Travelers journeying westward along Colorado’s Eastern Plains once found a captivating stop in Genoa: the World’s Wonder View Tower.
Travelers journeying westward along Colorado’s Eastern Plains once found a captivating stop in Genoa: the World’s Wonder View Tower.
Constructed in 1926 by Charles W. Gregory and Myrtle Le Bow, this 65-foot structure stood atop the highest point between New York and Denver. From its summit, visitors were enticed by the claim—endorsed by Ripley’s Believe It or Not—that they could see six states: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, New Mexico, and South Dakota. Beyond its panoramic views, the tower housed a museum filled with curiosities, including a two-headed calf, an eight-legged pig, an extensive collection of over 50,000 glass bottles, and artifacts from the American West and Native American cultures.
Following the death of owner Jerry Chubbuck in 2013, the tower closed, and its contents were auctioned in 2014. However, in 2016, a group of Colorado artists and residents acquired the property with aspirations to restore and reopen the site. Their vision encompasses transforming the tower into a cultural hub, featuring a museum celebrating its rich history, a local artisans’ shop, and spaces for music performances and community events. Plans also include unique lodging options like yurts and huts, aiming to make the tower a destination for adventure and relaxation. While restoration efforts are ongoing, the World’s Wonder View Tower symbolizes the pioneering spirit and a testament to Colorado’s roadside attractions.
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