Palmer Lake Colorado

Palmer Lake Colorado is located in El Paso County, Colorado. The location of the town which borders the Greenland Open Space Preserve to the north, and Pike National Forest to the west makes it a beautiful area. There are wonderful views of the Rocky Mountains, and the town itself is charming and small. The Palmer Divide, which is a geologic ridge from Palmer Lake running eastward separates the Arkansas River (drainage to the south) and the Platte River (which drains to the north). It also makes a separation of the Denver Metro area from the Pikes Peak region. The Palmer Lake area is one of three communities in the Tri-Lakes region, including Monument Lake and Lake Woodmoor. It’s Palmer Lake, however, which has the title of the highest spring-fed lake in the continental United States at 7,250 ft.

More Town Facts

The original inhabitants of this area were the Native American Ute, Arapahoe, Kiowa and Cheyenne tribes. In the early 1800′s, non-native settlers began drifting into the area, and in 1820 the Colorado State Flower, the Columbine, was discovered here. By the 1860′s there were homesteaders dotting the countryside.  Palmer Lake was founded in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer and was incorporated in 1889. Because the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, also founded by General Palmer was coming through the area, from 1871 on a lot of town planning and development was focused around the railway.  Due to the challenge of the Palmer Divide – all steam trains would need to stop to take on water before making the ascent, and so Palmer Lake became a very important asset for the railroad.

The town that was built soon after was credited to Dr. William Finley Thompson, who purchased land and plotted the Town of Palmer Lake in 1882, intending it as a health resort & vacation community. Dr. Thompson, an oral surgeon, was responsible for building the incredible Victorian styled estate named “Estemere” as his family home in 1887 but was unable to maintain his high standard of living and left the estate in 1890, declaring bankruptcy. “Estemere” is a beautiful and large estate placed on a hill overlooking the community, and is secluded by the decorative gate and wrought iron fence which surrounds it.

The Palmer Lake area boasts a rich and remarkable history that is the subject of many wild west tales and folklore. Looking into the past, the nearby army forts, stories of Indian uprisings, saloon shootings, five gold mines, a famous narrow gauge railroad and a colorful historical heritage, makes this beautiful area very interesting and well worth a visit.

Palmer Lake Local Attractions

Lucretia Vaile Museum – The Museum houses many photos, articles, and artifacts of the historical Palmer Lake, Monument and Palmer Divide areas. Special displays are rotated every 4-6 months. The Vaile Museum is open every Saturday from 10 AM – 2 PM  year round. From June through August, the Museum is also open on Wednesdays from 1 PM – 4 PM. We are located at 66 Lower Glenway St. in Palmer Lake with easy access from Highway 105 next to the town park and Town Hall. Ask about walking tours of Palmer Lake!

Palmer Lake Recreational Area – Palmer Lake is a lovely location for a picnic, fishing, walking or a horseback trail ride. There are even local deer which wander through the parking area on their way to higher ground.  Adjacent to the lake you will find a tribute to a WWII to William John Crawford, the recipient of the Medal of Honor. Palmer Lake is the beginning of the 14-mile Santa Fe Regional Trail. The trail is one of the largest continuous trails in El Paso County, running south through Monument to the southern boundary of the Air Force Academy.

Palmer Lake Photo Gallery

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