Overview
Greeley is a city of about 110,000 in the north central region of the western U.S. state of Colorado. The seat of Weld County, the city lies 49 mi north-northeast of Denver on the South Platte River, the historic route of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1858-1861. The city was founded in 1870 by Nathan Meeker, who named it for Horace Greeley, editor of the New York Tribune and promoter of the Union Colony of Colorado. Greeley is the home of the University of Northern Colorado. The most well-known event in the town is the annual Greeley Independence Stampede, which attracts an estimated 400,000 attendees every summer.
5 things to do · 10 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Greeley
Union Colony Civic Center
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley Independence Stampede
The Kress Cinema and Lounge
Union Colony Dinner Theatre
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 13°F. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Loveland)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DEN Denver International Airport, Denver — 38 mi away (major hub). Directions
- BJC Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Denver — 41 mi away. Directions
Greeley is accessible via I-25 from the north or south, and Hwy 34 from the east or west.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Union Colony Civic Center, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley Independence Stampede
- Lunch Ambrosia
- Afternoon The Kress Cinema and Lounge, Union Colony Dinner Theatre
- Dinner The Armadillo
- Evening The Crabtree Brewery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Greeley is accessible via I-25 from the north or south, and Hwy 34 from the east or west.
Express Arrow buses stop in Greeley on their way between Denver and Buffalo, Wyoming.
Get around
Transportation in Greeley is car-focused, although there is a fairly robust bus system, and in the university area biking and walking are feasible alternatives.
See
- Greeley History Museum, 714 8th St. Local history museum, housed in the Greeley Tribune Building. +1 970-350-9220
- Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10th St. Model railroad galore. $14 adults. +1 970-392-2934
- Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A St. One of those living history museums to recreate life on the high prairie. +1 970-350-9220
Do
Do The Kress Cinema and Lounge
Do Union Colony Dinner Theatre
- Poudre River Trail, trailhead close to Greeley Stampede grounds off of N 11th Ave. A 21 mile out and back trail that offers a chance to experience some high plains habitat while walking along a somewhat serene river, minus all the development.
Buy
Shop Centerra
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Nearby
Loveland
City / town · 35 listings · 19 mi away
Berthoud
City / town · 3 listings · 20 mi away
Fort Collins
City / town · 88 listings · 22 mi away
Wellington
City / town · 53 listings · 25 mi away
Longmont
City / town · 11 listings · 26 mi away
Brighton
City / town · 3 listings · 31 mi away
Lyons
City / town · 32 mi away
Poudre Park
City / town · 4 listings · 36 mi away
My experience
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