Lamar
“The Madonna of the Trail” monument, at the corner of S. Main and Beech streets, is one of 12 Madonna monuments, each in a different state, which mark one of the old national trails—in this case, the Santa Fe Trail (US 50). It was decided that the “Big Timbers” location in Colorado would be the most appropriate place for that state's monument.
Big Timbers refers to a dense grove of cottonwood trees growing along both banks of the Arkansas River. The trees provided shelter from the heat of summer and from cold winter winds, initially for the Plains Indians and later for pioneers heading west over the Santa Fe Trail.
A state welcome center is in a renovated Santa Fe Railroad Depot next to the Madonna of the Trail monument. About 2 miles north of the chamber of commerce on US 50/287 is a marker commemorating the location of the Santa Fe Trail. Willow Creek Park offers opportunities for bird-watching.
Visitor Centers
Lamar Chamber of Commerce 109A E. Beech St. Lamar, CO 81052. Phone:(719)336-4379