Colorado, at times, seems divided, with the Rocky Mountains to the west and the plains to the east. Most think of adventure and weekend trips in the mountains. But those who live out east are making a case for travelers to visit the plains for a unique and quiet getaway.
In one town, valiant efforts have redefined what it means to visit Colorado’s eastern plains. Found along U.S. Route 287, 16 miles south of Limon, the quaint hamlet of Hugo offers unexpected charm and character. More than you might expect at first glance, this town will make you re-consider stopping in for a visit, rather than passing by.
Restoring Hugo, Colorado
Like most towns along the eastern plains, Hugo built itself around the agriculture industry along with the notion of hard work, resilience and persistence. Once thriving and now struggling, places like Hugo work hard to breathe a little bit of life back into their communities.
Part of Hugo’s ability to sustain and grow is attributed to one woman, Gillian Laycock. A previous resident of Aurora, Gillian, and her husband found themselves in Hugo during a hailstorm that required shelter at the Hugo liquor store, which happened to be for sale. Looking for a change in life, they took the leap and purchased the liquor store. A far cry from South Africa, where Gillian is originally from, the resurrection of Hugo soon became her passion project.
With a love for the arts and her community, Gillian, and a host of others have brought new life to Hugo with recent additions of retail businesses, art classes, community events and more. As the creator and founder of The Garage and the Red Brick on Main, Gillian strives to bring her community together in hopes of revitalizing the town and making it a place people want to live and visit.
While it may not have mountain views or the Denver nightlife, Hugo is a unique place that stands out amongst the rest and is worth the visit, all thanks to its dedicated community.
Things to do in Hugo
In a town that has never been above 1,000 residents, Hugo offers just enough to do without all the fuss of a big city. As the county seat of Lincoln County, Hugo is home to the county courthouse, jailhouse and the regional hospital. It offers several restaurants, bars, retail shops, creative spaces, hotel accommodations and several historic sites.
For unique art classes and community events, visit The Garage on Fourth Street. As an artist herself, Gillian wanted to provide Hugo with a coworking and creative space for locals and visitors alike. The Garage includes a technical artistic area, an indoor art gallery and an outdoor sculpture garden. Join hosted events, such as an intro to welding class, the community mural project and seasonal décor art classes.
READ: Three Women Are On a Mission to Paint Every Grain Elevator on Colorado’s Eastern Plains
Uncover a piece of the past with a visit to the Hugo Union Pacific Roundhouse and other historic sites. The Hugo Roundhouse is one of the three last-remaining roundhouses still standing in Colorado. The roundhouse is currently undergoing extensive restoration to bring it back to its original state.
Other notable historic sites include the Hugo Municipal Pool, the Plains Bar, and Hugo Liquors. Originally built in 1954, the liquor store’s neon-sign charm and aesthetic lures in photographers and beer drinkers alike.
Shop downtown with some of the best antiquing in the area. Antique shops include Main Street Mama’s Antiques and Uniques, Yesterday’s Memories and The Korner. Originally the town pool hall and bar, Main Street Mama’s still features the original bar where customers can order old-time classics like Root Beer floats, delicious malts and coffee drinks.
Hugo Events
Hugo is also home to several main events, including the Lincoln County Fair, Colorado Championship Ranch Rodeo, and the Colorado Prairie Music Festival. The music festival brings country music to the heart of Colorado with its delivery of top talent to the eastern plains for a day of live music and festivities.
For more information follow on Instagram @thegarageworkspace and @hugomainstreet_co
Have you talked to the people of Hugo? Most of us locals don’t like the changes that Mrs. Laycock has tried to introduce. So instead of writing articles why don’t you spend some time with more of the community then the person that is driving a divide into the town.
Thanks for the feedback. If the comment wasn’t anonymous and a fake email wasn’t used, I’d love to reach out to ask you some more questions.
Breathing some life into Hugo is a good thing. I am surprised to see some color downtown. I remember seeing the Steam Engines firing up on cold mornings in Hugo, sending massive stem “smoke” rings in the sky! The roundhouse became Lafe Dole’s John Deer dealership, lifeblood to farmers all around. The huge turntable in the roundhouse and track was kept in.
Thanks for the positive article. FYI, the roundhouse is not the original. It was the John Deere dealership, it later became the UP roundhouse though. The original was in front of where the liquor store is now. The old depot from Kit Carson is now a residence on 6th street. That same property was also the old ice skating rink in winter. Additionally, Hugo also hosts the Colorado Championship Ranch Rodeo every June at the fair grounds. Hope you find this interesting.
As a Hugo native, I want to enjoy this article but I think you missed the roots of what it truly is. While I applaud newcomers like Mrs. Laycock, who found the oddities and eccentric locals intriguing and decided to breathe new life into her idealistic hopes for Hugo, there are generations who have called Hugo home and continue to keep it alive. Osborne’s Supermarket has been the one and only grocery store for decades. It has been a family endeavor, with each generation learning from the founders, Creighton and Dorothy. The current owners are the grandchildren and have rejuvenated the family business, while adding several others to Hugo’s economy. They have done more for Hugo, since their return, to breathe life into what they saw as their futures when they were children roaming the halls of the K-12 school. The school and hospital are just as unique and valued to the community. The Museum is an undervalued, yet rich history, lovingly maintained primarily by a couple who also is involved in the Roundhouse Restoration. The groups of families who have farmed generation to generation further defines the culture. The thing that makes Hugo so weird and wonderful is the fact that its people grow up, deeply connected to each other, and while most escape for city comforts, those who return (or never leave) are the ones who appreciate what Hugo has or doesn’t…but it’s enough that they are determined to keep It alive.
Thank you for the wonderful article. It’s nice to see Hugo recognized in such a positive way. We have many dedicated people who are working to keep Hugo alive and strong. For those Who feel there is a division, I would suggest they get involved in the many organizations who are trying to better Hugo. It takes all sides to discuss, compromise, and work to get things done . I have found that the people that are causing the division, are the people that are not involved in making a positive difference.
I lived in Hugo back in the 1990’s and loved it. Osborn’s Grocery store was a nice place to shop. I remember Roger as a respectful, fun and very nice employee. He helped me with groceries many times. May Jean Lee was a lovely real estate lady thaty husband and I purchased a home from. Glad to see Hugo doing well.