Greeley welcomed more than 630,000 new visitors last year! This year the city is poised to welcome more visitors than ever, so we’ve put together a few sample travel itineraries to help you plan your next trip to Greeley.
Whether you’re planning a staycation or visiting Greeley for the first time, these ideas will help you experience the city the way the locals do!
Jump to the perfect itinerary by clicking one of the links below. Or read the entire blog to mix and match ideas and build your own adventure!
- Plan a family-friendly staycation or weekend getaway
- Try the best Greeley grub, brews, and spirits
- Connect with the great outdoors in Greeley
Plan a Family-Friendly Trip to Greeley, Colorado
Whether you’re local to Greeley and want to switch up your weekend plans with the kids, or you’ve just decided to visit Greeley for the first time, there’s plenty for families to do across the city. Below are just a few of the highlights!
Where to Stay in Greeley
DoubleTree by Hilton Greeley at Lincoln Park
Located in the heart of downtown (919 7th Street), the DoubleTree is within walking distance of many family-friendly activities in Greeley and sits just across the street from a large community park and playground. Pack your swimsuits: The DoubleTree houses an indoor pool, always an end-of-day highlight for littles during a weekend getaway.
What to Eat
Breakfast: Aunt Helen’s Coffee House
Coffee: it’s the essential fuel of any traveling parent. While there are dozens of incredible local coffee spots in Greeley, Aunt Helen’s (800 8th Avenue) is one of Greeley’s most famous and is located just down the block from the hotel. In addition to fresh beans, Aunt Helen’s offers signature waffle wraps, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and muffins. Even the pickiest kids will find something to nosh on here.
Lunch: Stella’s Pinball Arcade & Lounge
Stella’s Pinball Arcade & Lounge (802 9th Street, at the bottom of the outdoor staircase) is exactly what it sounds like. Stop by the bar and purchase some tokens, then set to playing classic arcade games like ski ball, air hockey, and pinball. (It’s like taking your kids to Chuck E. Cheese, only much, much more chill.)
The nostalgic menu offers burgers, chicken tenders, fries, classic ICEEs (booze optional), and more.
Dinner: Meeker’s Restaurant
Anyone who has traveled with kids before knows that by the end of the day, nerves can be a bit fried! That’s why for dinner we recommend Meeker’s Colorado Kitchen and Bar, which is located right inside the DoubleTree hotel lobby.
Meeker’s is known for its comfort classics and fresh, seasonal menu. They make award-winning beefsteak chili and jumbo cinnamon rolls (a Colorado classic!), plus offer plenty of kid-friendly fare like grilled cheese and tomato soup or mac ‘n’ cheese.
Other Family-Friendly Places to Eat in Greeley: Doug’s Diner, Fusco Pizza, Georgia Boys BBQ
Things to Do in Greeley with Kids
Visit Greeley’s Brand-New LINC
Greeley’s Library Innovation Center, a.k.a. LINC, is so much more than a typical library. In addition to the library stacks, event spaces, woodshop, and recording studio, LINC (501 8th Avenue) houses a children’s discovery exhibit featuring activities like a paper airplane launcher, giant lite-brite wall, and interactive art installations. If you’re having trouble imagining the space, consider this: One Greeley resident recently described it as “Meow Wolf... but for kids.”
Go on a Downtown Greeley Scavenger Hunt
Go on a Let’s Roam app-led outdoor scavenger hunt to explore Greeley like never before. Walk from landmark to landmark to discover art, culture and history. Search plaques, statues and art to solve riddles that can only be found on location. Work with your family to answer trivia questions and complete photo challenges. Earn extra points for each hidden treasure you find and photo your team takes. Can your team beat the Greeley high score?
This interactive scavenger hunt can be done at any time, so schedule it to suit the rest of your weekend itinerary!
Colorado Model Railroad Museum
A miniature world of wonder awaits at the Colorado Model Railroad Museum (680 10th Street). The Colorado Model Railroad Museum features hundreds of miniature model railroad sceneries, more than 500 small-scale locomotives, 80 scale miles of train track, and thousands of other handmade artifacts, including around 28,000 handmade trees.
There are many kid-friendly activities at the museum, including an Eye Spy Game, Legos, play area with Thomas the Tank Engine, simulators and a real 1919 caboose to tour. A visit typically last about an hour or an hour and a half, which is perfect for young kids who need a lot of variety to stay engaged!
Greeley's Historic Centennial Village
Centennial Village Museum (1475 A Street) is a living history experience that features over 35 historical buildings, costumed interpreters, heritage farm animals, and eight acres of beautifully landscaped grounds.
Visitors step back in time and learn about the settling of the western high plains, a time when grand houses, growing businesses, extensive prairies and agriculture were all a part of daily life. Not only is it a fun peek into Greeley's history, but Centennial Village can also help little ones develop an appreciation for their ancestors and a very different time in American life. The museum offers lots of special annual events, like Baby Animal Days in the spring and Howl-o-Ween in the fall, so be sure to check their calendar before you go!
