater Park – Arkansas River is a famous attraction in town that takes you to a half-mile stretch for various water activities.
You can visit this place along Chappa Place and Pearl Street.
This whitewater park is the go-to place for those who love extreme water sports.
Most of the activities you can enjoy here are whitewater rafting, surfing, and kayaking.
The stretch features a strong current for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Plaza Verde Park is like most parks you’ll come across in Pueblo.
However, this park along E. Ash Street is particularly famous for being the venue of the favorite event for the Latino population in town.
This park opened in 1972 and is where most Latino celebrations happen, such as Cinco de Mayo and other traditional festivals, making it a lively place to check out.
You’re guaranteed to have fun and even rub elbows with locals celebrating their heritage and culture at this park.
If there are no events, Plaza Verde Park is a splendid place to enjoy a picnic with your loved ones.
Or perhaps go hiking, biking, or playing outdoor sports at this lovely park.
ERoss99, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Union Avenue Historic District is one of Pueblo’s commercial districts in its downtown area.
This place along E. D. Street is renowned for its well-preserved century-old buildings that now serve as historical sites.
The whole avenue spans 27 acres, including three historical sites: the Union Depot, Quaker Flour Mill, and Vail Hotel.
It consists of a cluster of buildings with historical and architectural relevance to the town.
Visiting the Union Avenue Historic District allows you to see these old buildings and learn more about Pueblo’s history.
At the same time, you can take gorgeous photos in front of these century-old brick buildings for your souvenir.
Eiler Heights Historic Neighborhood, or called the “Bojon Town,” is a fascinating community comprised of traditional Slovenians.
Unlike other attractions you can visit in the city, this place offers you a unique experience by mingling with Slovenian locals who have thrived in Pueblo for many years.
Amazingly, most of the century-old houses where the locals live remain in good condition.
With that in mind, visiting this place offers you a different perspective of the town’s history.
A visit to the Eiler Heights Historic Neighborhood is a fascinating experience.
You’ll discover a treasure trove of the town’s memories dating back to its early days.
Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fountain Creek is one of Arkansas River’s many tributaries that run through Pueblo.
This creek runs more than 75 miles long and reaches Colorado Springs.
For Pueblo locals, this creek serves as one of their regional parks.
Many outdoor recreations await you there.
One of the most favorite activities to enjoy at this creek is fishing.
Local anglers often catch chub, brown trout, and sunfish at this creek.
There are plenty of comfortable spots along Fountain Creek to cast your lines whenever you’re itching for some practical fishing session.
Pack your fishing gear when you visit Pueblo and head to this creek to catch your next dinner.
Besides the typical mainstream attractions, Pueblo has many hidden gems that are free to enjoy.
From gorgeous parks to remarkable historical attractions, Pueblo has them all.
Start packing your bags, drive to this charming town, and discover the free things to do in Pueblo, Colorado!
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
