Sterling is a city in northeastern Colorado and the county seat of Logan County. Located along the South Platte River, about 130 miles northeast of Denver, Sterling serves as a regional center for agriculture, education, health care, and commerce. The city is known for North Sterling State Park, the Overland Trail Museum, and its historic connection to farming and the railroad.
Location Map of Sterling, Logan County, Colorado
About Map: The map shows the location of Sterling in Logan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Sterling Map, Colorado
About Sterling Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Sterling in Logan County, Colorado. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Sterling Located?
Sterling is a city located in Logan County, Colorado, the United States. It lies in northeastern Colorado along the South Platte River, about 130 miles northeast of Denver and roughly 90 miles east of Fort Collins. Fort Morgan is about 45 miles southwest, while Julesburg is approximately 65 miles northeast of Sterling. The city is located at 40.6255° North latitude and 103.2074° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 13,735 residents. Sterling covers about 6.93 square miles, or approximately 17.95 square kilometers. The city is a regional center for northeastern Colorado and eastern Logan County. North Sterling State Park, located near the city, is a popular destination for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Sterling also developed as an agricultural and railroad community, and the South Platte River has long supported farming in the area. A unique feature of Sterling is its role as a regional agricultural, educational, and medical center on the High Plains, with a landscape shaped by irrigated farmland, open prairie, and the South Platte River.
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Sterling City Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Sterling |
| State | Colorado |
| County | Logan County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Northeastern Colorado, High Plains |
| Incorporated | 1884 |
| Founded | 1881 |
| Total Area | 6.93 sq mi (17.95 sq km) |
| Land Area | 6.84 sq mi (17.72 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.09 sq mi (0.23 sq km) |
| Elevation | About 3,944 ft (1,202 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 13,500 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 13,735 |
| Population Density | About 2,008 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time (MST/MDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 80751 |
| Area Code | 970 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 6, U.S. Highway 138, U.S. Highway 385, Interstate 76 |
| Public Transit | Logan County public transportation services |
| Major Attractions | North Sterling State Park, Overland Trail Museum, Sterling Historic Downtown, South Platte River, Riverview Golf Course |
| Official Website | https://www.sterlingcolo.com/ |
Distance from Sterling, CO to Nearby Cities
- Iliff, CO – 8 miles (13 km)
- Merino, CO – 10 miles (16 km)
- Atwood, CO – 15 miles (24 km)
- Fleming, CO – 20 miles (32 km)
- Peetz, CO – 25 miles (40 km)
- Fort Morgan, CO – 45 miles (72 km)
- Brush, CO – 50 miles (80 km)
- Holyoke, CO – 50 miles (80 km)
- Akron, CO – 60 miles (97 km)
- Julesburg, CO – 65 miles (105 km)
- Greeley, CO – 85 miles (137 km)
- Fort Collins, CO – 90 miles (145 km)
- Scottsbluff, NE – 105 miles (169 km)
- Cheyenne, WY – 125 miles (201 km)
- Denver, CO – 130 miles (209 km)
- Boulder, CO – 135 miles (217 km)
- North Platte, NE – 140 miles (225 km)
- Colorado Springs, CO – 220 miles (354 km)
Top Attractions in Sterling
- North Sterling State Park – A large recreation area around North Sterling Reservoir offering boating, fishing, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and water activities.
- Overland Trail Museum – A regional history museum preserving artifacts and exhibits about pioneer settlement, transportation, agriculture, and life along the historic Overland Trail.
- South Platte River – The river passes through the Sterling area and supports irrigation, fishing, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation.
- Sterling Historic Downtown – A traditional commercial district with historic buildings, local businesses, civic landmarks, and connections to the city's railroad and agricultural history.
- Riverview Golf Course – A local public golf course offering views of the South Platte River valley and surrounding plains.
- North Sterling Reservoir – A popular regional reservoir for fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and wildlife observation.
- Sterling City Parks – Local parks provide playgrounds, sports facilities, walking areas, picnic spaces, and community recreation.
- Colorado Welcome Center at Sterling – A visitor information center providing travel information for northeastern Colorado and the surrounding region.
- Sterling Public Library – A community library providing educational resources, local programs, and access to regional history.
Airports Near Sterling, Colorado
- Logan County Airport (SXY) – 5 miles
- Fort Morgan Municipal Airport (FMM) – 45 miles
- Greeley–Weld County Airport (GXY) – 85 miles
- Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS) – 125 miles
- Denver International Airport (DEN) – 130 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Sterling city website and local government records.
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