ISLAND GROVE PARK

The name “Island Grove” arrives from the original stand of cottonwood trees that grew along the Cache la Poudre River. This location was once used as a burial site by the Arapahoe, Cheyenne, and Sioux tribes. The burials continued even after the arrival of European settlers. The natural beauty of the site also attracted recreationists of all kinds. In 1912 a trolley line was extended to the park. Island Grove Park is multi-use park and event complex. The park is an oasis of large shady trees, with picnic areas, restrooms, drinking fountains, and ample parking.

POUDRE PONDS

At the intersection of 35th Street and the Poudre River, on the northern edge of Greeley, is one of Greeley’s newest recreational areas, the Poudre Ponds Recreational Fishery. From Greeley, go North on 35th Avenue. At 0.34 miles North of the intersection with West F Street, you will turn right into the entrance to the Fishery. Take an immediate left and drive 1/4 mile to the parking area. Here you can access the trail to go East or West. There is a restroom for your convenience, but no running water.

SIGNATURE BLUFFS NATURAL AREA

Signature Bluffs Natural Area is a vast area of natural river habitat with a large pond, cottonwood stands, cattails and meadows. You can take canoes and kayaks out on the pond or go fishing (a fishing license is required). There are also some dirt trails to get back into the more remote areas. This is an excellent place for bird watching and to see other wildlife as well.

POUDRE RIVER LEARNING CENTER

The Poudre Learning Center is a premier facility for interdisciplinary learning that will focus on the importance of history, science, economics, stewardship, and aesthetics of the Cache la Poudre River in Northeastern Colorado. At this 65-acre site, your family or your class can learn about the role that the Poudre River played in local history. You will find out how early settlers made irrigation ditches and dams in order to utilize the water from the river for agriculture.

EASTMAN PARK

Eastman Park is a 25-acre turf-covered park in the Southeast Corner of Windsor. It has ample parking, indoor restrooms, drinking fountains, a play area for the children and a picnic shelter to get out of the sun. Eastman Park is located at Eastman Park Drive and County Road 17 (7th Street). From Windsor, head South on 7th Street and turn West on Eastman Park Drive. The park is right on the Southwest corner of the intersection. The Poudre River Trail runs along the South side of the park, South of the Pavilion.

FRANK STATE WILDLIFE AREA

At Frank State Wildlife Area you may fish for Large Mouth Bass or Catfish. Access to the wildlife area is to the North of the trailhead along County Road 13. This section of the trail has the steepest sections of the trail, but they are still only a gentle climb, and only for a short distance. You will come across an old wooden structure and some old fences that reflect the history of the area. You will also see signage for the B.H. Eaton Ditch. This four-mile ditch was named after a former governor of the State of Colorado that was also a leading figure in irrigation development for Colorado in the 1800s.