Perhaps overlooked by some among Colorado’s major resort towns is Winter Park, though it shouldn’t be skipped. It’s year-round offerings make it appealing to both skiers and mountain bikers, offering some of the best terrain in the state for both sports. Find a variety of restaurants in the surrounding area, plenty of trails, wildlife, and a crowd that’s typically a little bit smaller, especially in the summer months – perfect for a weekend escape.
History: The history of Winter Park actually begins with the history of the small mountain community of Tabernash, which is located 12 miles north of Winter Park on U.S. Highway 40. According to the Town of Winter Park, Linus Oliver “Doc” Graves and his family moved to Tabernash in 1922 to begin a drugstore business. However, Doc soon had to move his family to Fraser and open another drugstore. The family had to move again when plans to build U.S. Highway 40 were made.
Doc and his wife Helen purchased 10 acres of land on April 20, 1932 in what is now Winter Park. They named the area “Hideaway Park,” and built 10 small cabins to rent to tourists, which were mostly hunters and fishermen. The town continued to grow, with more cabins and businesses being started in the area.
The village was incorporated in 1978 and renamed Winter Park. According to the Town of Winter Park, Denver had become interested in developing a mountain park system to promote winter sports and began the development of the Winter Park Ski Area at West Portal.
The town, however, kept its “unique, small-town charm and natural beauty.” Today, the town has transformed from a small community with a couple mountain cabins to the popular destination it is now.
