Exploring the unique charm of Pueblo, Colorado in the summertime

Visiting Pueblo and looking for things to do? Try these distinctly Pueblo attractions, from an alley filled with neon signs to 25-cent rides for kids.
By:
June 21, 2024

The “Steel City,” a nickname given to Pueblo for its long history as home to the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, now Evraz Steel, exudes a distinct charm shaped by its rich blue-collar history, vibrant culture and unique cuisine.

Whether exploring museums, strolling along historic Union Avenue, enjoying a boat ride through the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk channel, or enjoying an evening concert, Pueblo captivates with its blend of tradition, diversity and natural beauty.

Pueblo offers fun-filled summertime activities that delight young and old alike. Here are some of Pueblo’s distinctive attractions.

Pueblo Neon Alley

This hidden collection of vintage neon signs is located in an alley in historic Union Avenue. Visit in dusk and bring your camera. (photo by Todd Seip, UCHealth)
This hidden collection of vintage neon signs is located in an alley in historic Union Avenue. Visit in dusk and bring your camera. Photo by Todd Seip, UCHealth.

As the sun sets and the skyline darkens, a warm glow emanates from a non-descript alley in the historic Union Avenue district of Pueblo near the Union Depot. It will catch you off guard if you’re out for an evening stroll. A local avid neon sign collector,  with help from nearby neon sign restorers, has created an electric display of nearly 50 pieces of retro, luminous art. The collection continues to grow with the goal to amass more than 100 signs. For now, wandering through the alley at night feels like stepping into an immersive other world of neon illumination. Bring your camera.

Pueblo Ice Arena

The Pueblo Ice Arena provides affordable, year-round skating activities for all ages. Visitors can partake in skating lessons, join a hockey league, or simply enjoy some of the arena’s special events which include laser light skate, holiday skates, and college nights. (Photo Todd Seip, UCHealth)
The Pueblo Ice Arena provides affordable, year-round skating activities for all ages. Visitors can partake in skating lessons, join a hockey league, or simply enjoy some of the arena’s special events which include laser light skate, holiday skates, and college nights. Photo by Todd Seip, UCHealth.

When it’s too hot to be outside, cool off inside (indoor temperature is a cool 57 degrees Fahrenheit). The Pueblo Ice Arena has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1975. Originally conceived as a recreational facility to serve the local community, the 850 seat arena quickly became a beloved destination for ice sports enthusiasts of all ages and is now home to the Pueblo Bulls hockey team, the Pueblo Figure Skating Club, high school and co-ed hockey leagues. Over the years, the arena has undergone several renovations and expansions to meet the growing demand for ice-related activities in the region, but still retains its unique building architecture and stunning curved roof.

Throughout its history, the Pueblo Ice Arena has played a vital role in promoting ice sports and fostering a sense of community among residents. From hosting hockey leagues and regional figure skating competitions to offering public skating sessions and learn-to-skate programs, the arena serves as a hub for recreational and competitive ice-skating activities.

Rides at City Park

Located in Pueblo City Park, The Rides at City Park opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and reopens for the Haunted Rides for a two day trick or treating event. The park has rides for both young children and those of all ages to include a 1911 historic carousel, miniature train and roller coaster. No admission fee and tickets to ride are still only 25¢. (Photo courtesy of City of Pueblo)
Located in Pueblo City Park, The Rides at City Park opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and reopens for the Haunted Rides for a two day trick or treating event. The park has rides for both young children and those of all ages to include a 1911 historic carousel, miniature train and roller coaster. No admission fee and tickets to ride are still only 25 cents. Photo courtesy of City of Pueblo.

Open evenings from Memorial Day weekend through Labor day, the Rides at City Park is a place where families can make unforgettable memories. Ten rides are geared for children (of all ages) and include a 15-inch gauge train circling the lake and the historic George R. Williams Memorial Carousel – which dates back to 1911 and set up in Pueblo in 1940.

Tickets are a family budget bargain at 25 cents each, though the train, carousel and rides for adults require two tickets. The rest of the rides can be enjoyed for one ticket per child. Special nights occur throughout the summer, including a superhero night, the Lakeshore Line train’s 75th anniversary, princess night, George R. Williams Memorial Carousel day, roller coaster night, and the Labor Day bash.

Pueblo Zoo

Pueblo Zoo is a 25-acre zoo located in Pueblo, Colorado in the United States. The zoo is open year-round and is home to over 420 animals of more than 140 species – including this rare alligator snapping turtle. The Pueblo Zoological Society manages the zoo, which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. (Photo by Sandy Morrison, courtesy of Pueblo Zoo)
Pueblo Zoo is a 25-acre zoo located in Pueblo, Colorado in the United States. The zoo is open year-round and is home to over 420 animals of more than 140 species – including this rare alligator snapping turtle. The Pueblo Zoological Society manages the zoo, which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Photo by Sandy Morrison, courtesy of Pueblo Zoo.

