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 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.
Milquetoast & Co.
Mar 23
1080 14th Street, Denver, COMilquetoast & Co. is becoming one of the staple bands in Denver keeping the sound thread weaving; feverishly creatin
Banner Fort Collins Medical Center Bloomin’ Bunny Bash
Mar 23
4700 Lady Moon Dr, Fort Collins, COJoin us at Banner Fort Collins Medical Center (4700 Lady Moon Drive) for a Bloomin’ Bunny Bash from 9 a.m. to noon
Denver Rock Orchestra Presents: Ladies of the 80s
Mar 29
9995 E Colfax Ave., Aurora, CODenver Rock Orchestra is a female-founded 501c3 nonprofit orchestra celebrating popular music by combining the high art
Denver Rock Orchestra Presents: Ladies of the 80s
Mar 30
9995 E Colfax Ave., Aurora, CODenver Rock Orchestra is a female-founded 501c3 nonprofit orchestra celebrating popular music by combining the high art
In It’s Many Colors
Apr 07
Zion Lutheran Church, 815 E 16th Street, Loveland, COThe Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers’ concert theme this season “In Its Many Colors” is a celebration of the wonderf
Then & Now: Reel Music – Fort Collins Symphony
Apr 12
2908 S Timberline Road, Fort Collins, COSpend an evening immersed in the memorable music of Hollywood’s Silver Screen. From the iconic themes of “007 James
TAKT Trio
Apr 19
2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver, COCelebrating György Ligeti’s centennial, TAKT Trio presents the composer’s Trio for Violin, Horn, and Piano,
Earth Day Celebration of Ecotourism
Apr 20
200 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, COIn a salute to Earth Day in April, the Global Adventures club at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures is hosti
Brew at the Zoo presented by Three Corners Connector
Apr 27
3455 Nuckolls Ave, Pueblo, COPueblo’s favorite festival is back for its 7th year! Pueblo Zoos Brew at the Zoo presented by Three Corners Connec
Battle MMA Championships 13
Apr 27
Norris Penrose Indoor Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, COAn adrenaline-fueled epic night filled with fights! Local fighters go head-to-head in battle, showcasing their skills in