Centrally located in Windsor, Windsor Lake is a favorite location for locals and visitors. Summer is prime time to swim, bike, and hike, but the trails and area can be enjoyed any time of year. Without the crowds of many other lakes, Windsor Lake is a must-do in town.
Scenic Views:
Windsor Lake is surrounded by beautiful mountain views of the entire Front Range, with gorgeous views at every turn. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including pelicans in the summer and eagles on the frozen lake in the winter.
Fishing:
Windsor Lake is a popular fishing destination and is typically stocked with multiple types of fish. Fishing is allowed at the lake year-round when there isn’t ice, including night fishing from the west side of the lake.
Boating:
Motorized boats are allowed on Windsor Lake with a boating permit. Non-motorized boats, including sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are also allowed on the lake with a special permit on every day except Wednesdays and Fridays.
Hiking and Biking:
Windsor Lake is surrounded by a 2.25-mile paved trail that is perfect for walking, running, or biking. The trail also connects to a network of other trails, so you can take your exploring to the next level and longer distances.
Swimming:
Windsor Lake is home to a spacious swim beach that makes for a perfect summer activity. The swim beach is open to the public, but there is no lifeguard on duty. Bring your towels and floaties for a great time at the lake.
With a nearby park and dog park, plus a variety of activities, Windsor Lake is a must-visit attraction in Windsor. Enjoy the best of both worlds: beautiful views and outdoor adventure surrounded by community members.
To reach Windsor Lake, head east on Highway 392. The lake is located near the intersection of 7th Street and Highway 392. The park is on the south side of the lake, and the dog park is on the north side.
With its community focus and many activities and attractions, Windsor is a popular city for families. There are plenty of events and activities for kids of all ages, ranging from museums and libraries to classes, sports, and festivals—not to mention the many parks and fun centers. Windsor also has lots of outdoor activities for families, including places to swim, bike, hike, and explore. It’s no wonder the town is one of the fastest-growing parts of Colorado.
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
No matter your age, there’s a park for you in Windsor. And with Colorado’s famous 300 days of sunshine, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy these facilities. Main Park is located in the heart of downtown and includes a playground with zipline and toys for small and bigger kids, picnic areas, and walking trails. Boardwalk Community Park is on the shore of Windsor Lake and features a fun playground right next to the swim area for year-round fun. Another local favorite is Eastman Park, which includes a playground, dog park, and frisbee golf course. There is also a skatepark and walking trail around the small lake and plenty of open space for groups of all sizes.
Indoor Family Fun:
If you prefer indoor activities, there’s no shortage of options in Windsor. The Windsor Community Recreation Center features multiple gyms, fitness rooms, gathering spaces, and a massive water area with pools and fun for all ages. Guests can take advantage of classes and programs or enjoy open gym and free swim times. The Recreation Center can also be used for birthday parties and runs camps throughout the summer and other school breaks.
Another popular attraction is The Summit, home to 50,000 square feet of fun, including bowling, an arcade, and a two-story laser tag arena. The Summit also has a full-service restaurant so families can eat, play, and enjoy time together.
Windsor features more than 40 miles of trails, ranging from paved trails through the downtown area that make it easy to walk to the town’s many attractions, as well as more natural trails that provide amazing views. No matter if you are walking, running, biking, roller blading, or any other trail activity, Windsor has a perfect path. The highlight of the trail system is the Poudre River Trail, which has a starting place in Windsor and many other connecting trailheads that can take you through Windsor and beyond.
Poudre River Trail
The Poudre River Trail is 21 miles of paved trail along the Cache la Poudre River, running from Windsor all the way to Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley. The well-maintained trail is a popular place for walking, running, and biking. Run the entire trail or just enjoy a section—every turn has beautiful views of the river and the mountains in the distance. The area around the trail has remained in a semi-natural state, so it’s not uncommon to encounter wildlife like eagles and deer along the trail.
