The Town of Holly is a statutory town in Prowers County in southeastern Colorado, four miles from the Kansas border.

Fun Fact:  Holly is the lowest elevation town in Colorado at 3,392 feet.

Hiram Holly, for whom the town is named, arrived in 1871 with 1,300 cattle, and his ranch was the first settlement in the area. Today, the ranching and farming life still holds sway; much of this town is built around the farm.

Farmers and friends gather downtown to share stories and shop. Visitors will find gift shops and a grocery store for stocking picnic baskets. Farther out on Highway 50 are a sit-down restaurant and a hamburger stand. On the south end of Main Street sits an 1874 barn that relates Holly’s history through historic photos and relics. Other historical structures include an 1881 train depot and the city hall, which the local historical society is working on turning into a museum.

Crops grown in the Holly area consist of alfalfa, wheat, barley, milo, sorghum, millet and corn.  Both irrigated and dry land farming practices are prevalent in the area.  Irrigation occurs utilizing either deep wells for pumping or through ditch conveyance; the Amity, Buffalo, XY and Sisson Canals were all constructed in the late 1800’s.

Bird watching has grown in popularity as Prowers County is recognized nationally as a haven for large numbers of migratory birds, waterfowl and native species.  Prowers County is the first county in the State of Colorado to receive a “Colorado Birding Trail” designation, with the trail launch in February 2007 held in conjunction with the annual High Plains Snow Goose Festival.

Website – Town of Holly