The Four Rivers Historical Alliance is an association of historical societies and organizations committed to supporting historic sites and promoting heritage tourism for the following communities: Parachute, Battlement Mesa, Rifle, Silt, New Castle, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Vail, Leadville, Carbondale, Redstone, Marble, Basalt and Aspen.
1. BATTLEMENT MESA SCHOOLHOUSE AND GLOVER CABIN
WHERE: 7235 County Road 300 (Old Stone Quarry Rd.)
WHAT: The schoolhouse (first room) was built in 1897 with locally quarried stone. Glover Cabin is an original homestead building that was moved to the site and is now a museum showing pioneer living in the late 1880s to 1900.
WEBSITE: battlementmesacolorado.com/grand-valley-historical-society
CONTACT: (970) 285-9696 for schedule
CONTACT: (970) 285-9114
2. BATTLEMENT RESERVOIRS
WHERE: See website for directions or stop at the Parachute Information Center during the summer.
WHAT: Hike to seven reservoirs at 10,000 feet in elevation, located south of Battlement Mesa, and constructed in 1892. Reservoirs are stocked with native cutthroat trout and were renovated by the US Forest Service.
WEBSITE: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5186529.pdf
CONTACT: Rifle Ranger District, White River National Forest (970) 625-2371
3. MCKAY-WASSAM HISTORIC PARK AND HOUSE
WHAT: National register historic home offered to the public for rental.
WHERE: 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute
WEBSITE: www.colorado.gov/pacific/parachutecolorado/form/parks-reservation
4. RIFLE REST AREA AND HISTORIC COLORADO BRIDGE
WHERE: I-70 Exit 90
WHAT: Stop at the Rifle rest area and stretch your legs. Take a hike around Lion’s Pond. If you have time for a history lesson visit the Rifle Heritage Center Museum or take a walking tour of the historic downtown. Have a bite to eat and talk to some of the locals or visit our local Chamber of Commerce on the corner of Railroad Ave. & 11th Street.
WEBSITE: www.riflechamber.com
CONTACT: Rifle Chamber of Commerce (970) 625-2085
5. RIFLE HERITAGE CENTER
WHERE: 337 East Ave.
WHAT: Follow the story of Rifle’s past and changes in lifestyles, businesses, and industry.
CONTACT: (970) 625-4862 or rifleheritagecenter@gmail.com
6. RIFLE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT
WHERE: Downtown Rifle
WHAT: Self-guided walking tour available at the Rifle Heritage Center museum. A wonderful walk-through time; with many downtown buildings being over 100 years old.
WEBSITE: www. rifleheritagecenter.com
CONTACT: (970) 625-2085
7. RIFLE ARCH
WHERE: North on Hwy 13, approximately 7 miles. Marked trail head w/ parking on the right
WHAT: Former Rifle Hydroelectric Plant; Rifle Falls is now a Colorado State Park. Enjoy an easy hike to the top to view the falls from above. Camping, fishing and picnic grounds are situated on Rifle Creek.
WEBSITE: cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/RifleGap
CONTACT: (970) 625-1607
8. RIFLE FALLS STATE PARK
WHERE: approximately 11 miles on Hwy 325
WHAT: World class rock climbing extending for 2.5 miles in a spectacular boxed canyon. Hiking and ice caves. Visit the Rifle Community House that was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp.
WEBSITE: www.rifleco.org/91/Rifle-Mountain-Park
CONTACT: (970) 625-4862 or rifleheritagecenter@gmail.com
9. RIFLE MTN. PARK/COMMUNITY HOUSE (CCC CAMP)
WHERE: Take Hwy 325 that ends at Fish Hatchery and begins Rifle Mtn. Park & Forrest Service Rd. 217.
WHAT: World class rock climbing extending for 2.5 miles in a spectacular boxed canyon. Hiking and ice caves. Visit the Rifle Community House that was built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp.
WEBSITE: www.rifleco.org/index.aspx?NID=91
CONTACT: (970) 665-6570
10. SILT HISTORICAL PARK
WHERE: 707 Orchard Avenue
WHAT: Eight buildings used during the early 1900s in the Silt area. Furnished with artifacts and displays of the period. Tour guide available.
WEBSITE: https://silthistorical.org
CONTACT: (970) 876-5801
11. CAYTON RANGER STATION
WHERE: Approximately 20 miles south of Silt. See website for directions.
