Eastern Plains

Burlington keeps a working antique carousel that is a National Historic Landmark

History and culture Kit Carson County burlington national historic landmark history

A lot of the Eastern Plains story is about land and weather. Kit Carson County also keeps a wooden carousel that still turns.

The Kit Carson County Carousel sits at the fairgrounds in Burlington. The city says it was built in 1905 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, bought by the county commissioners in 1928, and restored over many years. It has hand-carved animals, a band organ, and National Historic Landmark status.

Why mention this in a place guide: it is part of Burlington’s identity, and it tells you something about a community that chose to keep a piece of its past in working order. It is run seasonally, so hours can change with the calendar.

For the carousel’s history, landmark status, and current operating season, see the City of Burlington’s official page and History Colorado.

Sources

Official or primary sources used for this note. Local details can change, so confirm before acting.

Reviewed: June 23, 2026 burlingtoncolo.com History Colorado

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History and culture

Burlington's Old Town Museum is a walkable village of restored plains buildings

The Old Town Museum in Burlington gathers restored turn-of-the-century buildings on one historic site, giving a close look at early life on Colorado's plains.

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Out here, your water likely comes from a designated groundwater basin

Much of Kit Carson County sits over a designated groundwater basin, where wells are permitted under a different state process than wells in the rest of Colorado.

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Public bird hunting here runs through walk-in access and state wildlife areas

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The Republican River ties Kit Carson County's water to a three-state agreement

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Center-pivot circles here are watered from the Ogallala, and that supply is finite

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Local rules

Kit Carson County is a statutory county, and most land here is unincorporated

Kit Carson County runs as a statutory county under state law, and outside the towns the county handles land use, so the rules for a parcel depend on who governs it.

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Sterling's carved 'living trees' are a free, walkable bit of local art

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