Other Family-Friendly Things to Do in Greeley: Aven’s Village Playground, Rogue Play Ninja & Trampoline Center, Annual Festivals and Signature Events
Plan a Food & Brews Trip to Greeley, Colorado
Greeley Grub. It’s a thing. With award-winning breweries and distilleries across town, some of the best Mexican food around, and plenty of home-grown beef and steak options nearby, there’s more to eat and drink here than anyone could possibly cover in a single day. To make the most of our foodie scene, consider extending your trip or splitting this itinerary into several weekends and combining it with activities from other itineraries.
Where to Stay in Greeley
Book an AirBnB
There’s no place like home … but if you can’t be at home, why not stay somewhere that feels like one? Greeley residents have opened their doors to offer plenty of downtown short-term AirBnB and VRBO listings.
Our favorite is the tiny apartment hiding just below the first floor of the historic Boomer House, now home to Greeley’s very own board game clubhouse, Greeley Game Night at Boomer House (1024 8th Street). Gaming on the main floor before retiring to your suite is the perfect way to spend an evening after you’re stuffed to the gills with good eats.
What to Eat
When you’re planning a trip focused on food, there’s plenty of overlap between things to do and things to eat. The spots below are excellent places to pop in for a relaxing, delicious bite. For places with a bit more of an experience involved, hang tight. We’re getting there!
Coffee: Margie’s Java Joint
Go for the coffee; stay for the vibes. Margie’s Java Joint (931 16th Street) is rooted in exceptional hospitality mixed with quality offerings—a truly great cup of coffee, a unique breakfast or lunch, a handmade gift made by a local artist, all served with care in a welcoming atmosphere.
Breakfast: La Petite French Bakery
On the same strip of the University District as Margie’s is La Petite (919 16th Street), where you can enjoy a light, flaky, carb-forward base before a day of eating and drinking.
La Petite is an authentic French Pâtisserie specializing in croissants, macarons, galettes, and more. The menu changes daily, meaning there’s always a new flavor or bake to try. Pro tip from the locals: Arrive early! Sometimes there’s a line out the door and treats often start to sell out by midmorning on the weekends.
Dinner: Pellegrini Cucina Italiana
Treat yourself to a true taste of Italy for dinner. Pellegrini’s menu places fresh, homemade ingredients front and center, and the aromas and energy in the restaurant are exactly what you might find at a southern Italian street market. You’ll love their hand made pasta so much, you’ll want to take some home with you—and you can! Fresh pasta is for sale at the counter by the door (2400 17th Street).
Late Night Snack: Try the Taquerias
If it’s possible that you have any room left after you’ve been out and about all day, head to Greeley’s east side and look for a taco truck or stop by one of Greeley’s many family-owned taquerias. This city is home to some of the best Mexican food in the region.
Most of the taquerias have loyal followers, but some of Greeley’s most beloved go-to's are Los Comales, Los Gallitos, La Fiesta, and the Seven Fish and Lonchera El Pichon food trucks. Many of these storefronts aren’t fancy, and trust us, they don’t need to be. The food will speak for itself.
Sunday Brunch: Out of the Blue
Out of the Blue (4111 Centerplace Drive) is the new sit-down brunch spot owned and operated by the founders of local coffee shop favorite The Blue Mug. With menu options ranging from the classics to a breakfast take on charcuterie (it’s a pancake board!), plus the option to spike your coffee with Irish Cream or Kahlúa, it’s the perfect way to wrap a fun food-focused weekend.
Things to Do
Tour the Breweries
You could spend an entire weekend just taste-testing your way through flights at each of Greeley’s award-winning breweries. And you should! But if you only have time to sample a few, we suggest you focus your efforts to these downtown spots:
- Tightknit Brewing: Located in the heart of downtown and home to Greeley Beer, Tightknit often hosts trivia, live music, cornhole tournaments on the patio, and more.
- WeldWerks: Arguably Greeley’s most famous brewery (you’ve heard of Juicy Bits), WeldWerks also offers a large patio space and just opened their own arcade in a second building next door.
- Wiley Roots: Wiley Roots claims to be “uniquely crafted,” and they aren’t kidding! With a taproom menu that regularly features sour beer slushies, smoothies, and ice cream in addition to more traditional offerings (like their Beer Flavored Beer), Wiley is a fun spot for those who are eager to try something different. Like the others, Wiley offers a great cornhole patio when the weather is suitable (and in Colorado, it usually is).
Try a Locally Crafted Cocktail at a Distillery
Greeley is home to three distilleries: 477 Distilling, Syntax Spirits, and the Shine Shop. While the Shine Shop is only open for bottle purchases and special events, both 477 and Syntax offer onsite bar menus full of excellent cocktail recipes you won’t find anywhere else.
But if you care more about ambiance than you do tasting something locally crafted, you cannot beat the rotating menu of seasonal cocktails hiding in Greeley's not-so-secret Speakeasy, located in the basement of the vintage Kress Cinema & Lounge at 817 8th Avenue. (Hint: Take the stairs, and when you get to the locked door, flip the light switch and wait to be let in.)