WHAT: Early period Forest Service ranger station
WEBSITE: www.caytonrangerstation.org
CONTACT: Rifle Ranger District, White River National Forest (970) 625-2371
12. HIGHLAND CEMETERY AND VULCAN MINING MEMORIAL
WHERE: Take Castle Valley Blvd. to Club House Dr. to Cemetery Rd. (Lakota Ranch, north of City Market)
WHAT: The cemetery was established in 1888 and cemetery map is available at Town Hall, the Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Museum. The 1964 Vulcan Mine Memorial is also on display.
WEBSITE: www.newcastlecolorado.org
13. MINER’S MEMORIAL
WHERE: Burning Mountain Park, Main Street
WHAT: A statue of a coal miner completed by artist Grant Ballin, listing miners killed in the Vulcan Mine explosion. The statue was commissioned by the Town of New Castle in 2004.
WEBSITE: www.newcastlecolorado.org
14. OLD TOWN HALL AND JAIL HISTORICAL MUSEUM
WHERE: 4th Street
WHAT: Housed in the former Town Hall/Fire Department, the museum includes historical artifacts from the mining and ranching communities that founded New Castle.
WEBSITE: www.newcastlecolorado.org
15. DOC HOLLIDAY MUSEUM
WHERE: Basement, Bullock’s, 732 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs
WHAT: The Doc Holliday museum is a satellite location for Glenwood Springs Historical Society’s Frontier Museum and is located in the basement of Bullocks store at 732 Grand Ave. The current show is “Doc Holliday-Life, Legend and Lore” and includes objects associated with Doc Holliday as well as period artifacts.
WEBSITE: www.glenwoodhistory.com
CONTACT: (970) 945-4448
16. FRONTIER HISTORICAL MUSEUM
WHERE: 1001 Colorado Avenue, Glenwood Springs
WHAT: Historic house museum with exhibits on the history of Glenwood Springs and Garfield County, including Doc Holliday, Kid Curry, Theodore Roosevelt, Buffalo Bill Cody, mining and minerals, ranching, Ute Indians and much more.
WEBSITE: www.glenwoodhistory.com
CONTACT: (970) 945-4448
17. LINWOOD (PIONEER) CEMETERY
WHERE: Trailhead begins at 12th and Bennett in Glenwood Springs
WHAT: Moderate 1/3 mile hike to Glenwood’s oldest cemetery where the community’s pioneers are buried, including Doc Holliday and Kid Curry. A walking tour guide is available at the Frontier Museum or at the donation tube in the cemetery.
WEBSITE: www.glenwoodhistory.com
CONTACT: (970) 945-4448
18. CARDIFF COKE OVENS
WHERE: 2 miles south of Glenwood Springs, take Midland Avenue south at 27th Street to Airport Road
WHAT: Historic coke oven remnants from 1800s coal mining industry, which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
WEBSITE: www.glenwoodhistory.com
CONTACT: (970) 945-4448
19. DOWNTOWN CARBONDALE
WHERE: Main Street, east at the Roundabout on Hwy 133, Carbondale
WHAT: Historic buildings, circa 1900, some with plaques containing historical information. A walking tour brochure is available on website.
WEBSITE: www.carbondalehistory.org
20. HILLCREST CEMETERY
WHERE: Take Road 101 off of Meadow Wood Drive, Carbondale. Hillcrest Cemetery is at the top of White Hill and situated about one half mile directly in back of Saint Mary’s Church.
WHAT: Traditional western cemetery includes tombstones from some of the area’s original pioneer families. Town of Carbondale Parks and Public Space
WEBSITE: http://www.carbondalegov.org
CONTACT: 970-963-2733
21. THE THOMPSON HOUSE MUSEUM
WHERE: 301 Lewies Lane, Carbondale. Parking available on Jewels Lane, on the north and south sides of the museum.
WHAT: 1880’s Victorian brick house complete with original artifacts and décor. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
WEBSITE: www.carbondalehistory.org
CONTACT: (970) 414-1078
22. CARBONDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY CABIN MUSEUM
WHERE: Corner of Weant Blvd. and Hwy. 133
WHAT: Town park featuring original pioneer cabin (now a museum) and brick jailhouse, circa 1900 farm equipment and Pioneer Heritage Vegetable Garden.
