South Park National Heritage Area

06/23/2026

❖A Timeline of Park County, Colorado History❖
• 2009, South Park National Heritage Area Established •
On March 30th, 2009, Public Law 111-11, Section 8003 established the South Park National Heritage Area to conserve and enhance South Park’s natural, cultural and recreational resources. To help, donate today at SouthParkHeritage.org/Donate
Beautiful capture by 📸 "Front Porch Views 07.26.2022"

06/22/2026

🐦 A look back at a wonderful day of birdwatching at the Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center!

Participants joined renowned ornithologist Joe LaFleur of Better Birdwatching to explore the visitor center's trail system and learn about the birds that call South Park home. Along the way, birders spotted species including red-tailed hawks, mountain bluebirds, and magpies while gaining insight into their habitats and behaviors.

South Park offers incredible birdwatching opportunities throughout the year, and we're grateful to Joe for sharing his expertise with visitors.

Interested in future programs, guided walks, and events at the visitor center? Be sure to follow Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center for the latest updates and upcoming opportunities to explore South Park's natural and cultural heritage.

📹 Watch the recap video and relive the adventure!

06/19/2026

⏳ A Glimpse Back in Time: Hoosier Pass

Before today's modern signs and paved mountain travel, visitors crossing Hoosier Pass were greeted by markers like these, identifying one of Colorado's most significant geographic landmarks: the Continental Divide.

This historic postcard view shows Hoosier Pass in Park County at an elevation of 11,542 feet. Travelers standing here found themselves at the point where water begins a journey toward either the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. The sign also references the Hoosier Tunnel, an engineering feat that diverted water from the Blue River to help supplement Colorado Springs' water supply.

Today, Hoosier Pass remains one of the most scenic gateways into South Park, connecting Park and Summit counties while offering breathtaking mountain views and a tangible connection to Colorado's transportation and mining history.

📍 Hoosier Pass, Park County, Colorado
📸 Rocky Mt. View Co. postcard, date unknown
Courtesy of the Park County Local History Digital Archive

Have you stopped at Hoosier Pass? What do you remember most about your visit? 👇

06/10/2026

🌄 The Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center is officially open for the season!

Whether you're heading to South Park for a weekend adventure, exploring Park County's rich history, or simply taking in the incredible mountain views, Wilkerson Pass remains one of Colorado's most iconic roadside stops.

From wildlife displays and local history exhibits to panoramic views of the Mosquito Range and surrounding peaks, it's a place that helps connect visitors to the stories and landscapes that make this region so special.

Have you stopped at the Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center before? What’s your favorite thing about visiting? Share your memories, photos, or travel tips in the comments below! 👇

📍 26696 US-24, Lake George, CO 80827

06/10/2026

🕵️‍♀️ Calling all young adventurers!

MRHI's Wild Week: Spy Games is back June 22–25, giving kids ages 6–12 the chance to explore nature, solve puzzles, uncover clues, and put their detective skills to the test at Sacramento Creek Ranch. 🌲🔍

Check out the original post for registration details and learn more about this unique outdoor learning experience from the Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative.

WELCOME SUMMER!!!
Link: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/PMdcBLlDgHfx34qAb8dO1w

06/05/2026

🏔️ There’s something special about coming home to Colorado.

We absolutely love this stunning South Park scene captured by Sheila Fuller. The colors, the light, and the sense of peace in this image perfectly reflect what makes this landscape so memorable. 📸

Thank you, Sheila, for tagging us and for sharing your incredible photography with our community. We’re grateful for the many beautiful images you’ve contributed over the years that help showcase the South Park National Heritage Area.
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Be sure to follow to see more of her work and Colorado-inspired photography. 🌄

📸 Photo by:

06/04/2026

❖A Timeline of Park County, Colorado History❖
• 1980, Lost Creek Wilderness Created •
The Lost Creek Scenic Area is a 16,798-acre site in the Lost Creek Wilderness created in 1963, under the 1939 "U-Regulations", which was the precursor of the Wilderness Act. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1966. Located in the Pike National Forest in both Park and Jefferson counties, rock formations with pinnacles and spires are located in narrow gorges and on ridges. An underground stream "disappears and reappears" nine times or more at the site.
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"Weekend hiking views. The opening and closing act."

06/01/2026

🤔 Can you help us identify this piece of equipment at the historic Paris Mill?

While exploring the grounds around the mill, we came across this fascinating artifact. We have a few theories, but we'd love to hear from the experts, history buffs, miners, engineers, and anyone familiar with historic milling operations.

What do you think this was used for? A boiler? Part of the mill's power system? Something else entirely?

Share your best guess in the comments! 👇

If we can identify it, we'll dig deeper into its history and feature it in an upcoming blog post.

📍 Paris Mill, South Park National Heritage Area