Madonna of the Trail - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Madonna of the Trail is a 12-foot tall statue commemorating the pioneer women of the westward expansion. The statue is located in Prowers County, Colorado, and is one of a series of statues erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Madonna of the Trail is open to the public year-round, and there are several things to do when visiting the statue. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the statue and learn about its history, or they can hike one of the nearby trails. There are also picnic tables and grills available for use, making Madonna of the Trail an ideal spot for a family picnic. Whatever you choose to do when visiting Madonna of the Trail, you're sure to have a memorable experience.

Many settlers who crossed the plains to settle in the American West did so on foot, carrying all their possessions with them on their backs. The journey was long and arduous, and many families lost loved ones along the way. The Madonna of the Trail is a statue that honors these brave pioneers. It was created by sculptor George E. Stratton and installed in 1931. There are twelve Madonna of the Trail statues in total, each located in a different state along the historic trail. The Prowers County statue is located in Lamar, Colorado. It stands atop a stone pedestal and depicts a pioneer mother leading her children westward. The Madonna of the Trail is a reminder of the courage and determination of those who helped to settle our great nation.

The best time to visit the Madonna of the Trail is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. During the summer months, the statue can be quite hot, and winter weather can make hiking to the statue difficult. However, regardless of when you visit, the Madonna of the Trail is sure to impress. 

1. Pack comfortable walking shoes - you'll want to explore the area around the monument, and comfortable shoes will make it more enjoyable.
2. photography lovers rejoice! The Madonna of the Trail is one of those rare places where photography is encouraged - so snap away! Just remember not to use flash photography or climb on any statues or monuments.
3. Check out the interpretive center . Located just down the road from the Madonna of the Trail, the Prowers County Pioneer Historical Society & Museum offers an interpretive center with exhibits about local history and pioneer life . It's definitely worth a visit!

4. Leave no trace: Please help us preserve Madonna of the Trail by leaving nothing behind but your footprints. Pack out all trash and recyclables with you when you leave.

5. Respect private property: Madonna of the Trail is located on private property, so please respect the landowners by staying on trails and not trespassing onto their land.

6. Have fun!: Madonna of the Trail is a beautiful place to visit and learn about our history. Take some time to enjoy your surroundings and make some great memories!

1. The Madonna of the Trail is a 12-foot-tall statue located in Prowers County, Colorado. The statue was commissioned by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 1928 to commemorate the pioneer women who helped settle the American West. 
2. The statue was designed by sculptor Robert Aitken and is one of a series of 12 Madonnas located along the old National Old Trails Road, which stretches from Cumberland, Maryland to Upland, California. 
3.  It was dedicated on June 3, 1929 and stands on a granite base that includes a plaque with the names of the early settlers who traveled along the trail. 
4. The Madonna of the Trail has been described as "stern and strong", "a gentle and courageous mother", and "a symbol of strength, faithfulness, and courage". 
5. Today, the Madonna of the Trail still stands as a testament to the courage and perseverance of the pioneer women who helped settle America's western frontier.

 It is believed that it would take approximately two hours to explore all of the monument and its surrounding area. 

To reach the Madonna of the Trail, take Highway 24 west from Lamar. After about 15 miles, you will see a sign for the monument on the right side of the road. turn right onto the gravel road and follow it for about a mile to the parking area. From there, it is a short hike to the statue. 

Visitors can explore the site for free, but there is an entrance fee to enter the visitor center.

The monument is open to the public during daylight hours.