Grand Lake Colorado
Grand Lake was formed by glaciers in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It is the deepest and largest natural lake in Colorado and is a beautiful area to visit and see. The spectacular setting of the lake and the forest that surrounds it is punctuated by the diverse wildlife and the beautiful wildflowers and plants in the area. The original inhabitants of this area were Native American tribes including Ute, Arapaho and Cheyenne, and when European hunters and trappers discovered the possibilities of Grand Lake, they settled and built cabins and summer lodges. By 1867, there were permanent settlers and the residents were a mix of miners and hunting guides. When the silver boom was beginning in the late 1870′s and prospectors found silver nearby, the supply stores opened and a growing mining community took up residence.
More Grand Lake Town Facts
| Region: Northwest | County: Grand | |
| Latitude: 40.250492 | Longitude: -105.824323 | Elevation: 8,437 ft (2,572 m) |
As the area grew, Grand Lake became the county seat for a short time between 1881 – 1888. A decline in the silver industry and other local issues caused an economic downturn, but people loved the area so much that a tourism industry was born. Hotels began to be built and new summer homes and dude ranches drew more and more visitors and residents to Grand Lake. They began a “grand” community which eventually included historic Kauffman House and Museum in 1892 and the Grand Lake Yacht Club in 1902. You can tour the Kauffman House and see what life was like at the turn of the last century. The town promotes a charming rustic mountain flair and is a treat to visit. There are many activities to enjoy during all seasons and the lake itself provides much of the entertainment. From the swimming beach, to boat rentals for fishing, cruising or water skiing, to the surrounding Arapaho National Forest campgrounds and picnic areas, there is much to do.
Wintertime activities include snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, sleigh rides and more. If you enjoy the arts, the town has a repertory theatre that performs during the year. Since there are so many beautiful and sunny days throughout the year, you can always enjoy the large park and playground and even the mini golf and arcade on the boardwalk in town. Animals in the area are diverse and wonderful. You may see deer, elk, Big horn sheep, fox, squirrels, chipmunks, bobcat, coyotes, moose, pika, beaver, black bear, marmots, osprey, and a huge variety of birds including the ruby throated hummingbird. You may see the Colorado State Bird, the Lark Bunting or the state flower which grows all around, the Columbine. Remember that Colorado State law prohibits picking Columbines, but you can purchase seed and grow a garden full for yourself! If you enjoy fishing, the lake provides many species including the Rainbow trout, Brown trout, cutthroat, and more. In any season, Grand Lake is a beautiful location to visit and once you’ve been here, you’ll want to come back!
