Crowley County was founded in 1911 and is named in honor of John H. Crowley, a state legislator from Otero County who led a critical role in the county’s formation. The Arkansas River forms the southwestern border of the county and feeds into several large bodies of water—Olney Springs and Ordway Reservoirs, Lake Henry, and Lake Meredith. Come play in the water and you’ll find lots of fish to catch, miles of water open to motorized boating, paddling, and sailing, and fun swimming and camping for the whole family.
Bring your binoculars (and a camera!) and you won’t be disappointed. During the day, you can spy on a diverse range of migrating and nesting bird species, including resident bald eagles if you’re lucky. At night, you will be stunned by the dark sky and unforgettable display of stars and planets.
Everyone will enjoy the well-cared-for parks with play equipment, sheltered picnic tables, tennis courts, and baseball fields. For those of you who like to get out on the road and get the wind in your hair, there are miles and miles of quiet country roads for touring by motorcycle or bicycle. And for long-distance cycling enthusiasts, the TransAmerica Trail from Oregon to Virginia bisects Crowley County and offers some amazing scenery and hospitality.
The town of Ordway’s Hotel has many clean and spacious rooms, and the Three Dog Night guesthouse on Lake Meredith is comfy and tranquil. There are several restaurants and other amenities, so stop in and taste some homemade food and stock your cooler with all kinds of goodies.
