South of Denver and Colorado Springs is one of Colorado's hidden gems, the city of Pueblo. Pueblo is located an hour south of Colorado Springs or about 110 miles south of Denver and offers many attractions and activities for the entire family. Some of the more attractive Pueblo destinations include a nature center, a riverwalk, and the opportunity for adventure in a real whitewater rafting experience on the Arkansas river. So whether it is education, relaxation and shopping, or adventure that drives your family, you can find it in Pueblo.

For those who enjoy getting an education while having a little fun, The Greenway & Nature Center of Pueblo is a must see. The facility is a non-profit one brought to Pueblo in partnership with the University of Southern Colorado. The facility boasts a number of features and attractions. Animal lovers will love the Raptor Center, which is a rehabilitation hospital that benefits injured birds of prey. There are also educational programs, picnic facilities, sports courts, and even a gift shop. During the summer there are even outdoor activities. The Nature Center can be made into a two day event, so you may want to scout out those Pueblo hotels as well.

If you want an opportunity to take a stroll and enjoy the atmosphere of Pueblo, then a trip to the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo (HARP) is a stop you should plan to make. Located in downtown Pueblo, the riverwalk is 26 acres of urban waterfront. With the Arkansas River channel returned to its original location, there are bike and walking paths located on the walk. Follow them to end up at Colorado's most visited reservoir, Lake Pueblo. The HARP is one of Pueblo's most visited and well known attractions and is a great way to experience the town and the beauty of Colorado.

Perhaps you would enjoy a bit of adventure. In Pueblo, wet and wild thrills and adrenaline rushes are just a short drive away. The Arkansas river is one of the most popular rafting rivers in the world, and it is just a short trip from Pueblo. In addition to the thrill and excitement of advanced whitewater rapids, the Arkansas is also ideal for witnessing some of the beauty and wildlife of the Rocky Mountain Region. A good raft trip is a day long adventure, and Pueblo hotels often have contact information available for many of the whitewater expedition companies.

You may think of Colorado as a destination for skiing and hiking. You may also think of Denver or maybe Colorado Springs as your only city destinations, but that is not the case. Just 110 miles south of Denver is Pueblo, one of the state's best kept secrets. The beauty, the attractions and the diversity of Pueblo makes it an ideal stop on a family vacation or a great day trip for Denver and Colorado Springs natives.

So whether you enjoy adventure, walking and shopping, or educational fun, think about Pueblo on your next trip west. Raft the rapids of the Arkansas, enjoy the leisurely pace of the river walk, or take in the Nature Center's educational and entertaining events, but no matter what you choose you will be glad you took the time to experience Pueblo.