Estes Park, CO Things to Do and Attractions
Anglers will have a field day fishing in Estes Park. As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the town is situated where the Big Thompson and Fall rivers meet. However, fishing opportunities don't stop there, as guests can also take their bait
Anglers will have a field day fishing in Estes Park. As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the town is situated where the Big Thompson and Fall rivers meet. However, fishing opportunities don't stop there, as guests can also take their bait and tackle to Lake Estes, Mary's Lake and the Lake Estes Marina.
For groups, Kirk's Fly Shop is one company that specializes in guided fly fishing trips. The experience features excursions to high mountain lakes or streams, where guests have the chance to catch a variety of fish, including the Brown, Rainbow, Brook and Cutthroat varieties of trout.
Kirk's Fly Shop accommodates groups of any size and tailors the trip to their preference. Groups can choose from a four-, six- or eight-hour trip. A fishing license is required for those ages 16 and older. One-day licenses are available; licenses are not required at the private trout ponds.
Rates for the Kirk's Fly Shop guided fishing tours vary by the number of people and the duration of the trip.
Teambuilding takes to new heights with the Estes Park Mountain Shop. This adventure specialist will gladly organize adrenaline-rushing rock climbing lessons and guided trips for groups. The expert staff works with people of all climbing levels to
Teambuilding takes to new heights with the Estes Park Mountain Shop. This adventure specialist will gladly organize adrenaline-rushing rock climbing lessons and guided trips for groups. The expert staff works with people of all climbing levels to help them tackle the gorgeous rock formations of Colorado.
Estes Park Mountain Shop offers three different trips, simply named Rock I, Rock II and Rock III. For example, at the beginner level (Rock I), groups learn the fundamentals of climbing, such as knots, belaying and communication. Time is then spent applying the new skills.
Estes Park Mountain Shop offers four-hour, six-hour and eight-hour rock climbing sessions. Group rates vary by the number of people in a party and session length. Lunch and gratuity are not included in the price.
Situated west of the Stanley Park Fairgrounds, on the south side of Lake Estes, is the Estes Park Museum. Since opening in 1962, this cultural organization continues to fulfill its mission of collecting, interpreting and preserving the local history
Situated west of the Stanley Park Fairgrounds, on the south side of Lake Estes, is the Estes Park Museum. Since opening in 1962, this cultural organization continues to fulfill its mission of collecting, interpreting and preserving the local history of Colorado's first mountain resort. The museum's permanent collection, Tracks of Time, explores Estes Park from the Ice Age to today.
Additionally, the museum hosts eclectic exhibits that highlight history, art and science, such as Rocky Mountain Elk: A Local History. Guests can also visit for special events throughout the year such as the Parade of Years in May and the Coolest Car Show in July.
The Estes Park Museum welcomes groups at its 1,137-square-foot meeting room, which includes a kitchenette. With vaulted ceilings, several windows and artwork, the space provides a pleasant setting for any event. The maximum occupancy is 180 people. Meals can be arranged for up to 75 guests.
From November to April, the museum is open Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. From May to October, it is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. Admission is free.
History comes alive at the MacGregor Ranch Museum, a fascinating place that pays homage to the homesteading and ranching heritage of Colorado. Original furnishings and the personal memorabilia of three generations of a local family, the MacGregors,
History comes alive at the MacGregor Ranch Museum, a fascinating place that pays homage to the homesteading and ranching heritage of Colorado. Original furnishings and the personal memorabilia of three generations of a local family, the MacGregors, are on view in the main ranch houses, while the on-site gift shop, Maude's Mercantile, offers Western and ranching themed items. In addition to being a museum, MacGregor Ranch is the last remaining working cattle ranch in Estes Park.
The MacGregor Ranch Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Friday, June to August, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free.
Spanning 415 square miles of pristine wilderness, Rocky Mountain National Park is considered one of America's natural treasures. Lovers of the great outdoors have many options for how to explore this scenic wonder. Exciting possibilities include
Spanning 415 square miles of pristine wilderness, Rocky Mountain National Park is considered one of America's natural treasures. Lovers of the great outdoors have many options for how to explore this scenic wonder. Exciting possibilities include biking, climbing, mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding, camping and even just watching wildlife.
The park also offers ranger-led programs, such as snowshoe ecology walks, astronomy talks and interpretative tours of Trail Ridge Road. For a comprehensive overview of the park, it is recommended to stop by the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center to see the fascinating film Spirit of the Mountains.
Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round. Groups arriving in vehicles of 15 or more people are charged $10 per person over 15 years of age. Groups fewer than 14 people are charged $20.
Those into the paranormal know that any hotel that is more than a century old is bound to have an unsettled spirit or two shuffling around. The Stanley Hotel, built in 1909, is no exception. In fact, the hotel has the distinction of inspiring one of
Those into the paranormal know that any hotel that is more than a century old is bound to have an unsettled spirit or two shuffling around. The Stanley Hotel, built in 1909, is no exception. In fact, the hotel has the distinction of inspiring one of the spookiest tales of all time: Stephen King's The Shining, later turned into a Stanley Kubrick-directed film with the same title.
