Denver Boat Show and Waterfront Living in Colorado

Image credit: denverboatshow.com

Denver Boat Show

Colorado is a state known across the country for its picturesque landscapes and impressive natural environments. It is the scene of such awe-inspiring sights as the Rocky Mountains and State Forest State Park. Colorado is traditionally considered somewhere that lovers of skiing or hiking head to, as its winding mountain trails perfectly fit these activities. One thing Colorado isn’t traditionally known for but maybe should be is the great boating opportunities within the state.

Colorado is landlocked but has numerous gorgeous lakes and reservoirs with sparkling blue freshwater perfect for cruising around. It is a hotspot for fishing, kayaking, sailing, boating, and watersport activities. One event centered around Colorado’s love for boating is the Denver Boat Show.

The 2022 Denver Boat Show will be in Denver at the Colorado Convention Center from January 14th-16th. Presented by the Colorado Marine Dealers Association, this event will be a jam-packed showing of a massive variety of different watercraft. It is a prime opportunity to shop for numerous different boating/watersport devices.

Here, you can find everything from fishing boats to larger speedboats and enjoy checking out the latest and greatest from various exhibitors. Tickets are $14 for adults and free for active-duty military and kids 16 and under.

This isn’t just an event to shop for boats. There will be entertainment, family-friendly activity, and educational sessions. The event is a celebration of both boats and Colorado, with advice specific to Coloradoans about the best places to boat and spend time on the water in the state.

Because Colorado is a landlocked state without any Great Lakes, it isn’t home to any massive bodies of water. However, there are numerous great areas with incredible waterfront access to different lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Let’s look at some of Colorado’s different towns and cities with ideal water-oriented lifestyles.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins is a historic Colorado city a short drive North of Denver. It is home to over 165,000 citizens, and it is a bustling town with top-notch dining, boutique shopping, and numerous historic sites and museums. It is an all-around great place to live, and its proximity to Horsetooth Reservoir makes it all the better. Horsetooth Reservoir is a large lake that is extremely popular for boaters, with marinas and boat clubs nearby. It is a great place for fishing, swimming, watersports, and a popular summer camping area.

Littleton

Littleton is a small city just south of Denver, a perfect suburb for those looking to live outside of the bright lights of the big city. It is a city of just under 50,000, a popular place for families and young professionals. It has a chic feel, with trendy art galleries, craft beer bars, and tasteful restaurants.  Just outside of the town, you’ll find Chatfield State Park, a beautiful, lush area that holds Chatfield Reservoir. Chatfield Reservoir has numerous boat ramps and marinas, making it a popular spot for those looking to enjoy a summer day on the water.

Image source: Jeffrey Beall

Loveland

Loveland is a city just south of Fort Collins, a bustling place with a population of over 77,000. Loveland is a perfect spot for those who want to live somewhere with a great community and local culture that has incredible access to natural scenery. Loveland has numerous acclaimed restaurants, quaint shops and is only a half-hour drive from Rocky Mountain National Park. It is also right near Boyd Lake. Boyd Lake is a sprawling lake that fills up with tourists every summer due to its great boating setting. A popular spot for waterskiing and paddleboarding, Boyd Lake has marinas and boat ramps that make getting on the water easy.

Grand Lake

Grand Lake is a tiny town, home to well under 1,000 people. It is known as the western gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is right on a lake of the same name, which happens to be Colorado’s biggest. Its lakeside setting is a popular year-round attraction, with a boardwalk lined with shops and eats. There are numerous lodges and summer homes in the area, but it is an extremely popular snowmobiling site in winter. This massive lake has boundless boating options for the boat lovers out there. There are multiple marinas for storage nearby and boat rentals that help you enjoy this incredible setting.