GRAND LAKE, COLORADO

Elevation  8,369’
Population  447

History
With some of Grand Lake’s summer cabins and homes dating to the late 1800s, the town was one of Colorado’s first resort communities. The designation of the Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915 secured Grand Lake’s future as a tourist gateway. Tourism received an additional boost in 1952 with the dedication of Colorado’s Big Thompson project, which created more recreational opportunities at the new Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby.

For a peek into local history, visit the Kauffman House, a refurbished log hotel that features a museum with pioneer memorabilia.


Fun Facts

• At 400 feet deep, 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, Grand Lake is Colorado’s largest natural lake.
• Grand Lake is also known as “Colorado’s Snowmobiling Capital,” and is one of the few towns that allows snowmobiles on the town streets.
• Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road, with its western base in Grand Lake, is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, topping out at 12,183 feet.

What to Do
Just one block from the lake, specialty shops and restaurants line the town’s wooden boardwalks and western-style storefronts. The town serves as a base for summer and winter recreation

• Summer: fishing, trail rides, golf, boating, outdoor concerts, craft fairs, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater
• Winter: snowmobiling, ice fishing, Nordic skiing

Lodging

• Camping sites
• RV sites
• Motels
• Condominiums
• Bed-and-breakfast inns
• Rental homes
• Historical lodges

Events  

February 7, 2009: Grand Lake Winter Carnival
See how a small mountain town entertains in the winter with teapot curling, human bowling, and bed-sled races. Dance and band in the evening.


June 6-7: Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
More than 50 Colorado artisans convene in Grand Lake Town Park to display their wares. Free admission.

July 17-19: Buffalo BBQ & Parade
A 62-year tradition complete with old-fashioned gunfights and costumes, the Grand Lake BBQ lunch and parade recall the early days of the area.

September 19-20: Fall Folk Festival
Enjoy Grand Lake’s most popular bands while relaxing with suds from Grand Lake Brewing Company. More than 35 Colorado artisans, along with a children’s play area, round out the event. Free admission.


For additional information on Grand County, and an online trip planner, contact the Grand County Tourism Board at www.grand-county.com or 800-729-5821.