Historic Arkansas Riverwalk - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk in Pueblo County, Colorado is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and take in some history. The riverwalk stretches for over five miles along the banks of the Arkansas River, and there are plenty of things to do along the way. Visitors can go for a walk or bike ride, fish from the riverbank, or paddle down the river in a kayak or canoe. There are also several museums and art galleries to explore, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventurous day out, the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk has something for everyone.

The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is a project that began in 1987 to revitalize downtown Pueblo. The project created a 12-footwide pedestrian walkway along the Arkansas River, from 3rd Street to the confluence of the Fountain and Arkansas Rivers. The Riverwalk features scenic views, public art, fountains, statues, plazas, intuitive gardens, an amphitheater, and several restaurants. It is also home to the children's museum and the Steelworks Museum of Industry and Culture. The Riverwalk has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike and has helped to revitalize downtown Pueblo.

The Riverwalk is particularly popular in the summer months when its many gardens are in full bloom. However, it is truly a beautiful place to enjoy any time of year. 

1.  The Spanish Colonial Revival style Visitor Center is worth a visit itself and has interactive exhibits on the area's history and culture.
2.  From the Visitor Center, take a leisurely stroll along the RiverWalk past themed gardens, sculptures, and public art installations.
3. Stop by the El Pueblo History Museum to learn about the early days of Pueblo when it was a trading post on the Santa Fe Trail.
4. For a bite to eat, there are several restaurants with outdoor seating overlooking the river. Or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the scenic parks along the way.
5.  For something truly unique, try your hand at Wakeboarding at Lake Elizabeth - one of only two in-town lagoons in the U.S. with this activity! 
6.  To get active, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the waterway up close. You can also go fishing if you have a license (catch and release only).
7. Take a guided tour. Guided tours are available for a small fee and provide an enlightening look at the Riverwalk and its history.
8. Eat at one of the many restaurants. There are over 30 restaurants along the Riverwalk, so there is sure to be something to everyone's taste.
9. Plan your visit in advance. Check the Riverwalk website for hours of operation and special events.
    

1. Completed in 2002, the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is a linear park that follows the Arkansas River through downtown Pueblo. The Riverwalk spans over 4 miles and features a number of attractions, including an amphitheater, museums, and gardens.
2. A key feature of the Riverwalk is its multi-use trail, which is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.
3. The Riverwalk is also home to a number of special events throughout the year, including the chokecherry festival and the holiday lighting ceremony.
4.  In addition to its many public amenities, the Riverwalk also provides important environmental benefits.
5. By creating a green space along the river, the Riverwalk helps to reduce water pollution and improve water quality.
6.  The Riverwalk has also been credited with revitalizing downtown Pueblo, attracting new businesses and residents to the area.
7. In 2015, a section of the Riverwalk was transformed into an art gallery featuring works by local artists. 
8. The site of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk was once used as a dumping ground for trash and sewage. Today, it is home to diverse species of wildlife, including herons, ducks, geese, and bald eagles. 
9. There are several event spaces located along the Riverwalk, making it a popular venue for weddings and other celebrations.
    

With so much to see and do, four hours is just enough time to get a taste of everything the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk has to offer.

 For those coming from Denver, take I-25 south to exit 102. From Santa Fe, take I-25 north to exit 114. Both exits will lead you onto US Highway 50, which crosses the Arkansas River into Pueblo. Once in Pueblo, follow signs to the Riverwalk. There is also a free shuttle that runs between downtown Pueblo and the Riverwalk during the summer months. 

There is no entrance fee to explore this location. parking is available at metered spots along the Riverwalk or in the nearby garage. 

The Riverwalk is open from sunrise to sunset every day, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. during the winter months (November-February), the hours are slightly shorter, from 10 AM until 4 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Riverwalk is also open for special events from 6 PM until 10 PM.