Evergreen Colorado

Evergreen, Colorado is a beautiful little community approximately 15 miles west of Denver. It dates back to 1859 when Thomas Bergen, a homesteader, established a ranch and a stop for the stage coach just north of what is now the town of Evergreen. When additional settlers began to homestead and moved up the Bear Creek Canyon, the town began to take shape. During the early 1900′s people began to seek out this area for summertime destinations. Some very famous people enjoyed the Evergreen area, and resorts “like Troutdale-in-the-Pines, Greystone Guest Ranch and the Brook Forest Inn opened and entertained Denverites and celebrities including film stars of the day and Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt, who both vacationed at the Troutdale.”

More Town Facts

Over the next few decades, some wealthy Americans and Europeans discovered the beautiful and rustic Upper Bear Creek area and built large and imposing homes to vacation in during the summer season. Some of these residences included practical structures of the day, such as bomb shelters tucked into the side of the mountain for protection and family security in the event of an air raid. Most of the estates were known by name rather than by address, and that Upper Bear Creek tradition continued through the remainder of the century. Giving directions to a home involved phrases like, “go past ‘Wilcox on the rocks’, and the ‘Hacienda Del Sol’ and you’ll see T-Bar-S on the right…”

The Evergreen population is around 10,000 people, it remains unincorporated and is county maintained. Part of the Jefferson County school district, there are many fine schools in the area, including Wilmot Elementary which was named for Dwight P. Wilmot, a homesteader and the man who gave Evergreen it’s official name.  The town of Evergreen is surrounded by thousands of acres of land with both Jefferson County Open Space and Denver Mountain Parks and includes 11 parks for residents and visitors to enjoy.  Hiwan Golf Club is east of Bergen Park and has been the location for the Colorado Open Golf Tournament for many years. The Evergreen Lake and the “Lake House” are a big recreational draw for all seasons, and in the wintertime – ice skating on the lake is a particular favorite. The lake is fed by tributaries from 14,260-foot Mt. Evans which is a beautiful area to visit as well. “In addition to the lake, the Evergreen Park and Recreation District maintains a year-round swimming pool, gymnasium, racquetball and handball courts, and other recreational facilities both indoor and outdoor. Also available in the Evergreen area are numerous hiking and mountain biking trails and two golf courses. Several of Colorado’s best ski areas are also available within a one hour drive. ” Echo Mountain Park is minutes away and the place to be if you want to snowboard for the day.

Registered Historic Places in Evergreen include:

• Bergen Park
• Dedisse Park
• Everhardt Ranch
• Fillius Park
• Hiwan Homestead
• O’Fallon Park
• Pence Park

Local Evergreen Attractions

Humphrey Memorial Park and Museum

“Nestled on 43 pristine acres of mountain and meadows, the Humphrey Memorial Park & Museum offers a tranquil setting for visitors. Outdoor summer events include our popular “Summer under the Stars” series – plays, concerts, dance recitals, poetry readings, a writer’s festival and more. Our natural amphitheatres and English gardens create the ideal venue for summer cultural events. The Humphrey museum will amaze you! It is filled with antiques, collectibles, art and artifacts from the family’s transatlantic cruises and world travels dating back to the 1860′s.

Mt. Evans Scenic Byway

Mount Evans is the road into the sky. Drive from 8,700 feet at Idaho Spring where you turn of Interstate 70 to 14,240 feet to the summit, and you will pass through 3 life zones, passing ancient trees, lakes and forest to the land above timberline. It can be 90 degrees in Denver and 40 degrees at the top of Mount Evans. Mountain Goats and Bighorn Sheep will greet you as you climb to the top of the world. The road is now Closed for 2009 season and scheduled for re-open for 2010 on May 28th.

The Little Bear

The legendary Little Bear Western saloon & restaurant located in beautiful, downtown Evergreen, Colorado, bringing you the BEST in live entertainment for over 35 years… and counting…The Little Bear – “Where you can enjoy live music up close”.  Over the decades, some of the biggest stars in the industry have dropped in to play Little Bear.

Evergreen Lake House

As part of the Evergreen Park and Recreation District, the Lake House is enjoyed by many people for boating, fishing, nature walks up the trails, and many activities listed at the Park and Rec. website. Right now they are celebrating 40 years of serving the community and have many fun activities planned.

Evergreen Town Photo Gallery

Getting to Evergreen Colorado

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