All Attractions in Region
The 1936 Alma Community Church is a well-preserved and unaltered example of the Rustic style. Located at 184 North Main Street in Alma, this church is listed on the Colorado Register of Historic Properties and was renovated in 2005 with a grant from the Colorado State Historical Fund (719-836-2712).
At 59 East Buckskin Street, Alma School is a rare local example of Mission-style buildings. It now serves as Alma's Town Hall and is open daily to the public. Listed on the State Register of Historic Properties, all of the original lumber in this 1925 building is local pine that was milled in Alma (719-836-2712).
The Bailey Country Store, as it is now called, has been in existence for 130 years. Edward and Blanche McGraw built the first section in 1878. Throughout its history the building has served as a theater, hotel, and US Post Office. At 149 Main Street, the name was changed to Bailey Country Store in 1985 (303-838-2505).
The Bayou Salado Trading Post in Hartsel features horsehair pottery and traditional Native American carvings. They also sell trademarked original acrylic art by award winning artist, Jim Redhawk (719-836-2458).
Listed on the Colorado Register of Historic Properties, the 1884 Ben Tyler Homestead and ranch are associated with the early settlement of Platte Canyon. The main house has been fully restored and now serves as a bed & breakfast inn near Shawnee. Please call (303) 842-4783 for more information.
This 22-mile driving tour follows the old Denver, South Park and Pacific Railway grade over Boreas Pass. From Como the narrow gauge "Highline Route" climbed to the Great Divide (11,482 feet). Sign posts along the road correspond to 12 sites that are interpreted in the Boreas Pass Auto Tour Brochure. Tour brochures and audio CDs($10) are available at the Pike National Forest office in Fairplay (719-836-2031) and online.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Boreas Pass Section House and Wagon Cabin (11,481 feet) have carefully been restored and are now used as a backcountry ski hut (winter) and a railroad museum (summer). Visitors will find the site fully interpreted, including a representative section of narrow gauge track and railroad box car.
Before going out of business in 1938, the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad stopped regularly at Boxwood Gulch Ranch to purchase eggs and milk. Old timber culverts are still being used to divert water and the railroad bed can still be seen on this historic ranch near Shawnee. With nearly three miles of the South Platte River, Boxwood and the adjacent property now serve as a destination fly-fishing resort and cattle ranch. All fishing trips at Boxwood Gulch are guided by professional licensed guides. The clubhouse is designed to give anglers every comfort that a year-round fishing resort might need.
Established in 1964 by the USDA Forest Service, the Bristlecone Pine Scenic Area protects an unusual stand of wind-sculpted bristlecone pine trees. Growing at 11,700 feet, some trees are over a thousand years old. Strong winter winds have caused many trees here to take on a tilted appearance. Please contact the US Forest Service office (719-836-2031) for more information.
Originally homesteaded in 1881, the Buckley Ranch was purchased in 1986 by the Colorado Division of Wildlife for public fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. The 6.4 acre historic district encompasses numerous log and frame buildings. For more information, please contact the Park County Historic Preservation Office at (719) 836-4298.
This historic auto tour begins at 10,300 feet in downtown Alma, and follows County Road 8 for five miles to Kite Lake (12,000 feet). Sign posts along the route correspond to nine historic sites, including the Paris Mill, that are interpreted in the Buckskin Gulch historic auto tour brochure. Auto tour brochures are available from the Pike National Forest office in Fairplay (719-836-2031).
Established by Adolph Guiraud along the South Platte River in 1863, Buffalo Peaks Ranch is one of the oldest ranches in Colorado. The Denver, South Park & Pacific Railway stopped at Guiraud (now Garo) where portions of the 1879 rail bed remain intact. After his death in 1875, Adolph's widow increased the ranch holdings to 5,000 acres. Today this 1,840-acre property and numerous contributing structures are eligible for the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Five miles of river corridor on Buffalo Peaks Ranch are now part of the larger Tomahawk State Wildlife Area, affording opportunities to watch birds and wildlife. The ranch also protects a rare wetland similar to the High Creek Fen.
Guffey is a small, rural community of talented artists in the southern portion of Park County. Their art expresses the diverse personalities in Guffey and reflects the beauty of this part of Colorado. At 611 Canon Street, the Caldera Gallery features fine art and crafts created by artists in the Guffey community (719-689-2501).
