Though overshadowed by its larger neighbor to the west, Evans, Colorado, has quietly cultivated a thriving arts scene, a passionate community spirit, and an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Evans hosts a variety of cultural events like the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Summerfest Concert Series.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy biking the 37-mile Poudre River Trail or hiking the scenic Pawnee National Grassland.
- The town celebrates its agricultural roots with events like the Weld County Fair and the yearly Sugar Beet Days Festival.
Destination Overview
Located in Northern Colorado’s Weld County, Evans, Colorado, sits just south of Greeley within the Greeley Metropolitan Statistical Area. Renowned for its proximity to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Evans provides a wealth of recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities for both residents and visitors in the region.
Evans first emerged as a railroad town in the late 1800s, serving as an agricultural hub and cattle center thanks to its location along the South Platte River. Though only covering 7 square miles, Evans packs a lot for visitors to experience.
Art galleries, local eateries, and summer concerts give a taste of small-town culture. Nearby state parks, nature preserves, and rivers offer plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Events like the annual county fair and Sugar Beet Days pay homage to Evans’ farming roots.
With its quiet streets and community charm combined with cultural festivals and natural escapes right at your doorstep, Evans provides visitors the perfect blend of small-town authenticity and big adventure.
Key Attractions
Evans hosts several can’t-miss attractions like the Riverside Park and Nature Center, the Ballyneal Golf Club, and the town’s numerous art galleries. The sweeping Pawnee National Grassland also borders Evans to the north, offering visitors 80,000+ acres of hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
Cultural Highlights
From honoring its railroad beginnings with a caboose downtown to celebrating its agricultural roots with the yearly Sugar Beet Days, Evans incorporates its past into current traditions. The town also has a thriving arts scene, with galleries like ArtWerks on 37th Street and concerts taking over Miners Park each summer.
Natural Wonders
Outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home in Evans, which is close to the Cache la Poudre River and the Pawnee National Grassland. Visitors can hike and bike for miles along the Poudre River Trail, cast for trout in the river itself, or take in sweeping plains views while exploring the nearby grassland.
Local Experiences and Culture
Beyond its cultural events and pretty landscapes, Evans also offers visitors plenty of ways to engage with locals and immerse themselves in small-town life.
Local Cuisine
From cozy diners to innovative gastropubs, Evans has a diverse culinary scene that spotlights local ingredients. The Wolverine Farm Letterpress and Publick House take farm-to-table seriously by operating an actual farm, while eateries like Doug’s Diner serve classic comfort food in a retro setting.
Cultural Events
Music lovers can catch free summer concerts at Miners Park, while St. Patrick’s Day revelers can join Evans’ lively downtown parade. The Weld County Fair in August and the Sugar Beet Days Festival each September also pay homage to the region’s agricultural roots.
Community Interactions
Visitors and residents alike can get a hands-on Evans experience by volunteering at community gardens or taking a workshop at the town’s creative reuse art center. Patrons can also chat with artists while browsing the many local galleries.
Key Attractions
Historical Sites
History buffs can see Evans’ first grain elevator, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town also has a retired Rio Grande caboose on display that highlights Evans’ railroad beginnings.
Museums
The Riverside Park and Nature Center combines nature, history, and agriculture exhibits, while the Evans Community Museum traces the town’s roots with railroad artifacts.
Landmarks
Don’t miss the 26-foot orange sculpture titled Flare at the center of Library Park. Flare’s bold color and fluid shape contrast beautifully against the Rocky Mountain foothills backdrop.
Cultural Highlights
Festivals
Each September, Sugar Beet Days turns back the clock with tractor parades, beet harvesting demos, and other nods to Evans’ agricultural history. Music and street fairs also take over downtown during this weekend bash.
Performances
Pack a picnic and catch a free concert at Miners Park each Wednesday night in July. The Summerfest Concert Series spans several genres like folk, funk, rock, and blues.
Art Exhibitions
Galleries like ArtWerks on 37th, Miller Farms Art Gallery, and the Riverside Arts Center display work in painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass art, and more from over 100 local artists.
Natural Wonders
Parks
Carter Lake provides boating, paddle boarding, and miles of multi-use trails. Riverside Park offers gardens, playing fields, and a nature center along the Poudre River.
Trails
Stretching 37 miles from Evans to the Wyoming border, the Poudre River Trail delights hikers and bikers with riverside views and opportunities for wildlife watching.
Scenic Drives
Soak in sweeping vistas of the grassy Pawnee National Grassland on Crow Valley Road. The scenic byway also accesses campgrounds and trailheads leading deeper into the preserve.
Local Cuisine
Signature Dishes
For a true taste of Evans, try the Rocky Mountain oysters at Doug’s Diner or the beef and beet burger topped with goat cheese at the Publick House.
Local Ingredients
Menus spotlight regional meats and produce from local farms like Miller Farms, which supplies eggs, heirloom veggies, and grass-fed beef to Evans eateries.
Cooking Techniques
The Wolverine Farm Letterpress and Publick House cures its own pastrami, bakes its own bread, and practices traditional food preservation techniques like pickling, jamming, and canning.
Cultural Events
Annual Festivals
Each March, Evans hosts one of Colorado’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades, with pipe bands, dancers, and floats making their way down Main Street.
Performances
The Summerfest Concert Series brings free live music to Miners Park on Wednesday evenings in July, with previous acts including folk-rockers Elephant Revival.
Art Exhibitions
The Riverside Library and Cultural Art Center hosts new artist receptions every 6-8 weeks, while galleries like ArtWerks and Miller Farms feature rotating exhibits from local painters, sculptors, and jewelry makers.
Community Interactions
Volunteering Opportunities
Lend a hand harvesting produce at local farms like Miller Farms or get creative with upcycling projects at the Art Center’s community reuse events.
Workshops and Classes
Learn glass fusing techniques at a workshop at ArtWerks on 37th or master watercolor painting through classes at the Riverside Library and Cultural Arts Center.
Community Engagement Benefits
Volunteering and taking classes allow visitors to connect with locals while giving back. These experiences provide a richer understanding of small-town life in Evans.
FAQ
How do I get to Evans, Colorado?
Evans is located just east of Greeley along US Highway 34, approximately 60 miles north of Denver. Visitors can access Evans by car or book travel through the nearby Denver International Airport or Fort Collins/Loveland Airport.
When is the best time to visit Evans?
Summer is peak season, with most key events held June through September. But fall offers pleasant weather for hiking, and spring blooms create a colorful backdrop for cycling on the Poudre River Trail.
What is there to do in Evans when it’s raining?
Head indoors to browse the town’s many art galleries and museums, catch a show at the performing arts theatre, or relax with a craft beer at one of Evans’ gastropubs.
Are there hotels, B&Bs, or vacation rentals available in Evans?
While Evans does not have hotels within town limits, neighboring Greeley offers plenty of chain and independent lodging options only 10-15 minutes away by car.
Is Evans wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Evans has worked to make key attractions and infrastructure accessible, including installing wheelchair ramps downtown and paving accessible paths through Riverside Park.