WEBSITE: www.carbondalehistory.org
CONTACT: (970) 414-1078
23. REDSTONE COKE OVENS
WHERE: Located along Highway 133 at the south entrance to Redstone
WHAT: Bee-hive shaped Ovens used to convert coal to coke for CF&I Company, 1900-1909. Recently restored to show original design, and with interpretive signage to explain the
coking process and importance to Redstone.
WEBSITE: www.History.RedstoneColorado.org
24. REDSTONE INN
WHERE: 82 Redstone Blvd.
WHAT: Full-service hotel and inn originally built in 1902 to house bachelor miners.
WEBSITE: www.redstoneinn.com
CONTACT: (970) 963-2526
25. REDSTONE HISTORY MUSEUM
WHERE: Redstone Boulevard adjacent to the Redstone Park
WHAT: Original lantern house located at the Coal Basin mines west of Redstone. Houses artifacts depicting the history of Redstone and area mining and coking activities.
WEBSITE: https://history.redstonecolorado.org/
26. REDSTONE NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT
WHERE: The village of Redstone, located on the West Elk Scenic Byway just off Highway 133
WHAT: Historic model industrial village established in 1899-1903 to accommodate Colorado Fuel and Iron’s workers for the Redstone coke industry. Walking tour guides available at the Redstone Inn and the Redstone History Museum.
WEBSITE: www.redstonecolorado.com
27. REDSTONE CASTLE (CLEVEHOLM MANOR)
WHERE: One mile south of Redstone. Private gated access
WHAT: John C. Osgood’s 42-room country estate featuring original fixtures and furniture. This is a historical treasure!
WEBSITE: TheRedstoneCastle.com
28. MARBLE MUSEUM
WHERE: 412 W. Main Street
WHAT: Built as a school house in 1912, the museum features exhibits on Marble history and the Colorado Yule Marble Company which provide stone for the Lincoln Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
WEBSITE: www.marblehistory.org
CONTACT: (970) 963-9815
29. MARBLE MILL SITE PARK
WHERE: Turn right at the fire station and proceed one half block to parking lot. Follow walking tour guide provided at entrance.
WHAT: Formerly the world’s largest marble finishing mill at over 1700’. The marble block for the Tomb of the Unknowns was the largest block of marble quarried in the world at that time, circa 1931. The buildings and equipment were largely disassembled for the WWII effort. This site was listed on the National Historic Register in 1979.
WEBSITE: www.marblehistory.org
30. MARBLE CITY STATE BANK BUILDING
WHERE: Follow CR3 (Park St.) to corner of 1st and Main. Bank building is on the Northwest corner.
WHAT: Main bank during Marble’s boom years (1912 to 1917) and is the only historical commercial building remaining in Marble. It was listed on the National Historic Register in 1999 and the restoration was completed in 2002.
WEBSITE: www.marblehistory.org
31. CRYSTAL MILL (DEAD HORSE MILL)
WHERE: 7 miles east of Marble. Follow CR3 through Marble, past Beaver Lake and up Daniel’s Hill. Take right at fork and proceed past Lizard Lake toward Crystal City. Road is a 4X4 road and is inaccessible past Beaver Lake in the winter.
WHAT: One of the most photographed sites in the country, the Crystal Mill (Dead Horse Mill) was built in 1893 just west of the mining town of Crystal City.
WEBSITE: www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/crystal-mill
33. MIDLAND AVENUE AND HOMESTEAD DRIVE
WHERE: Downtown Basalt
WHAT: Historic structures built primarily in the late 1800s reflect Basalt’s history as a railroad and agricultural community, as well as its early ties to the Roaring Fork Valley’s mining industry.
WEBSITE: http://www.basaltchamber.org/town/basalts-history/ for walking tour map
CONTACT: Pick up a complimentary copy of the Basalt Directory the Basalt Chamber of Commerce located in the red caboose in Lions Park, 101 Midland Avenue.
34. ARBANEY BARN & CHARCOAL KILNS
WHERE: Arbaney Park, 600 Elk Run Drive, Basalt
WHAT: Restored in 2011, this two-story horse barn was formerly part of Arbaney Ranch and will to be a living history museum. The charcoal kilns, stabilized in 2010 were built in 1884 to provide charcoal for Aspen and Leadville smelters. The barn and kilns can be viewed from the exterior only at this time.
