You Have to See Colorado’s Historic Johnson’s Station’s Great New Life

A building in Longmont, Colorado, that dates back to 1937, has been restored (and then some) to a whole new generation of customers.

Where once it was a stop along the highway for over-the-road truckers and other travelers, it's not a destination for those looking to relax, grab a drink, a milkshake, some food, or just relax.

The inside is great, and the outside is spacious, making use of what used to be a community pool area.

In south Longmont there is a eclectic little neighborhood known as Prospect New Town; it's one mile south of Ken Pratt Boulevard, just west of Main. Now, part of that eclectic neighborhood resides a piece of Colorado history.

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Johnson's Corner Gas opened in the last 1930's along Main, serving thousands of travelers on Highway 287; the most notable of customers was the writer Jack Kerouac, who mentions stopping at Johnson's Corner in his famous "On the Road" novel from 1957.

After the gas station, repair shop closed, it began to fall into disrepair.

Colorado's Johnson's Corner Gas Gets Renovation

The building was purchased in 2003 and moved to the Prospect neighborhood; in 2020 the building was sold again to a developer who began the restoration of Johnson's Corner Gas.

In mid-September of 2024, after a $4.5 restoration, the new Johnson's Station opened to the public. It's many things: A bar, a place to work, a place to hang with the family, a date spot, a very unique Colorado destination.

I've been following the journey of the new Johnson's Station for several years, and was excited to hear that it was ready for customers, so I traveled to Longmont to check out establishment.

Colorado's New Johnson's Station After Renovation

I found it to be much bigger on the inside than I'd ever imagine; there are big spaces, and little spaces, A small staircase takes you to the second floor where there are more little space to hang out. Outside, there is plenty of seating, access to the bar, and a grill to grab a bite.

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I hadn't expected them to also be operating out of the building next door; it must have been a part of the community pool that once existed there in Prospect. There are still remnants of the pool worked into the setup of the outdoor space at Johnson's Station.

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The rooftop bar is amazing, as well. This is going to be "go to" spot for not just those that live in the Longmont area, but for those across Colorado looking for "very unique spots."