History of the Tower
Rediscovering the World's Wonder View Tower
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Before the Gold Rush: This high-point spring on the plains was a cherished oasis for animals, Indigenous people, and travelers.
Cattle Drives & Stage Stops: It later became a crucial watering hole and rest stop for cattle drives and stagecoaches.
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The 1870s: Charles Gregory first camped here, captivated by the spot’s scenic and strategic location.
The 1920s Roadside Attraction: Gregory returned 50 years later to build a haven for the booming automobile tourism. He created a charming rock complex with a cafe, stage, and gas station, gradually expanding to include guest rooms and the now-iconic World’s Wonder View Tower.
As a true Colorado landmark, the World’s Wonder View Tower not only honors the past but also inspires the future for Colorado's Eastern Plains, offering a blend of history, community, and natural beauty.
Reimagining the Wonder Tower for Today
A Modern Way-Station: The new vision for the World’s Wonder View Tower aims to make it a restful and inspiring way-station, welcoming 21st-century travelers. It’s a place where visitors can recharge in more ways than one, from topping up their vehicle or device batteries to enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
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A renewed focus will be placed on local culture, with a cafe serving regional fare, shops featuring artisan crafts, and a visitor experience highlighting the creativity and heritage of Colorado’s Eastern Plains.
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Visitors will be encouraged to use the tower as a starting point for exploring nearby Genoa and Lincoln County. Trails and railroad tracks will guide them through historic routes and scenic landscapes.
Tower under construction, circa 1930.
Tower under construction, circa 1930.
Early photograph of the Tower, 1930s.
Historic photograph of the Tower, circa 1930s.
Interior, Indian Cafe, photograph by F.D. Canard.
Early photograph of the Tower by F.D. Canard, 1930s.
Early photo of the Tower, 1930s.
Undated photograph, circa. 1930s, Denver Public Library collection.
The monument sign.
Tower Postcard, 1940.
Page from "Historical Encyclopedia of Colorado," 1950s.
William Jennings Bonner and his family purchased the Tower property in 1959.
Postcard from the 1970s.
Jerry Chubbuck and Pam Ruhoff, photograph by Ron Ruhoff.
Jerry Chubbuck, former owner of the Tower, photograph by Ron Ruhoff.
The Tower Today
In 2016, a passionate group of Colorado locals banded together with a big dream: to save the beloved World’s Wonder View Tower! This wasn’t just any roadside relic—it held memories, stories, and the charm of Colorado’s history that they couldn’t let fade away. So, these folks rolled up their sleeves and formed an organization to keep the Tower standing tall.
Before they took it under their wing, the Tower had already earned its spot on the State of Colorado Historic Register—a nod to its importance in Colorado’s cultural landscape. But there was a catch: it had also landed on Colorado’s List of Endangered Places, meaning that without action, it was at serious risk of disappearing forever.
Now, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the not-for-profit Friends of the Genoa Tower, Inc., this piece of history has a new lease on life. With community support and a lot of love, they’re not just preserving the Tower; they’re reviving it as a welcoming spot for travelers and history buffs alike. Here’s to a bright future for a tower that’s seen so much of Colorado’s past!
Recent Happenings at the Tower
Since 2016, Friends of the Genoa Tower, Inc. has been rolling out the welcome mat, hosting all kinds of events, gatherings, and work days to bring people together. Our goal? To give everyone a chance to experience the beauty and charm of Colorado’s Eastern Plains and get them as excited as we are about preserving one of Colorado’s most unique historic landmarks!
From community work days to lively gatherings under those wide-open Colorado skies, each event has been a chance for people to pitch in, explore, and share in the love for this special place. Together, we’re building a community of fans who see the Wonder View Tower as more than just a relic; it’s a place where history meets adventure and new memories are made.
Plein air painters at the Tower, 2017.
Kites at the Tower event, July, 2017.
Kites at the Tower, July, 2017.
Open house at the Tower, summer of 2017.
Open house at the Tower, summer of 2017.
Artist Emily Moyer demonstrating screen printing, Pedal the Plains, September, 2018.
Cyclists creating custom bandanas, Pedal the Plains, September, 2018.
Pedal the Plains, September, 2018.
Emily Moyer, Pedal the Plains, September, 2018.
Jazzy, 4-H volunteer, Pedal the Plains, September, 2018.
Linda Lidov, Emma Maggi-Byers, Carolyn Tyler, Beth Conover, Jim Arndt and Chandler Romeo touring the tower, volunteer work day, July, 2018.
James Thomson, concrete patching on the roof of the Indian Cafe, summer of 2018.
Jennie Rodgers and Phil Antonelli, clear boarding volunteer day, August, 2018.
Jeff Ross, Len and Rachael Koch, clear boarding volunteer day, August, 2018.
Heather Best and Kim Grant, clear boarding volunteer day, August, 2018.
Matthew Farley and Erika Nelson, clear boarding volunteer day, August, 2018.
Kevin Soll, clear boarding volunteer day, August, 2018.
Volunteers Kevin Soll, April Soll, Len Koch, Jeff Ross, Rachael Koch, Heather Best, Reed Weimer, Jennie Rodgers, Phil Antonelli, Lisa May, Matthew Farley, Erika Nelson, Kim Grant, August, 2018.
Mayberry Builders doing the high up work, September, 2018.
Merle Cordova and crew, Mayberry Builders, clear boarding and fixing siding, September, 2018.
Reed Weimer and friends in the Colorado Room, March, 2013.
Liliana Weimer is amazed, March, 2013.
Emma, Wynne and Steve Maggi-Byers, with Reed Weimer, volunteer work day, July, 2018.
Ken Hamel and Caren Salzer, volunteer work day, July, 2018.
Jessica and John Gordon fixing the trailer, volunteer work day, July, 2018.
Rita and Joe Sokolowski, November, 2019.
Florence Mueller visiting the top of the Tower, July, 2019.