Located halfway between Colorado’s border and the large cities of the Front Range, Merino is a prime spot to admire the quiet beauty of the Eastern Plains. This small town is a natural gateway to the Pawnee National Grassland site, where 200,000 acres of open expanse await exploration. Set out on the Pawnee Pioneers Trail for a scenic drive that follows the wagon routes of the pioneers who crossed these plains centuries earlier. For outdoor recreation, head to the South Platte River or the Prewitt Reservoir for fishing and boating. The sandy shores will give you a taste of the beach life. Scenic waterfront tent and RV campsites are located in the public campgrounds. North of town, North Sterling State Park is another option, with a large lake, activities, and a campground. Or, look for private tent and RV sites, cabins, or glamping getaways amid the grasslands and cottonwoods.