North Sterling State Park in northeastern Colorado centers on North Sterling Reservoir, a large western High Plains impoundment built in 1911 by the North Sterling Irrigation District for agricultural water storage. Covering 5,022 acres of land and water, the area remained largely undeveloped until becoming a state park in 1992 under Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The reservoir, about 2,880 acres, shapes the park’s character through warm-water fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and hiking. Set in shortgrass prairie along wetlands linked to the South Platte River corridor, the park also serves as important habitat for migratory birds, deer, waterfowl, and raptors.