Chautauqua Park
City Parks & Gardens, Entertainment Venues, Wilderness, Mountains, Trails, Castles, Palaces, Historic Homes
West
Outdoors, Sports & Recreation, Music, Art, Photography, History
Just hiking, or using the park's facilities is free, but tickets for shows and menu prices vary.
Mobility Obstacles: Dirt/off-road walking
This is a good place to get: Dinner
Lunch
Breakfast
Notes: Restrooms are available both at the Ranger's Cottage, and at the Dining Hall.
Chautauqua Park
Historic Park with Concerts, Hiking, and Fine Dining
| Address: | Phone: |
|
Ninth St & Baseline Rd Boulder, CO 80302 |
+1 303 441 3408 |
Description
Founded in 1898 in a collaborative effort between Boulder civic leaders and Texas educators, Boulder Chautauqua Park has been bringing culture and art to the Front Range ever since. At one time, the Chautauqua Movement sponsored orators, performers, and educators who traveled a circuit of more than 12,000 sites in the U.S. Today, Boulder has one of only three of those sites still in operation, and the only one west of the Mississippi with its original structures. On the National Register of Historic Places, the park is much beloved for both its cultural and outdoor opportunities. The historic Chautauqua Auditorium offers numerous shows and performances during the summer, and you'll find the Dining Hall popular year-round. The expansive green lawn in front of the Dining Hall is popular with picnickers and frisbee throwers when the weather is nice, but the trails in Chautauqua Park are probably the biggest draw. Here you'll find everything from easy nature walks to strenuous hikes. As the easiest access point to the Flatirons, it's also popular with climbers.
Times & Dates
Open Hours: Dawn-dusk; Park events have various hours.Notes: The Dining Hall is closed Mon & Tues, and hours change seasonally; check website for current hours of operation. Other park event times vary.
Visit Time: 1hr-3hr
Best Time to Visit: Spring, Summer, and Fall are the best times to visit.
Why Best: Most of the trails here are shady, which make them a nice option for the heat of summer. In the Spring and Fall, you'll be greeted to beautiful colors.
Average Wait Time: 0-15min
Notes: If you're attending a show at Chautauqua Auditorium, or eating at the Dining Hall, you may experience a wait to pick up your ticket/be seated.
Price: Free
Price Notes: Just hiking, or using the park's facilities is free, but tickets for shows and menu prices vary.
Exposure
Outdoor with some covering. Notes: The Auditorium is open to the elements on the sides, with no climate control--dress accordingly.Age Recommendations/Requirements
Ages Admitted: All AgesAges that would most enjoy this site: All Ages
Groups that would most enjoy this site: Couples, Families, Friends, Groups, Solo Travelers
Transportation
Nearest Train or Bus:
The Hop
Best Modes of Transportation:
Automobile/Car
Bicycle
Walking
Notes: The nearest bus stop is at College and 9th, accessed by the Hop. Head south on 9th for 4 blocks to the park. If you're driving, head west on Baseline to the park's entrance on the south side of the road, just past 9th. You can also access the backside of the park (where the Auditorium is located) from 12th St.
Parking Availability: Limited
Average Price per Hour: Free
Parking Safety: Safe
Notes: Parking is at a premium on nice days and concert evenings. If the lot is full, you can park along Baseline (you'll see plenty of cars doing this) or try to find a space by heading south on 12th.
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