The South Platte Forest Reserve was established in 1892 to protect dwindling forests and grasslands in this area. Edwin D. Hepburn began his duties as a forest ranger in 1905. Mr. Hepburn and others used this site, known as Centerville, as a Forest Service ranger station between 1908 and 1910. Here they fought forest fires and apprehended poachers and timber thieves.
The South Platte Forest Reserve was established in 1892 to protect dwindling forests and grasslands in this area. Edwin D. Hepburn began his duties as a forest ranger in 1905. Mr. Hepburn and others used this site, known as Centerville, as a Forest Service ranger station between 1908 and 1910. Here they fought forest fires and apprehended poachers and timber thieves.
Records indicate that the Clesson Cabin was one of the first permanent residences in Alma. Built in 1871, such log buildings were prevalent in Alma during the late 19th century. Two historic additions were added over the years to accommodate larger families.
Designated as a Park County Historic Landmark, the Clesson Cabin is being restored for use as a visitor center and office for The Alma Foundation.
Built in 1874 after a devastating fire that burned most retail buildings in Fairplay, this adobe building has served the town as a general store, grocery store, and currently an antiques shop. Cohen Store is one of 12 buildings on the Fairplay Historic Walking Tour.
Colorado Salt Works was the only salt production facility of its kind in Colorado. In fact, it may be the only surviving example of an 1860s kettle and pan salt production facility in the United States. Group tours and events (only) may be arranged by calling Tag Fanning at 719-836-2369.
The Como Depot dates to 1880 when the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad was extended west from Denver. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the owners are now preserving the Depot. Please call 719-836-2594 for more information.
Historic documents suggest that the first American discovery west of the Mississippi may have been near Como in 1804. Italian coal miners named Como after Lake Como, Italy in 1879. Upon arrival of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad in 1879, Como became a booming railroad center.
Many period buildings are well preserved in Como, including four that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors may obtain a free copy of the Como Walking Tour Brochure at the Mountain Man Gallery at 6th and Broadway.
The Como Hotel was constructed in 1897 to serve passengers on the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railway from Denver. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the owners now operate the hotel as a restaurant and country inn (719-836-2594).
The Mountain Man Gallery in Como exhibits an eclectic collection of original paintings, prints, photos, sculptures and carvings by local and regional artists. At 6th & Broadway in Como, custom framing is available.
Built in 1881 by Italian stonemasons, the six-bay Como Roundhouse sheltered locomotives that battled their way over Boreas Pass. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of the region's best preserved railroad structures. A roadside exhibit at the south end of Como interprets the Roundhouse and other local resources.
Como Railroad Days is held annually on the 3rd Saturday in August, and includes tours of the Roundhouse and several other historic railroad sites. For more information about Roundhouse tours and donations, please contact comoroundhouse@gmail.com.
The wood frame Como School operated as a public educational facility from 1883 through 1948. Located at Spruce Street in Como, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Please contact the Como Civic Association to tour or use the school (719-836-1910).
The Coyote Creek Studio Arts gallery exhibits work produced by a talented group of Colorado artists, including painting, art jewelry, glass, pottery, photography, woodworking, sculptures and much more. They also have a dedicated area for classes and workshops taught by the same artists.
The gallery and studio are located near South Park City Museum at 419 Front Street in Fairplay. Please visit www.coyotecreekarts.com or call (719) 836-2040.
This was an ideal site for William Derby's 1885 homestead, with ample pasture for cattle and water from the nearby stream. After his young wife died in 1889, Derby sold the homestead to his brother in 1894. The Derby Cabin interpretive site is maintained by the USDA Forest Service, one mile below Tarryall Reservoir on County Road 77.
Originally called Freshwater, in 1895 Guffey was a booming mining town with over 1,000 residents. It later became a ranching center after the gold dwindled. Up to 2600 years old, the oldest known
living trees in the Rocky Mountains still grow in the Pike National Forest around Guffey.
The Caldera Gallery, Guffey Garage, Guffey Jail, Guffey Museum and other 19th-Century structures are all within walking distance of six historic guest cabins in downtown Guffey.