Guests in the mood to be spooked can take the hotel's ghost tour, which includes stops in King's room, number 217, the property's underground tunnel and other haunted corners. Even for non-believers, the tour is enjoyable thanks to commentary on the unique history of the property, which was built by F.O. Stanley. Stanley also created the town's infrastructure to support one of the American West's first resorts.
The Stanley can support groups of up to 25 people for the tour. The 138-room hotel also has more than 16,000 square feet of meeting space in six different rooms. The largest is the 5,200-square-foot McGregor Ballroom, a popular banquet venue. The $15 tour must be booked in advance.
The Stanley Museum takes visitors on a spin through a chapter of America's early automotive history, showcasing the innovations of the Stanley family. In 1897, twins F.E. and F.O. Stanley invented the Stanley Steamer, a steam-powered automobile. They
The Stanley Museum takes visitors on a spin through a chapter of America's early automotive history, showcasing the innovations of the Stanley family. In 1897, twins F.E. and F.O. Stanley invented the Stanley Steamer, a steam-powered automobile. They broke the world land speed record less than a decade later.
Museum visitors can check out four different models of the Stanley Steamer, dating from 1905 to 1916, as well as family paintings, photographs and antique violins. The museum also displays photos taken by the twins' sister, Chansonetta Stanley Emmons. Museum guides explain how the Stanley family fits into America's transportation history and introduce the engineering principles behind the steam-powered cars.
For groups of 10 to 20 people, the Stanley Museum offers afternoon tea with a guided tour of the museum. The Stanley Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Groups interested in a Sunday visit can call to make an appointment.
Visitors can get their shopping and entertainment fix among the peaks of the Rocky Mountains by stopping by the Stanley Village Shopping Center. The center's highlight is the popular Stanley Museum, a treasure trove of American automotive history. It
Visitors can get their shopping and entertainment fix among the peaks of the Rocky Mountains by stopping by the Stanley Village Shopping Center. The center's highlight is the popular Stanley Museum, a treasure trove of American automotive history. It also houses the Reel Mountain Theater, a family-owned independent theater that hosts parties and salons for local film buffs.
Those who have a sweet tooth can satisfy their craving at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Meanwhile, the center is also home to several specialty shops featuring everything from art to apparel and gifts. Stanley Village Shopping Center is outdoors, so shoppers will never have to come down from their Rocky Mountain high.
For a meal served up Rocky Mountain-style, there is no better place than the Peak-to-Peak American Grille. A local favorite, the casual, comfortable atmosphere and sumptuous fare at this establishment keeps diners coming back to "meet at the Peak."
For a meal served up Rocky Mountain-style, there is no better place than the Peak-to-Peak American Grille. A local favorite, the casual, comfortable atmosphere and sumptuous fare at this establishment keeps diners coming back to "meet at the Peak." Menu items feature Colorado-inspired dishes such as the buffalo and bacon meatloaf and the large filet of Rocky Mountain trout. After dinner, guests can sidle up to Peak-to-Peak's cozy bar and enjoy a cocktail or two.
For group events, Peak-to-Peak American Grille features a private room capable of seating up to 100 people. Specialized banquet menus can also be arranged.
The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 AM to close. Entrees range from $11 to $15.
Classically trained in Europe, Executive Chef and Owner Hubert (Hubi) Felden oversees the kitchen at The Wild Rose Food & Spirit Co. Restaurant. This casual, family-friendly dining establishment specializes in a fusion of global cuisine. Its eclectic
Classically trained in Europe, Executive Chef and Owner Hubert (Hubi) Felden oversees the kitchen at The Wild Rose Food & Spirit Co. Restaurant. This casual, family-friendly dining establishment specializes in a fusion of global cuisine. Its eclectic menu items range from German jgerschnitzel to hand-cut buffalo steak.
The Wild Rose Food & Spirits Co. Restaurant features two private dining rooms for group events. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 AM to close. Entrees range from $7 to $22.
Located inside the Black Canyon Inn, Twins Owl Steakhouse offers guests a memorable dining experience in a mountain lodge setting. Rustic yet elegant, the restaurant features hand-assembled logs, high-beamed ceilings and original oak flooring,
Located inside the Black Canyon Inn, Twins Owl Steakhouse offers guests a memorable dining experience in a mountain lodge setting. Rustic yet elegant, the restaurant features hand-assembled logs, high-beamed ceilings and original oak flooring, creating the perfect ambiance for enjoying fine cuts of meat and fresh seafood.
Specialties include organically grown, grass-fed beef, such as house specialty the Filet MacGregor, a hand-cut, seven-ounce tenderloin filet with balsamic infused demi-glaze, blue cheese crumbles, pistachios and Barnaise sauce. Foodies can try savory local specialties such as the Colorado Elk medallions or the Ruby Red trout.
Private events are welcome at the Twin Owls Steakhouse. The restaurant features several options for group gatherings, including the main dining room for up to 185 guests. The loft and garden rooms are ideal for smaller, more intimate occasions.
Twin Owls Steakhouse serves dinner Monday through Sunday from 5 to 10 PM. Entrees range from $20 to $39.
