South Park

South Park, Colorado

Perched high in the Colorado Rockies, South Park Colorado is a microcosm of Western history.  From deep canyons to vast grasslands to snowy peaks and alpine meadows, this compelling basin is home to the nation’s highest incorporated town, gold mines, cattle ranches, and mountain passes.  As one of only 49 National Heritage Areas in the United States, South Park offers a rare glimpse of pioneer life at high altitudes during the settlement of the American West.

This region is a landscape rich with heritage and attracts individuals who value Western authenticity.  Some ranches have been operated for five generations by the same family.  As they have for centuries, residents still depend on the land for their livelihood, recreation, and quality of life.  As other places lose their inherent charm, South Park becomes a more engaging destination.

South-Park-Fishing.jpg

South Park Heritage

South Park boasts an array of nationally significant artifacts that reflect different aspects of this country’s heritage.  The basin’s high peaks, clear streams, and copious wildlife embody the resources that sustained the native people and attracted settlers west.  Hundreds of historic sites and structures still remain 150 years after the development of early mining, railroading, and ranching at 10,000 feet.  Local events celebrate the lives of early pioneers in this area.  Together, these resources and traditions evoke images of the struggle for prosperity that played out within the ring of mountains that define Colorado’s largest mountain park.

Park County Courthouse

Seven years after Fairplay became the county seat in 1867, the old Park County Courthouse was built of native sandstone in the Italianate style.  Along with the adjacent stone jail, this building witnessed a parade of the famous, the notorious, and the ordinary.  Known as the “hanging court,” decisions made here had a profound impact on Colorado case law.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it now serves as a public library and is one of 12 properties showcased in the Fairplay Historic Walking Tour brochure.

Boreas Pass Section House

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Boreas Pass Section House was built in 1882 to house railroad workers on the Denver, SP & Pacific Railroad Highline Route between Como and Breckenridge.  Next to the Section House, the 1860s Wagon Cabin was built when this route was a mere wagon trail over the Continental Divide.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, these structures now serve as a visitor center and museum during summer and a backcountry ski hut during winter.

More About South Park Colorado

Perhaps you’re curious about the more modern attraction, the cartoon South Park. What does this area of Colorado have to do with the cartoon anyway? One can really only speculate on the subject. Perhaps these two places (one real, the other fictional) have nothing to do with one another. It’s just a mere coincidence that they bear similar names. However, it’s also possible that there’s more to it than mere coincidence. One similarity that stands out is that the historical South Park was outlandish, full of ironies and scandal. This is also true about the cartoon. Learn more about South Park, Fairplay, and Conifer, Colorado. Some interesting connections between them might satisfy your curiosity.

Choice Property Brokers LTD

43 Mt. Evans Blvd., Pine, CO
303-838-2720
Making real estate decisions can be painful and stressful, but as your mountain/metro brokers, David and Jung Petersmith...
More

High Country Realty

2717 West Hwy 24, Florissant, CO
719-748-1099
We provide you with the best customer service and latest in technology to assist with the sale or purchase of your mount...
More

Highline Cafe & Saloon

12779 US-24, Hartsel, CO
719-836-0729
Come stop in at our place for some great food, a cold drink, and a good time. We are off of the US 24 on the way from Co...
More

Choice Property Brokers LTD

43 Mt. Evans Blvd., Pine, CO
303-838-2720
Making real estate decisions can be painful and stressful, but as your mountain/metro brokers, David and Jung Petersmith...
More

High Country Realty

2717 West Hwy 24, Florissant, CO
719-748-1099
We provide you with the best customer service and latest in technology to assist with the sale or purchase of your mount...
More

Highline Cafe & Saloon

12779 US-24, Hartsel, CO
719-836-0729
Come stop in at our place for some great food, a cold drink, and a good time. We are off of the US 24 on the way from Co...
More
to

Japanese Flower Exhibition – Celebrate the Holidays

Dec 09 - Dec 10

1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO

Celebrate the Holidays 休暇を楽しんでね, Demo 2:00 PM December 10, 2023, Boulder Library Canyon Auditorium We in

More

Ugly Sweater 5K

Dec 17

Washington Park, Denver, CO

By golly, be jolly! Join us at the Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K at Denver’s Washington Park on Sunday, December 17.

More

Victorian Christmas Tea Party

Dec 23

Trinidad History Museum, 312 East Main Street, Trinidad, CO

Celebrate the season with a Victorian Christmas-inspired tea party! Teas from the Trinidad Tea Company will be served al

More

Brushes & Brews

Dec 27

114 N Tejon St., #100, Colorado Springs, CO

Calling all artists and beer lovers! Join us for a Brushes and Brews class at our brewery on Dec 27 from 6:30pm to 8:30p

More

New Years Eve Denver NYE Bar Crawl – All Access Pass to 10+ Venues

Dec 31

Larimer Beer Hall, 2012 Larimer St., Denver, CO

NEW YEARS EVE DENVER PUB CRAWL (Sunday, December 31st) ? DENVER NYE BAR CRAWL ? ? Join over 300+ guests on our annual Ne

More

New Year’s Eve at Studio CR

Dec 31 - Jan 01

141 East Meadow Drive, Suite 104, Vail, CO

Prepare to step into the world of disco decadence, lights, and extravagance as we invite you to relive the iconic magic

More

Foods of the Winter Solstice

Jan 20

123 N. College, Suite 130 Fort Collins, CO

Foods of the Winter Solstice will be presented from noon to 3 pm Saturday, Jan. 20, at The Cooking Studio Fort Collins.

More

Peter & The Wolf – Family Concert

Jan 21

2908 S Timberline Road, Fort Collins, CO

Please join us for a delightful one-hour family-friendly concert for the young and young at heart! This concert features

More

Compagnie Herve Koubi

Jan 23

2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver, CO

French-Algerian dance prodigy Herve Koubi brings his dance company, featuring 14 virtuoso street performers, to perform

More

Dvořák Discovery – Fort Collins Symphony

Feb 03

417 West Magnolia Street, Fort Collins, CO

Discover the roots of American classical music with “Dvořák Discovery.” Dvorak’s beloved 9th Symphony,

More

Sponsored Content

Scroll to top