Benson Park

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: South Shore Scenic Lakeside Cemetery

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Benson Park is a popular destination in the state of Colorado, known for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities.

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Summary

Located near Hudson, the park offers visitors a chance to explore the natural wonders of the Colorado plains, including rolling hills, grasslands, and wetlands.

One of the main attractions of Benson Park is its wildlife, which includes bison, elk, deer, pronghorns, and various bird species. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitats and learn about their behaviors and adaptations. The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.

Other points of interest in Benson Park include the historic home of the park's founder, John W. Spring, and a restored one-room schoolhouse from the early 1900s. The park also hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as the Bison Hike, Birding Festival, and Harvest Festival.

Interesting facts about Benson Park include its designation as a National Natural Landmark, due to its unique geological formations and plant communities. In addition, the park has been recognized for its efforts to conserve and protect wildlife, particularly bison, which are considered a symbol of the American West.

The best time of year to visit Benson Park depends on personal preference and the desired activities. Spring and fall are popular for hiking and wildlife viewing, while summer offers opportunities for camping and outdoor recreation. Winter can be a quieter time to visit, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing available. It is recommended to check park hours and availability before planning a visit.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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