Lake Minnequa

Lake Minnequa feels surprisingly not urban, despite the fact that it’s located in the middle of Pueblo, Colorado. This lake is part of Lake Minnequa Park and Open Space, which sits on approximately 270 acres. Just about a decade ago, Lake Minnequa was considered a blemish on the landscape, a forgotten illegal dumping area that collected storm water from Pueblo’s South Side as it drained into the Arkansas River. Recently there have been huge investments poured into restoring the health and beauty of this lake, and the results are positive. There are now basketball courts, trails, a playground and playing fields. The city and the Pueblo Board of Water Works have added water to the lake, while Colorado Parks and Wildlife has stocked it with fish: thousands of half-inch redear sunfish, two-inch bluegill and eight-inch catfish, and now 300 catchable rainbow trout about ten inches in length have all been added. Now it is a popular recreation spot for walking, bicycling, horseback riding, playing basketball, flying kites, fishing, picnics, sports, etc., and seems to be so popular as it removes you from the urban feeling of Pueblo. Whether you’re looking for a Saturday afternoon of sports with the family, or a chilly winter morning stroll along the trails, Lake Minnequa has it all. And, from the geese, deer and other critters that have been spotted, the wildlife is coming back after this park’s restoration and seem to be enjoying it as well.

Pro Tips

Recommended season(s): Year-round.

—Annie Brewster