History is right at your fingertips here in Meeker, CO. Founded in 1885 on the site of the Camp on White River, which was built by the U.S. Army in 1880, Meeker was the first permanent town in Northwestern Colorado. It remained the region’s only incorporated town until 1900. Here are 7 ways to experience the past in the White River Valley.
Visit the White River Museum
Your first stop in Meeker should be the unique White River Museum, located at 565 Park Avenue! Here you can get information on tours, browse the museum, and shop at the Gift Shop. The Museum is housed in two log buildings, which were built in 1880 as living quarters for U.S. Army officers. Open daily year-round (except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day). Admission is FREE, but donations are appreciated.
Enjoy the view from Meeker Cemetery
Enjoy the view from Meeker Cemetery.
Just a short walk from our historic downtown, you’ll find the peaceful cemetery that overlooks Meeker and the White River. As you look out over the White River Valley, you’ll feel the same peaceful awe that visitors have enjoyed for more than 140 years. Explore the cemetery to find historic gravestones dating back to the 1890s.
Watch a Bank Robbery
Undoubtedly, one of the most historic events to happen in Meeker was the Bank of Meeker robbery. On October 13, 1896, three men walked into the Bank of Meeker, armed. With two warning shots, the bank was sent into chaos. See the shootout and what happens next during our 4th of July re-enactment of the event!
Tour the Historic Downtown
Most of our downtown buildings are original structures, going back to the founding of Meeker in the late 1880s. Pick up your tour guide book at White River Museum – it includes 31 points of interest, plus some fun stories, including the structures designated on both the State of Colorado and the United States Historic Registry as being of historical architectural significance.
Visit Milk Creek Battle Site
Just 30 minutes from Meeker is the Milk Creek Battle Site, the location of the conflict between the White River Utes (Nuche) and the U.S. Cavalry. This tragedy happened in September of 1879, and it is believed to be the last Indian uprising in the state of Colorado. The site is honored with monuments and plaques dedicated to the historic event.
Take a Rural School Driving Tour
Drive Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway on County Road 8. Follow the beautiful White River along the route taken by native people for hundreds of years. The 82 miles between Meeker, CO & Yampa, CO, provide beautiful views of rolling meadows and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Be sure to have a full gas tank and bring any drinks or food you’d like to enjoy along the way.
Come and Explore Meeker!
Lodging
Rio Blanco Historical Society
