Barr Lake State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barr Lake State Park |
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Location | Adams County, Colorado, USA |
Nearest city | Brighton, CO |
Area | 2,715 acres (10.99 km2) |
Established | 1977 |
Governing body | Colorado Parks and Wildlife |
Barr Lake State Park is a wonderful place to explore nature in Colorado, USA. It was created in 1977 in Adams County, close to the town of Brighton. This large park covers about 2,715 acres (11 square kilometers). It's a great spot for outdoor fun and seeing amazing wildlife.
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Discover Barr Lake State Park
Barr Lake State Park offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. You can find about 12 miles (19 kilometers) of trails here. One popular trail is 8.8 miles (14 kilometers) long and goes all the way around Barr Lake. It's perfect for walking, running, or biking.
Fun Activities on the Lake
The northern part of Barr Lake is open for fishing and boating. You can cast a line and try to catch some fish. If you have a boat, you can enjoy a peaceful ride on the water. It's a great way to spend a sunny day.
A Home for Wildlife
The southern half of Barr Lake State Park is a special place for animals. It's a wildlife refuge, which means it's a protected area where animals can live safely. Here, you'll find several spots to watch animals without disturbing them. There's also a nature center where you can learn more about the park's creatures.
Bald Eagles at Barr Lake
Barr Lake is famous for its bald eagles. Many of these majestic birds spend the winter here. Plus, at least one pair of bald eagles builds a nest and raises their young at the park every year. It's an amazing sight to see these national birds up close.
Birdwatching Paradise
If you love birds, Barr Lake State Park is a must-visit. Over 350 different kinds of birds have been seen here! This makes it a very popular place for birdwatchers. You might spot anything from tiny songbirds to large waterfowl.
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
The main office for the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is located inside Barr Lake State Park. It's on the northwest side of the lake. This group works to protect birds and their habitats. They do important research and education to help birds thrive.
How Barr Lake Gets Its Water
Barr Lake gets its water from a channel called the Burlington Ditch. This ditch brings water from the South Platte River. Rivers and ditches are important ways that water moves across the land, helping to fill lakes like Barr Lake.
The Name of the Lake
Barr Lake is named after a person! It got its name from a Mr. Barr, who was an official for a railroad company a long time ago.