Make the Estes Park Museum your destination to explore an authentic 1909 Model EX Stanley Steamer Runabout automobile, view work by local artists, and interact in the High Country Hangout family space to learn the intriguing history of Estes Park.
Step outside the Main Gallery to discover the 1908 Cobb-Macdonald cabin and the Historic Boyd Building that hosts temporary exhibits. Open year-round, Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Free. 970-586-6256, Estes.org/Museum.
History never gets old at MacGregor Ranch. Homesteaded in the early 1870s, this ranch is the last remaining and longest continually-operating cattle ranch in the area.
Tour the museum with an amazing docent or opt for the new audio tour option. This tour will take you through the 1896 home of the MacGregor family and its immediate outbuildings, some of the oldest buildings on the ranch. Immerse yourself in the history of one of the earliest families in the Estes Valley, and how they facilitated many avenues of growth for the town and other influential figures in the area: F.O. Stanley, Lord Dunraven, Alva Adams, and more.
Enjoy original artwork and displays crafted with authentic pieces owned by the MacGregors.
For ranch, outdoor, and history lovers alike, stay a bit longer and book your two-hour tour, which includes visiting chicken coops, barns, and stables further into the historic district of the ranch. This option is by reservation only. 970-586-3749, MacGregorRanch.org.
This museum includes the historic main lodge and three cabins showing the history of the YMCA of the Rockies. 970-586-3341 x1136, YMCARockies.org/News/Article/Lula-Dorsey-Museum.
A short nature trail describing native flora leads you to the original homestead cabin built by 15-year-old Enos A. Mills in 1885. On the National Register of Historic Places, the museum is privately owned and operated by two of Enos’ descendants, Elizabeth and Eryn Mills. Open year-round by appointment.
970-586-4706, EnosMills.com.
Constructed in 1909 to produce electricity for the Stanley Hotel, the Historic Fall River Hydroplant provided electricity for the Town of Estes Park until it was severely damaged in 1982.
The interpretive center welcomes guests to hear the story of F.O. Stanley, the growth of Estes Park, and the destruction done by the Lawn Lake Flood disaster as well as original hydroplant equipment.
Free guided tours at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm, Wednesday-Saturday, June-Sept. 970-586-6256, Estes.org/Museum.
Look for the cute birdhouse-style libraries around town filled with books. Take a book or leave a book. No library card is required to borrow a book.
Macdonald Book Shop, located downtown, carries books written by Enos Mills (rare finds you can’t buy just anywhere) and a large selection of books about the area. Open daily.
Cliffhanger Used Books features thousands of gently-used books, DVDs, and CDs. All proceeds benefit the library. Cliffhanger is open daily and is located next to the post office.