Island Grove Regional Park & Centennial Museum
Greeley, Colorado
At the eastern end of the Poudre River Trail you will find Island Grove Park and Centennial Village, located at 14th Avenue and D Street in Greeley.
Trailhead for the Poudre River Trail
Island Grove Park is also a trailhead for the Poudre River Trail.
Click on the adjacent map for a printable map showing parking and access to the trail
Island Grove 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. WEBSITE
The History
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.
The Greeley Stampede
During the 1870s the new settlers used this shady area for picnics. The first cowboy tournament was held at the park in 1898. This was the forerunner of what is now known as The Greeley Stampede. The internationally acclaimed festival of Western rodeo events, carnival, concerts and more is the world’s largest 4th of July rodeo and attracts over 250,000 people annually from all parts of the United States and several foreign countries. WEBSITE
Centennial Village
In 1976 Centennial Village outdoor museum was established in Island Grove Park to re-create the Greeley / Weld County lifestyle between 1860 to 1920. It includes over 30 structures from the Old West set on 8 acres. Here you can wander through the village, visit a range of places including an old train depot, blacksmiths shop, adobe pantry, chuckwagon, an old prairie schoolhouse and more. There is a small entry fee. WEBSITE