Frank State Wildlife Trailhead
The Frank State Wildlife Trailhead in Windsor connects to the Poudre River Trail and offers an easy connection to start walking or running, as well as many other natural attractions. Much of the Poudre River Trail runs through the Frank State Wildlife Area, which has several ponds and is an especially beautiful and natural part of the trail. This section of the trail is also the steepest but has some of the best views. The area is also known for birdwatching and provides many fishing opportunities to catch largemouth bass or catfish.
River Bluffs Open Space
The Poudre River Trail runs through River Bluffs Open Space, which is also known for its incredible beauty and wildlife. The area is home to a variety of birds and is also a popular fishing location off the trail. This is a great place to walk and explore.
Windsor Lake Trail
The paved, 2.2-mile loop around Windsor Lake is a popular place for walking, running, or biking. For people seeking a longer adventure, the trail connects to other paved and un-paved trail segments, including the Greeley Number 2 Canal and Eaton Ditch, which go across Northern Colorado.
Although Windsor’s historical roots are in agriculture, the town has grown to be an arts and cultural hub for Northern Colorado. It holds strong to its rich history while also celebrating events and learning for the future. Windsor is home to a variety of arts and cultural attractions, many of which regularly sponsor community events and classes. Windsor is a fantastic place to learn, grow, and appreciate history, art, and culture.
Windsor History Museum
A hallmark of the community, the Windsor History Museum allows community members to take a step back in time and learn about what life was like in the town’s early days. Located right next to Boardwalk Park and Windsor Lake, the museum features restored historic buildings from around Windsor that were built between 1882 and the 1920s, including a train depot, school house, farm house, beet shack, and chapel. Each building tells a special part of the story of Windsor’s beginnings. The highlight of the museum is the Train Depot, which includes hands-on exhibits and activities for guests of all ages. The Windsor History Museum also hosts events and classes throughout the year. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Colorado’s high altitude means you’re even closer to the sun’s harmful rays. Wearing sunscreen every day is a must!
Library
The beautiful Windsor-Severance Library has something for everyone, from community book clubs and classes for adults to programming for teens and story times and activities for kids. Centrally located and with a friendly staff, the library is a welcoming place for everyone in the community and prides itself on being a cultural and learning center. The library is open 9am-7pm Monday-Friday, 9-5 on Saturday, and 1-5 on Sunday.
Art & Heritage Center
Housed in historic City Hall, the Windsor Arts & Heritage Center celebrates the town’s arts, culture, and history. It hosts a variety of exhibitions and programs throughout the year to showcase local and national talent and provide cultural opportunities for residents. The Arts & Heritage Center regularly accepts submissions from local artists and poets to showcase their work in art shows and other programs. The Arts & Heritage Center is open Thursday-Saturday. Keep an eye on its online calendar and signs around town about special events and showcases.
The Poudre River runs along the Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway, with stops along the way for various attractions. To get there, take I-25 to Highway 14. Head west to Highway 287. Take 287 north until you reach Highway 14, turn left and head west to experience the river.
Hungry in Windsor? You’re in luck. There is a huge variety of restaurants in town, ranging from food trucks and casual dining to coffee shops, pizza restaurants, and cafes all the way to luxurious sit-down dining. You can find cuisines from nearly everywhere in the world. If you’re craving something, chances are you can find it at a restaurant in Windsor. Like the rest of Northern Colorado, Windsor is also known for its breweries and has multiple locations to choose from, each with its unique vibe and menu. Come to Windsor hungry because there’s plenty to eat and drink.
Chimney Park Restaurant & Bar
Conveniently located on Main Street, Chimney Park Restaurant & Bar is consistently ranked as the top restaurant in Windsor. And it’s no surprise why—every detail of the experience is immaculate, from the white table cloths and beautiful décor to the high-quality service. The menu features refined American favorites. The five-course Chef’s Tasting Menu rotates based on what is in season and is a popular option.