The ranching town of Jefferson was established when the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad arrived in 1879. During the late 1800s Jefferson became a commercial hub for the South Park Hay Company. With seven contributing sites, Main Street is eligible for listing as a National Historic District. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Jefferson Depot now functions as a real estate office. The nearby Wahl Ranch is also listed on the National Register.
Named for a beloved teacher, Edith Teter School is among the oldest in Colorado. The original 1880s section is constructed of native sandstone in the Italianate style. Listed on the State Register of Historic Properties, the building still serves as an elementary school at 639 Hathaway Street in Fairplay.
The first Colorado Midland passenger train chugged up Granite Canyon (now Elevenmile Canyon) in 1887. A very scenic gravel road now retraces the old Colorado Midland grade where locomotive residue can still be seen around railroad tunnels blasted through solid granite.
A good example of pioneer log construction, the 1864 Entriken Cabin was built with hand hewn squared logs. Associated with early settlers, it is the only surviving building from the original town of Bailey. It now resides at McGraw Park and can be toured by calling the Park County Historical Society (303-838-7740).
Built in 1922, the Fairplay Hotel is a well-preserved example of the Rustic style that was popular in Colorado mountain towns during the early 20th Century. Located at 500 Main Street in Fairplay, it was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel has 20 rooms, ranging from Basic to King Suite (719-836-4699).
Numerous exhibits at the Fairplay Visitor Center interpret South Park's prehistory, as well as our mining, ranching, railroading, and settlement heritage. They also inform visitors about the value of preserving our natural and cultural resources. Free copies of the Fairplay Historic Walking Tour brochure are available on-site.
Following the 1859 discovery of gold, latecomers to the area established a new mining camp called Fair Play where all prospectors were welcomed. After several prosperous years, Fairplay became the county seat.
Six 19th-Century buildings in town are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Park County Courthouse. These and other historic buildings are interpreted in the Fairplay Historic Walking Tour brochure. Copies of the brochure are available at the Fairplay Visitor Center at 100 4th Street. This interpretive center is also the entrance to South Park City Museum. The museum is a collection of period buildings depicting a mining town from the late 1800s.
The Fourmile Historic Auto Tour retraces the Denver, South Park & Hilltop Railroad up Fourmile Creek. Sign posts along the route correspond to ten different interpretive sites. At the head of this basin, Horseshoe Mountain is believed to be one of the most perfectly shaped glacial cirques (bowls) in existence. Auto tour brochures are available from the Pike National Forest office in Fairplay (719-836-2031) and online.
Built in 1901, the lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been operated by the same family for more than 80 years. The lodge and rooms are decorated with period antiques and serve as a museum. The lodge is open June through mid-September. The cabins are open all year.
Early miners used various crude techniques to remove precious metals from the ore prior to 1867. The Gold Arrastra three miles west of Alma employed one man and his donkeys to grind gold-bearing ore to fine particles. It was later replaced by the stream-powered Paris Mill, just up the road.
Early miners used various crude techniques to remove precious metals from the ore prior to 1867. The Gold Arrastra three miles west of Alma employed one man and his donkeys to grind gold-bearing ore to fine particles. It was later replaced by the stream-powered Paris Mill, just up the road.
Guanella Pass Scenic & Historic Byway follows an old wagon trail used by miners traveling between Georgetown and Grant. Gold lured miners and others to the area, but it was silver that brought prosperity to the valley. Today, visitors may explore this 22-mile historic route by car, and/or hike the many area trails.
Six restored 1880s cabins are within walking distance of several other 19th-Century buildings and the Caldera Gallery in Guffey. The log Honeymoon Cabin can sleep up to five people. It has a double bed, twin bed, fold out bed, kitchen with antique stove, and sun room.
The Guffey Museum was built in 1896 and restored in 1974. Historically it functioned as the town hall and is now full of antiques, curios, and collectibles. The Museum is for all to use; just stop by the Guffey Garage and ask for the key (719-689-3291).
Originally a 1931 hostelry, the Hand Hotel has experienced many owners and renovations. Jessie Hand furnished the hotel with western and Indian artifacts, including her extensive arrowhead collection that is now on display at South Park City Museum. Today the decor is modeled after western hotels of the 1890-1910 period.
The Hartsel area was a summer destination for Mountain Utes who frequented the natural hot springs. Sam Hartsel came to South Park in
1860 to mine but realized that he could make a better living raising food. Starting in 1862, his operations soon included a 10,000-acre ranch. Thirty years later the Colorado Midland Railroad shipped cattle and hay from Hartsel, and brought tourists to soak in the hot springs and gather wildflowers.
