Palmer Lake is a small historic
town nestled in the foothills. The Union Pacific and Burlington Northern
Santa Fe railroad climbs the divide and passes through Palmer Lake where
the town’s rustic character is coupled with breathtaking red rock mountain
landscape. Its spirit is reflected in the businesses of Palmer Lake that
open their doors and extend a taste of small town living and shopping experience
- an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The first settlers arrived in the
Palmer Lake area in the 1860’s. Nestled in the foothills, The Town of
Palmer Lake was platted in 1882 by Dr. William Finley Thompson, a dentist
from Baltimore, who intended it to be a health resort and vacation community.
For many years, the area maintained an agrarian lifestyle, with industry
ranging from harvesting ice, fox farms, and sawmills, until 1958, when the
Air Force Academy opened. The Lucretia
Vaile Museum features photos, historical artifacts and articles
from the Palmer Lake, Monument and Palmer Divide areas and is an ideal place
to learn about the history of the Tri-Lakes region.
Palmer Lake also offers many fishing and walking trails. As the beginning
of the 14-mile Santa Fe Regional Trail, one of the longest continuous trails
in El Paso County, it follows the abandoned Atkinson, Topeka and Santa Fe
Railroad right-of-way. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the abundance of
wildlife, wildflowers and scenery.
Town
of Palmer Lake
City
Data - Palmer Lake