Stock Up on Foodie Souvenirs
Sure, you'll probably take home a 477 bottle of whiskey, a Tightknit six-pack, or Pellegrini’s infamous noodles, but there are also plenty of places to stop and shop for treats around Greeley. A food and brews trip would be remiss without a visit to Mom’s Popcorn, Warm Hugs, or Voulez-Vous BonBon (order online for Greeley pick up or find the bonbons at a local pop-up event).
Plan a Camping Trip in Greeley, Colorado
Colorado is known for its 300 annual days of sunshine, and Greeley is no exception. In this city, adventure is always in season. If you love outdoor recreation, visit Greeley to get a quick fix. This itinerary is perfect as a short stand-alone trip, or you can tack it on to either side of a longer road trip through the Rocky Mountains.
Where to Stay in Greeley
Riverside Glamping in a Yurt
Platte River Fort is a riverside camping, glamping and event center located just outside of town in East Greeley (22999 U.S. 34). Enjoy an outdoor escape on their 235-acre wilderness property in a Lotus Belle Yurt. The yurts provide the perfect balance for those looking to disconnect without having to completely “rough it” in the wild.
Looking for other lodging options? Platte River Fort also offers a Conestoga wagon glamping experience, 17 RV and tent sites, a group tent area, as well as a cozy lodge for those who want to get away from it all but still prefer to sleep indoors.
What to Eat
While hot dogs and s’mores certainly offer a quintessential outdoor experience, here are our recommendations for food stops to make if you’d like to leave your tent to venture out and about in the city.
Picnic Lunch: The Cow
Located in downtown Greeley (800 9th Street), The Cow Saloon & Eatery is a local pub specializing in gourmet sandwiches. It’s a great spot for a sit-down meal, but if you have plans to be outdoors all day, we suggest ordering takeout so you can plan a mid-adventure picnic.
We’re especially fond of the classic Mary T on a croissant with kettle chips on the side.
Dinner: Luna’s Tacos & Tequila
Luna’s Tacos & Tequila (806 9th Street) offers a robust menu of street tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes, with plenty of fresh vegan and vegetarian options, too. Luna’s sources many of its ingredients locally (those are Greeley made tortillas!) so it’s a great way to sample the unique flavors from our region.
For the full outdoor experience, ask to be seated on the roof-top patio, where you’ll have a great view of one of Greeley’s public art murals.
Takeaway Snack: Mom’s Popcorn
Before you head back to your campsite, pop by (pun intended!) Mom’s Popcorn at 900 9th Avenue. Their mix of sweet, savory, and unexpected flavors are perfect for a late night by the fire.
Sample a few flavors in the store and take back a bag of your favorite or buy multiple smaller bags to mix it up. It’s hard to recommend just one, but definitely don’t sleep on the Dill Pickle popcorn. You’ll be surprised by how well it works!
Things to Do Outdoors in Greeley, Colorado
With 30 miles of biking trails, over 2,000 acres of natural areas and 40 city parks, an 80-acre lake that’s perfect for paddleboarding and fishing, and multiple city-owned golf courses, the list of outdoor adventure spots in Greeley, Colorado, is practically endless. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Bike the Poudre River Trail
The Poudre River Trail is a 21-mile paved trail that stretches all the way from East Greeley to Windsor, Colorado. Pack your bikes (or rent one from Blue Sky Cycles) and ride from the start of the trail in Greeley’s beloved Island Grove Regional Park all the way to where the trail reaches Greeley’s west perimeter, right around the Poudre Learning Center.
Not only is this epic bike adventure an incredible workout that takes you past the Poudre Ponds, the Signature Bluffs Natural Area, and (of course) the Poudre River, the mountain views from Greeley’s west side are breathtaking.
Paddle the Ponds
Poudre Ponds is a serene 80-acre lake and recreational fishery located in northeast Greeley. Enter from the Poudre River Trail or by car on 35th Avenue, just north of F Street with your watercraft.
Take your kayak, your paddleboard, or your bait and tackle (if you have a fishing license) and enjoy all the park has to offer. We recommend heading out just before sunrise or at sunset for this adventure. It’s a great spot to catch the changing colors in the sky.
Hike to the Buttes
Forgive us: This is our one outdoor recommendation for your trip to Greeley, Colorado, that is technically just outside Greeley. The views are worth the bending of the rules.
Camping at the Platte River Fort leaves you well positioned for a short drive northeast to the Pawnee National Grassland where you can pick up the trailhead for a short 1.5-mile hiking and horseback trail that overlooks the incredible Pawnee Buttes. This hike is ideal for fossil-hunting (100 species have been located near here!), bird watching, and immersing yourself in the vast history of the western frontier.
Editor’s Note: This post was written as part of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), an annual week-long tradition that celebrates the value travel holds for our economy, businesses and personal well-being. Join us May 7-13, 2023, to celebrate NTTW’s 40th anniversary as we showcase our industry’s role in fostering vibrant communities, encouraging emerging innovations and powering a strong economic recovery. This year’s theme is #TravelForward.