Named after the Walter Scott novel “A Legend of Montrose”, Montrose lies in the Uncompahgre Valley of western Colorado. The city flourished in the late 19th century following the arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad and grew into an important regional shipping hub. Nearby is the Shavano Valley Rock Art Site, which was established by Native American peoples around 1000 BC.
Things to do in Montrose
Sprawling around the banks of the Uncompahgre River is Cerise Park, which hosts summer concerts and cultural events throughout the year. It boasts a disc golf course and a kid-friendly jungle gym, as well as a skate park, tennis courts and an off-leash dog area. At the southern end is the Montrose Water Sports Park where you can test your skills at river surfing.
If you’re interested in the area’s cultural heritage, visit the Ute Indian Museum, which explores the past and contemporary lifestyles of the tribe. It is located on the homestead of Chief Ouray and includes a memorial to this 19th-century leader. Learn about the Ute people’s traditions as you browse the engaging displays, which include an exhibit about the celebratory Bear Dance.
Want to get active? Head to the Montrose Recreation District, which encompasses both indoor and outdoor facilities. In addition to sporting courts, a gymnasium and three pools, there’s a dedicated walking and jogging track. Golfers can take advantage of one of the three courses dotted around Montrose, including the Black Canyon Golf Course and Bridges Golf & Country Club.
Getting around Montrose
Montrose Regional Airport is a five-minute drive from the city centre and has seasonal flights to destinations across the United States. Long-distance buses connect to Montrose while local services travel throughout the town. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.