The Hartsel School, Midland Depot, and Buckley Ranch National Historic District portray the evolution of Hartsel's Euro-American history.
The three Hartsel School buildings were first built on the Hartsel Ranch in the late 1800s and were moved to their present location in town sometime before 1908. The elementary, middle and high school not only provided education for generations of children, they also acted as a community social center
(719-836-2233).
Two roadside exhibits at this overlook interpret the history and natural history of Hay Creek valley along County Road 77. John Williams, an immigrant from Wales, established the Williams Ranch here in 1882. He and his wife Mary then raised cattle, hay and seven children in this verdant valley. The Williams Ranch is now eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Twin Eagles Trailhead provides public hiking access along the Hay Creek valley at Twin Eagles Trailhead, one-half mile down the road.
High Creek Fen is a wetland that supports 14 rare plant species that survived here after the glaciers receded. At 10,000 feet, this preserve contains more rare plants than any other wetland in Colorado. Owned by The Nature Conservancy, High Creek Fen is open year-round from dawn to dusk; no charge.
The settlement of Alma sprang up in 1873 when the Boston and Colorado Smelting Company built a smelting operation there. At 10,578 feet, Alma currently is the highest incorporated town in the United States. The Alma School (now Town Hall) and Community Church are both listed on the State Register of Historic Properties, and the 1871 Clesson Cabin is being restored for use as a visitor center. Each year the town hosts the Festival In the Clouds. Please contact Alma Town Hall (719-836-2712) to arrange tours of Alma's historic buildings.
Several 1882-1928 buildings and structures remain intact at the Williams Ranch, about seven miles below Tarryall Reservoir. Arrangements can be made to tour the homestead by calling (719) 748-3015. The ranch also serves as a farmer's market each weekend starting in late July, when visitors can buy fresh produce grown locally.
The 1880 Jefferson Depot is a well-preserved railroad depot on US Highway 285 in Jefferson. It is one of only a few intact structures remaining along the historic Denver, South Park & Pacific Railway. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Depot now functions as a real estate office(719-836-4833).
The Jefferson School has been a center of activity since it was constructed in 1901, and continues to serve as a community center and church on Main Street in the town of Jefferson. Please contact the Jefferson Community Civic Association (719-836-0845) to tour or use the School interior.
Listed on the State Register of Historic Properties, the Kenosha Pass Railroad Station site is important for its association with the D,SP&P railroad's crossing of Kenosha Pass. Visit the roadside exhibit on the east side of the road or walk the restored railbed and wye at this interpretive site (719-836-2031).
A 19th Century Keystone iron truss railroad bridge now spans the South Platte River at McGraw Park in Bailey. Originally located farther down river, this bridge served the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railway until it went out of business in 1938. McGraw (historic) Park is open daily to the public at no charge (303-838-7740).
The Leavick Mill provides an example of 1890's "high technology." The first buckets of promise were brought to the surface by pulleys and hand labor. Today the mill, tram tower and other structures from the town of Leavick are clearly posted as private property. Because these structures are literally at the road's edge, visitors can experience the site without trespassing.
The Leavick Mill provides an example of 1890's "high technology." The first buckets of promise were brought to the surface by pulleys and hand labor. Today the mill, tram tower and other structures from the town of Leavick are clearly posted as private property. Because these structures are literally at the road's edge, visitors can experience the site without trespassing.
Limber Grove trail winds 1/2-mile uphill through mixed conifers to a secluded grove of 1,500-year old (limber) pine trees near timberline. Vistas along the way are delightful but these huge twisted trees are awesome.
The 1880s London Mill was built to process gold ore from several mines on London Mountain. The first aerial tramway in Colorado transported ore down to the mill. Wooden tram towers are still visible on the mountain behind the mill. This impressive structure is now eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, about five miles west of Alma on Mosquito Pass Road.
The 1880s London Mill was built to process gold ore from several mines on London Mountain. The first aerial tramway in Colorado transported ore down to the mill. Wooden tram towers are still visible on the mountain behind the mill. This impressive structure is now eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, about five miles west of Alma on Mosquito Pass Road.