Address:
406 Main St, Windsor, CO 80550
Monday Closed
Tuesday 4-9 PM
Wednesday 4-9 PM
Thursday 4-9PM
Friday 4-9 PM
Saturday 4-9 PM
Sunday Closed
Mighty River Brewing Company
A favorite craft brewery in Windsor, Mighty River has a wide variety of beer and a full food menu. Enjoy your choice of sitting in the tasting room, at the bar, in the dining area, or on the large outdoor patio that is dog-friendly. Mighty River is known for its great service and community feel. Don’t miss out on the visiting food trucks and other entertainment, including live music and comedy performances.
Address:
6383 N Fairgrounds Ave, Windsor, CO 80550
Monday 3-8 PM
Tuesday 3-10 PM
Wednesday 3-10 PM
Thursday 3-10 PM
Friday 1-10 PM
Saturday 12-10 PM
Sunday 12-8 PM
Mr. Yo’s Donut
This Windsor establishment is a community favorite because of its delicious freshly made donuts, baked goods, and coffee. It’s the perfect place to stop for a morning treat and pick-me-up, which is made easier with the drive-thru window. Mr. Yo’s Donut puts chain donut and coffee shops to shame with delicious, fresh donuts in a variety of flavors. And with a menu that’s always changing, you’ll have to come more than once to try them all!
Address:
1296 Main St., Unit A, Windsor CO 80550
Monday 5 AM - 12 PM
Tuesday 5 AM - 12 PM
Wednesday 5 AM - 12 PM
Thursday 5 AM - 12 PM
Friday 5 AM - 12 PM
Saturday 5 AM - 12 PM
Sunday 7 AM - 12 PM
Known as Northern Colorado’s biggest little town, Windsor may have a smaller population than its neighbors, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on community events. Windsor hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year that bring in people from across Colorado and highlight the unique talents and attractions of the area. There’s no better place to experience the tight-knit community than at one of Windsor’s family-friendly festivals and events.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL
Windsor brings the community together to celebrate Halloween in style with multiple trick-or-treat stops, carnival games, and other activities around town. Aside from the typical Halloween festivities, historic buildings at the Windsor History Museum will be open and available for tours. The carnival is fun for guests of all ages, with giveaways, prizes, and of course, lots of yummy treats and fun prizes.
Windsor’s Halloween Carnival is typically held the Saturday before Halloween at the Windsor History Museum on 5th Street. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and bring trick-or-treat bags to collect their candy.
Windsor Wonderland typically takes place in early December, but the dates for 2023 have yet to be set. The event takes place at Boardwalk Park and typically starts in the late afternoon.
Windsor has a vibrant history that is still alive and celebrated in town. The first settlers were German immigrants who arrived in the late 1800s, drawn by the area’s rich farmland for their sugar beets.
Windsor soon became known as the stopping place halfway between Greeley and Fort Collins. The construction of more rail routes soon turned the train station into a lively saloon.
With an increase in farming and population, the Greeley and Salt Lake Pacific laid 85 miles of railroad to transport the booming sugar beets. Easier access to neighboring cities brought more opportunities for farmers and businesses and more people. Windsor was incorporated in 1890, and The Great Western Sugar Company was the town’s largest employer for decades.
Sugar beet farming slowed down and ended in the 1960s. In the decades since, Windsor has turned to green industries, including manufacturing windmill blades and recycling. Today, the area is also known for its rich arts scene and vibrant culture, paired with the welcoming small-town feel. Although Windsor has grown and evolved in the last 100-plus years, its history is still on display, and historical buildings are prominent throughout town.
The original train depot opened in 1882 and was in service until the early 1970s. Windsor residents saved the original depot and moved it to its current location at Boardwalk Park in 1975.
The Windsor History Museum showcases what life was like in the town’s early days with historic buildings from in and around Windsor that were built between 1882 and the 1920s. The Museum features a train depot, school, farm house, beet shack, and chapel and is free and open to the public. The History Museum also hosts various events and is open for classes and field trips. Take a step back in time and learn about the area’s history and the stories of the people who lived here.
Come see what the biggest little town in Northern Colorado has to offer. With a welcoming community, plentiful amenities, a rich history, and natural beauty throughout, there’s no place like Windsor. The best way to explore Windsor is to jump into the community and all of its events and offerings.
