Pueblo, La Junta’s heritage tourism showcased on wayfinding kiosks

Tales of southeastern Colorado’s rich history – from the Sand Creek Massacre to dinosaur excavations to agricultural influences – are told at new signpost kiosks to help travelers find their way around.

A total of 34 wooden kiosks are located at gateways and in communities in the region with 11 counties and are not only intended to be an information system for travelers, but also to inspire them to visit other places that they had not planned.

The massive project was overseen by Region 2 of the Colorado Department of Transportation and involved contributions from many local governments and historians.

“I was part of that process in our group of five, Southern Rockies Crossroads of Culture, made up of Huerfano, Las Animas, Pueblo, Custer and Fremont,” said Paulette Stuart of Pueblo.

Residents of each county were asked to create stories and photos of their history so visitors can learn about the essence of the place, its people and pride, and what is there now, Stuart said.

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A total of 54 panels were installed at 23 different kiosk locations, said Judy Walden of Walden Mills Group, who was the project manager.

“It’s community-based storytelling based on key stories from the communities involved,” said Walden. “Not every story in every community is great,” as some focus on darker moments in history like the Sand Creek Massacre.

The first phase of work began in 2008 when the Canyons & Plains Heritage and Tourism group first applied for funding to install signs at the Four Gateways to the Heritage Tourism Region in Crowley, Kiowa, Prowers, Bent, Otero and Baca counties.

The second phase covered the Counties of Crossroads and was completed in January when the last signs were installed.

The project included at least four public input meetings in each community and fundraising campaigns. The kiosk project generated state and federal grants that required 20% of that funding from local communities, Walden said.

Working groups were formed from the numerous community meetings, and La Junta had one of the largest working groups, which included the National Parks Service, Walden said.

“With so many government and private groups involved, it was fun. The only thing is that all the counties worked together on tourism, ”explained Stuart.

Pueblo’s kiosks are located in the El Pueblo Museum at the east end of Puebla-Puebla Plaza at 301 N. Union Ave.

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“They focus on topics like agriculture, culture and art. The kiosks are really good and a nice addition to the wayfinding series in southeast Colorado, ”said Bill Zwick, manager of capital projects for the city of Pueblo.

“We were happy to be a part of it and to help combine tourism and cultural tourism,” said Zwick, pointing out that Pueblo has also redesigned and updated many kiosks in the city center to give them a more modern look to rent.

Chief reporter Tracy Harmon covers business and Fremont County news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or on Twitter at twitter.com/tracywumps.