In 1979 the Lost Creek National Natural Area was designated by the Secretary of the Interior. This wilderness area is characterized by stunning rock formations, including huge granite spires, pinnacles, narrow ridges and steep gorges. The area can be explored via several trails and/or photographed from four interpretive pullouts along County Road 77 in the Tarryall Valley.
In 1878, John Jensen homesteaded in the Elk Creek Valley and later named his property Lower Lake at Elk Falls Ranch. In the late 1880s he drove his horse-drawn buggy down to the Pine train depot to pick up ranch guests while Mrs. Jensen served as the cook. Articles published in 1898 by the local newspaper describe the ranch as a Grand Tourist Resort. For over 120 years, this mountain resort has been a destination for quiet retreats, weddings, reunions and outdoor recreation. Designated as a Park County Historic Landmark, the Cathedral Peaks Suite and four other guest cabins provide lake views and mountain vistas. Three ponds on the 200-acre property allow guests to fish for trophy trout in this spectacular mountain setting. Please visit www.lowerlakeranch.com or call (303) 838-6622 to make a reservation.
Thirty-five miles west of Colorado Springs, the M Lazy C Ranch is nestled in a high mountain valley at 8,200 feet. Homesteaded over 100 years ago, this working cattle ranch offers eight guest cabins, horseback riding, pack trips, cattle drives, chuckwagon dinners, and cowboy school. All cabins feature authentic western decor. Please call 800-289-4868 or visit their website.
The Magnolia Mill is a massive period structure at the inlet of Montgomery Reservoir near Alma. At the bottom of this reservoir lies the remains of the Montgomery townsite. By 1862 as many as 1,000 people lived at this site. Six gold mills including the Magnolia processed ore from the area's many mines.
The Magnolia Mill is a massive period structure at the inlet of Montgomery Reservoir near Alma. At the bottom of this reservoir lies the remains of the Montgomery townsite. By 1862 as many as 1,000 people lived at this site. Six gold mills including the Magnolia processed ore from the area's many mines.
Entriken Cabin, Shawnee School, a Keystone railroad bridge, and several other period artifacts from the local area are preserved in McGraw Park in downtown Bailey. This outdoor museum is maintained by the Park County Historical Society (303-838-7740).
Entriken Cabin, Shawnee School, a Keystone railroad bridge, and several other period artifacts from the local area are preserved in McGraw Park in downtown Bailey. This outdoor museum is maintained by the Park County Historical Society (303-838-7740).
After the original McLaughlin Livery burned in the fire of 1873, the owner soon rebuilt in wood. This horse and carriage barn eventually evolved into the the Fairplay Motor & Livery, then the Fairplay Motor Company. The livery is now the Old Red Barn Gallery in Fairplay (719-836-9827).
The Mosquito Pass Historic Auto Tour follows the old stage road (County Road 12) west to the summit of Mosquito Pass. Sign posts along the road correspond to nine historic sites that are interpreted in the auto tour brochure. Four-wheel drive is required beyond sign post number 5. Auto tour brochures are available from the Pike National Forest office in Fairplay (719-836-2031) and online.
Dozens of 19th-Century mining structures, including four ore processing mills and the highest gold mine in North America, still cling precariously to mountain slopes in the Mosquito Range. The area's rich mining heritage, along with globally rare plant communities, comprise the Mosquito Range Heritage Area. Resources found throughout the area are interpreted in four different historic auto tour brochures. Copies are available from the Forest Service office in Fairplay (719-836-2031).
Dozens of 19th-Century mining structures, including four ore processing mills and the highest gold mine in North America, still cling precariously to mountain slopes in the Mosquito Range. The area's rich mining heritage, along with globally rare plant communities, comprise the Mosquito Range Heritage Area. Resources found throughout the area are interpreted in four different historic auto tour brochures. Copies are available from the Forest Service office in Fairplay (719-836-2031).
High above the London Mill on Mosquito Pass road, the North London Mine was bored into London Mountain in 1875. The first aerial tramway in Colorado transported rich ore from this mine down to the London Mill. Bunkhouses built for mine workers line Mosquito Pass road, immediately below the mine. The mine itself is a short hike uphill from the bunkhouses.
