Big Springs: Spring, Lavender, and Railroad History

Big Springs can be explored through the spring that gave the town its name and its railroad history; nearby, the history of the Pony Express adds another dimension. South of town is Our Lavender Co., a five-acre lavender farm. If you’re looking for a hotel in Big Springs, these different themes can help you choose a focus for your stay.

The Spring and Local History

The Big Springs spring gave the town its name and provided fresh water for early Indigenous groups. The Big Springs Spring Site is a local landmark that points to this origin of the town’s name. Big Springs Creek also plays a role in local history: it later served as a water source for Union Pacific steam locomotives.

Railroad, Pony Express, and Memorial Sites

The historic Union Pacific depot was moved from its original location and converted into a museum. The Big Springs Depot Museum displays railroad artifacts. The Sam Bass and Big Springs Robbery memorial marker highlights another aspect of railroad history: it commemorates the first and largest train robbery of the Union Pacific.

The South Platte Station near Big Springs was a Pony Express station. The Waterman Sod House is also useful for orientation around the area: it is nine miles north of Big Springs on Day Road. These sites represent different historical connections and should not be confused with the depot or memorial marker.

The Big Springs Veterans Memorial honors residents and former students who served; their names are engraved in remembrance. The Big Springs Depot Museum and Veterans Memorial also displays military uniforms belonging to local veterans.

Lavender Farm and Pool Park

Our Lavender Co. combines growing and processing with visitor experiences. During the growing season, lavender and various other cut flowers bloom on the farm; bloom times vary. Farm tours explain the different lavender varieties as well as cultivation, harvesting, processing, and uses. The farm shop offers coffee and lavender lemonade for visitors to enjoy while walking through the fields. Offerings may vary by season.

Pool Park has a modern swimming pool, a covered picnic area, and playground equipment. Pool operations are seasonal and may vary. Check the swimming pool’s current opening hours before your visit.

Getting Here and Planning Your Stay

Big Springs is near the junctions of two major interstate highway systems. I-76 connects to Denver, Colorado, and I-80 is a major east-west route across the United States. Check the route before your trip.

When looking for hotels in Big Springs, you can first consider whether local history, a farm tour during the growing season, or Pool Park is your main priority. If you plan to visit the swimming pool, take its seasonal operation into account.

For a broader travel overview: Deuel County.