The Pueblo Zoo boasts a fascinating history that spans several decades. Established in 1920, and further expanded as a Works Progress Administration/Civilian Conservation Corps project in the 1930’s, the zoo began as a modest collection of animals housed in a small area within City Park. Over time, it grew in both size and scope, expanding its exhibits and conservation efforts to become the thriving zoological institution it is today featuring more than 200 animals.

The zoo, which continues to grow, has had several renovations and expansions to enhance visitor experience and improve animal habitats. These efforts have included the construction of state-of-the-art exhibits such as the Islands of Life, Asian Mountain and Serengeti Safari, which provide immersive environments for guests to learn about wildlife from around the globe.

Throughout its history, the Pueblo Zoo has been committed to providing an enriching and educational experience for visitors while prioritizing the welfare and conservation of its animals. Managed by the non-profit Pueblo Zoological Society, the Pueblo Zoo works diligently to delight guests while achieving a conservation mission, supporting many local projects, as well as three global efforts to save African penguins, red pandas, and African painted dogs.

Pueblo Municipal Band

The Pueblo Municipal Band began in 1913 as the Pueblo Cowboy Band and has since played at least one concert per year. The band survived WWI, WWII, two global pandemics, and several generations of new members. It has since grown into 60+ members of ages 15-85 and provides free concerts to the Pueblo community 8 Sundays each summer at Pueblo Community College. (photo by Jason Falsetto, courtesy of Pueblo Municipal Band)
The Pueblo Municipal Band began in 1913 as the Pueblo Cowboy Band and has since played at least one concert per year. The band survived WWI, WWII, two global pandemics, and several generations of new members. It has since grown into 60+ members of ages 15-85 and provides free concerts to the Pueblo community 8 Sundays each summer at Pueblo Community College. Photo by Jason Falsetto, courtesy of Pueblo Municipal Band.

Pueblo’s Municipal Band has been playing every summer since 1913. Concerts are scheduled for several Sunday evenings in the summer at Pueblo Community College’s amphitheater. The municipal band’s usual menu includes “pops” presentations of concert music, marches, patriotic tunes, Broadway musicals and Hollywood movie selections, big-band sounds and light classical favorites.

The heart of the municipal band is its 50 or so musicians, whose talents and experience range between music educators and music performers. Some are professionals and others are retirees for whom the band is an opportunity to continue to play. There also are 15-20 middle- and high-school music students who are invited to rehearse and play with the band, giving them the chance to play alongside experienced and accomplished musicians.

NSRA Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals

Colorado State Fairgrounds

The Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals showcases an impressive array of over 2,000 classic and custom cars sourced from across the nation. From sleek street rods with powerful blown motors, to high horsepower muscle cars, incredible painted hot rods, and timeless classic cars and trucks, these meticulously restored vehicles, each over thirty years old, will fascinate attendees with their timeless appeal and craftsmanship. (Photo courtesy Craig Meads-NSRA)
The Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals showcases an impressive array of over 2,000 classic and custom cars sourced from across the nation. From sleek street rods with powerful blown motors, to high horsepower muscle cars, incredible painted hot rods, and timeless classic cars and trucks, these meticulously restored vehicles, each over thirty years old, will fascinate attendees with their timeless appeal and craftsmanship. Photo courtesy Craig Meads-NSRA.

The  Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals is a yearly automotive event displaying classic and custom vehicles, particularly street rods, hot rods, and custom cars Hosted at the iconic Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals showcases an impressive array of over 2,000 classic and custom cars sourced from across the nation. Attendees have the opportunity to admire a wide array of meticulously restored and modified vehicles, ranging from vintage classics to contemporary customs.

The annual event kicks off with entries slowly parading through downtown Pueblo on their way to the fairgrounds. The three-day event typically features various activities and attractions, including car displays, vendor booths offering automotive products and services, live entertainment, and special exhibitions highlighting unique vehicles and automotive craftsmanship. Attendees can also enjoy food and refreshments while mingling with fellow enthusiasts and sharing their passion for automobiles.

The Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals provides a platform for car owners to highlight their prized vehicles, connect with other enthusiasts, and celebrate automotive culture in a vibrant and scenic setting. Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or simply appreciate classic and custom automobiles, the event offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Pueblo To do in Colorado

About the author

Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, Seip graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Southern Colorado and later obtained a master’s degree in education from Walden University in Maryland. After graduation, he started his career in the media industry, working as a news reporter, director and program manager at KCSJ Radio/Pueblo Broadcasters Inc. He then moved into the arts sector, working at the Sangre De Cristo Arts and Conference Center in Pueblo.

His passion for education led him to pursue a career in teaching, spending 20 years in Pueblo School District 70 teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), music and computer science. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as the public information officer and assistant director for the Pueblo School District 70 Department of Student Services. Currently, he serves as a communications specialist for UCHealth Parkview Medical Center.

Seip is married to Kerry, a music and STEM teacher in Pueblo School District 70, and is the proud father of two adopted children, both currently attending universities in Colorado.