The two attached buildings on Front Street were among the first to be built after the fire of 1873. The building on the right served several purposes, including Hathaway's Bank and later The Patriotic Order of the Sons of America. The fraternal order of Odd Fellows has met here for over 120 years. It also houses Calamity's Cabin furnishings and gifts (719-836-0555).
The Park County Courthouse in Fairplay is the oldest working courthouse in Colorado. Built in 1874, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and also serves as a public library. A public gazebo now provides the venue for family picnics and community events on the courthouse square.
Once an important site for processing precious metals, the Paris Mill is now eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed in 1894, the mill is a large, multi-level structure with aerial tramway connections to the mines above. Machinery contained in the building include three different steam-powered stamps used for crushing and grinding ore.
Once an important site for processing precious metals, the Paris Mill is now eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed in 1894, the mill is a large, multi-level structure with aerial tramway connections to the mines above. Machinery contained in the building include three different steam-powered stamps used for crushing and grinding ore.
Surrounded by the Pike National Forest, Puma Hills River Ranch is a third generation working cattle ranch. The ranch house is nestled in the trees overlooking the ranch and Tarryall River. Open year round, overnight guests have access to private fishing on 2.4 miles of the Tarryall River. Guests may also bring their own horses to ride many area trails.
After the original McLaughlin Livery burned in the fire of 1873, the owner soon rebuilt in wood. This horse & carriage barn eventually became the Old Red Barn Gallery, offering a wide variety of original paintings and sculptures by Colorado artists. Also featured are antique photos and nature prints (719-836-9827).
Local records indicate that this 1880s building was originally a barn or stable. Associated with the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railway, it was used as a residence, a blacksmith's shop and stables. In 1993 the USDA Forest Service renovated the building for use as a "backcountry" cabin on Boreas Pass.
Salt Works Ranch includes the original 1862 homestead of Charles L. Hall. A number of log and wood frame buildings typical of the period remain on the site. The ranch is now a Colorado Centennial Farm and National Historic District. Group tours and special events (only) may be arranged by calling the owners at 719-660-1015.
Several 1874 buildings remain intact within the headquarters complex on this National Register Historic District. A two-bedroom guest cabin may be reserved by calling (719) 836-4279. Also, one mile of private river on the Santa Maria Ranch may be reserved for fly-fishing (only) at www.southparktrout.com.
The original settlement of SlaghtsÃÂ was a stage stop on the Denver-Leadville Stage Line during the 1860s.ÃÂ After the Post Office and Shawnee Lodge were built, the area became known as Shawnee. Served byÃÂ theÃÂ C&S Railroad,ÃÂ in 1920 the Shawnee Lodge wasÃÂ designed after famous hotels of the Adirondacks.
With several contributing properties, Shawnee is now a Park County Historic District. Please contact the Park County Historic Preservation Office (719-836-4298) for more information.
From their studio in the Shawnee Mountain Gallery, professional artists Vincent & Caroline Tolpo produce and exhibit jewelry, wrapped fiber wall art, metal wall art, sculpture, paintings and prints. The gallery is located in the Shawnee Historic District, 38 miles southwest of Denver on US Hwy 285 (303-838-6106).
The Slaghts School was built in 1897 in a small settlement near Shawnee. Shawnee soon became a more prominent community and the building was renamed Shawnee School in 1899. In 1983, the Park County Historical Society moved the school to its present location at McGraw Park in Bailey (303-838-7740).
The east portion of the Shawnee Post Office building serves the same purpose today as it did in 1901. The west portion originally the Shawnee Mercantile was added after 1910 and now functions as the Shawnee Tea Room. Voted as the Best New Local Business in 2009, it is a gathering place adorned in Victorian and whimsical decor.
To reserve the room for a special event, please call (303) 816-0000 or email TeaShawnee@aol.com. Otherwise, just stop by for a cup of coffee or tea and a pastry.
Richard Snair and his wife Sophia moved to Denver from Iowa in 1860. After three of their children died, they moved to a site along the South Platte River with their two remaining children. Here they cultivated ten acres and built the original Snair Cabin which has since been designated a Park County Historic Landmark. One mile up the road on County Road 77 is an interpretive pullout at the original Snair Ranch site. The cabin was moved to Lake George Park in 2005 to prevent it from being demolished and to preserve its integrity.