WEBSITE: www.basaltheritage.org
CONTACT: mail@basaltheritage.org for programming or rental information
35. CHAPMAN DAM AND CAMPGROUND
WHERE: At Basalt, take Frying Pan Road. Go 29 miles to Chapman Campground.
WHAT: Civilian Conservation Corps era dam, fishing, camping
WEBSITE: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=40571
CONTACT: Aspen-Sopris Ranger District (970) 963-2266
36. WHEELER-STALLARD MUSEUM
WHERE: 620 W. Bleeker Street, Aspen
WHAT: The Wheeler/Stallard Museum is a Queen Anne-style Victorian house built in 1888. The first floor of the museum is interpreted as a Victorian Aspen home of Jerome B. Wheeler and the second floor gallery features rotating exhibits.
WEBSITE: www.aspenhistory.org
CONTACT: (970) 925-3721
37. HOLDEN MAROLT RANCHING AND MINING MUSEUM
WHERE: Marolt Open Space in Aspen, trail accessed museum
WHAT: Ranching and mining museum featuring displays and interactives on mining, mining processing, lumber mill and ranching, housed on the grounds of the former Holden Lixiviation Plant and Marolt Ranch. Summer ONLY.
WEBSITE: www.aspenhistory.org
CONTACT: (970) 925-3721
38. ASHCROFT GHOST TOWN
WHERE: 11 miles south of Aspen on Castle Creek Rd.
WHAT: 1880s mining-era ghost town with interpretative signs, docents and gift shop. Summer ONLY. Adults $5.
WEBSITE: www.aspenhistory.org
CONTACT: (970) 925-3721
39. INDEPENDENCE GHOST TOWN
WHERE: 16 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82
WHAT: 1880s mining-era ghost town with interpretative signs, docents and gift shop. Summer ONLY. Suggested donation $3.
WEBSITE: www.aspenhistory.org
CONTACT: (970) 925-3721
40. HEALY HOUSE MUSEUM AND DEXTER CABIN
WHERE: 912 Harrison Ave., Leadville, CO
WHAT: The Healy House is a restored 1878 Greek Revival clapboard home with period displays. The Dexter Cabin, built as a hunting lodge in 1879 has a humble log cabin exterior and a surprising lavish interior. Formal gardens.
WEBSITE: www.historycolorado.org/museums/healyhouse-museum-dexter-cabin
CONTACT: (719) 486-0487
41. NATIONAL MINING MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME
WHERE: 120 West Ninth Street, Leadville
WHAT: A monument and museum dedicated to Colorado’s colorful mining history.
WEBSITE: www.mininghalloffame.org
CONTACT: (719) 486-3927
42. RED CLIFF MUSEUM
WHERE: Red Cliff Town Hall, 400 Pine Street
WHAT: Artifacts from Eagle County’s first town and mining camp.
WEBSITE: https://www.colorado.gov/townofredcliff
CONTACT: (970) 827-5303
43. TIGIWON COMMUNITY HOUSE AND NOTCH MOUNTAIN SHELTER
WHERE: From Minturn go 2.5 miles south on US 24, then 6 miles on Tigiwon Road.
WHAT: Historic lodge available for reunions, weddings and parties. Situated near trailheads into Holy Cross Wilderness and historic Notch Mountain Shelter.
WEBSITE: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=41405
CONTACT: Holy Cross Ranger District, White River National Forest (970) 827-5715
44. COLORADO SKI & SNOWBOARD MUSEUM
WHERE: Vail Parking Structure, 231 S. Frontage Rd East
WHAT: Colorado skiing and snowboarding history including Camp Hale’s World War II 10th Mountain Division skiing soldiers, historic resorts and Hall of Fame.
WEBSITE: www.snowsportsmuseum.org
CONTACT: (970) 476-1876
45. EAGLE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
WHERE: Located in Eagle, Colorado just south of I-70 at exit 147
HOURS: Museum is open seasonally, mid-May to mid-September, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
WHAT: Eagle County history from Ute territory to the present day resort community. Museum complex includes railroad caboose, general store, blacksmith shop.
WEBSITE: http://www.eaglecountyhistoricalsociety.com
CONTACT: (970) 328-6464