Sight Seeing in Westcliffe, CO

SIGHT-SEEING IN THE WET MOUNTAIN VALLEY


The Beckwith Ranch

Built by George C. Beckwith, a wealthy ship builder from Maine, this grand ranch was one of the largest ranching operations in Colorado. The Beckwiths purchased this quarter section of land registered on an 1874 land grant signed by former president, Ulysses S. Grant. The Friends of the Beckwith Ranch are restoring the ranch to be used as a museum and an educational complex. On Highway 69, North of Westcliffe.

Bishop's Castle

A most unusual attraction, this castle was built entirely by one dedicated man. Mr. Bishop created a pulley system that utilizes his pickup to hoist rocks and stones to this sprawling structure. A skilled metal worker, he has designed walkways, stairwells, towers and a dragon that will eventually breathe smoke. Whether you climb on the winding walkways, explore the marvels of the mystical castle or just admire from below, it is a memorable stop for all ages. Free Admission  http://www.bishopcastle.org/

Mission Wolf

Mission: Wolf is a remote wolf sanctuary tucked away in the mountains of Colorado. This nonprofit organization provides a peaceful environment for wolves in large, fenced-in areas. Their tours educate the public about habitat protection, the important role they play in the wild and the dangers of keeping wolves as pets. 13388 County Road 634 • Gardner, CO 81040 www.missionwolf.com

Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts

Once a rowdy saloon that entertained silver miners of the late 1800's, the Jones Theater now hosts a variety or productions and moviews for the enjoyment of Custer county residents and visitors. The theater is proudly managed by the WCPA. The nonprofit organization presents 8 live productions each summer as well as a full season of first run movies in the 184-seat house.
2nd & Main St. • Westcliffe, CO 81252
1-719-783-3004 • wcpa@ris.net • www.jonestheater.com

The Old Westcliffe Schoolhouse

This beautiful stone building was built in 1891 as a two room schoolhouse for the children of the Settlers. It is now home to the Valley Park Recreation & Youth Center and the Old Westcliff Museum. This building is on the National Register of Historical Places.
304 S. 4th St. • Westcliffe, Co 81252
1-719-783-2064

All Aboard Westcliffe

All Aboard Westcliffe is a great first stop for your family vacation. Working in partnership with the National Forest Service and The Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byways, the center offers information about surrounding areas, scenic tours, wildlife viewing and hiking. It is also a museum and interpretive center that features four short videos about ranching, mining agricultural and one room schoolhouse history. The center has acquired the D&RGW caboose on Main St. which will be restore and maintained as a small railroad museum. 110 Rosita Ave. • Westcliffe, CO 81252
1-719-783-0359

The Silver Cliff Museum

Constructed in 1879 and still stands on its original site. It is listed on the State Historic Register and used to be the Original Silver Cliff Town Hall & Fire Station.
606 Main St. • Silver Cliff, CO 81252

Cliff Lanes Bowling Alley

25 Main St. • Westcliffe, CO 81252
1-719-783-2031 • sixsmgmt@centurytel.net

Hope Lutheran Church

Built in 1917 by the German Settlers, this church houses one of the state's oldest Lutheran congregations and is on the National Register of Historical Places.
312 South 3rd Street • Westcliffe, CO 81252

The Westcliffe Jail (Calaboose)

Behind the Jones Theater -This was the town's original jail. The jail which contains two small cells, was built in 1888 at a cost of $330.
Attributing to the uncomfortable conditions, the Marshall at the time said he rarely had repeat offenders.
The Building is on the National Register of Historical Places.