After the death of three of their children in Central City, Richard Snair and his wife Sophia moved to this site with their two remaining children, cultivated ten acres and built the original Snair Cabin in 1875. A roadside exhibit at the Snair Ranch site chronicles their lives at the ranch, as well as other points of interest in the Tarryall Valley.
South Park City Museum is a collection of late 19th Century structures depicting a mining town from that era. Here, 43 period buildings are filled with 60,000 authentic artifacts. Seven of the buildings are on their original sites, two of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (719-836-2387).
Built in 1874, this lacy board and baten church is a well-preserved example of the Carpenter Gothic style. One of many churches in the West established by Sheldon Jackson, this Fairplay landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the two-story South Park ("Summer") Lager Beer Brewery is the second beer brewery constructed on the same site by Leonard Summer.
The Summer Saloon was constructed of native sandstone by Leonard Summer in 1879. Like the Summer Lager Beer Brewery (next door), the saloon is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The original cattle ranch was settled in the late 1880s and structures from that period remain standing. In 1930 the ranch was developed into a guest ranch. Thus began the current tradition at Tarryall River Ranch. Weekly activities and rates (only) include horseback riding, fishing, hiking, live entertainment and relaxing.
This simple wood frame rural schoolhouse and associated teacherage served the Tarryall community from 1921 to 1949. Construction of the school reflected the importance of education and a desire for community permanence. Two single-hole outhouses were added by the Works Projects Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. An on-site interpretive exhibit describes the school in greater detail.
Tarryall Road (County Road 77) provides a very scenic auto tour between Jefferson and Lake George. This valley also contains 32 sites that are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Roadside exhibits interpret seven notable sites along the route. Please contact the Ute Trail River Ranch (719)748-3015 or the Park County Tourism Office for a copy of the Tarryall Valley tour brochure.
Built in 1882 as an office and retail building, this structure is actually made of brick. Located at 500 Front Street, the building served many functions over the years, including The Bank of Fairplay. One of 12 sites on the Fairplay Historic Walking tour, the building now serves as a family dentistry.
Ute Creek Trail starts at the trailhead parking area and follows Ute Creek into the Lost Creek Wilderness Area. Scarred ponderosa pine trees and other evidence suggest that this site was a preferred Ute encampment throughout the 1800s.
Ute Creek Trailhead is one of many sites interpreted in the Tarryall Valley. For more information about this site, please contact the Pike National Forest office in Fairplay (719-836-2031).
Surrounded by national forest, Ute Trail River Ranch has provided quiet lodging, fishing and wildlife viewing experiences since the 1930s. The restored lodge and hand hewn log cabins make a great base camp to explore Lost Creek Wilderness Area or fish Tarryall Creek for trophy trout.
Now called the Flying Horse Ranch, the historic Wahl Ranch unfolds as one descends into South Park over Kenosha Pass. This National Register District encompasses several remaining log and wood frame buildings dating from 1883 to 1948. For more information, please call the Flying Horse Ranch at (719) 836-2319.
The "Road To Riches," as it was known, originally served as a wagon road between Fairplay and Leadville. Sign posts at various points along the road correspond to ten sites that are interpreted in the Weston Pass Historic Auto Tour brochure.
Auto tour brochures are available from the Pike National Forest office in Fairplay (719-836-2031) and online.
Wild Iris Studio & Gallery is a new art gallery at 148 North Main Street in Alma. The gallery offers photography, painting, ceramics, and other media by Colorado artists. Stop by and watch Iris Peterson create ceramics in her attached studio in this 1950s-era house (719-836-1713).
Prehistoric peoples were the first to cross Wilkerson Pass into South Park, followed by Euro-American trappers, miners and settlers. Along with 10,000 years of human history, panoramic views of three mountain ranges and the area's natural history are also interpreted along this short nature trail.
Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center was constructed by the USDA Forest Service in 2003. This interpretive center features many exhibits that retrace 10,000 years of local history and natural history. Prehistoric peoples who first crossed into South Park to hunt are the earliest known users of Wilkerson Pass, 14 miles west of Lake George on US Highway 24.
Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center was constructed by the USDA Forest Service in 2003. This interpretive center features many exhibits that retrace 10,000 years of local history and natural history. Prehistoric peoples who first crossed into South Park to hunt are the earliest known users of Wilkerson Pass, 14 miles west of Lake George on US Highway 24.
