Estes Park, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Estes Park, Colorado
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![]() Panorama of Estes Park as seen from Lumpy Ridge
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![]() Location of Estes Park in Larimer County, Colorado.
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Country | United States |
State | Colorado |
County | Larimer |
Founded | 1859 |
Incorporated (town) | April 17, 1917 |
Government | |
• Type | Statutory town |
Area | |
• Total | 6.97 sq mi (18.04 km2) |
• Land | 6.89 sq mi (17.85 km2) |
• Water | 0.08 sq mi (0.20 km2) 0.85% |
Elevation | 7,522 ft (2,293 m) |
Population
(2010)
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• Total | 5,858 |
• Estimate
(2018)
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6,352 |
• Density | 923.23/sq mi (356.49/km2) |
Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
ZIP Codes |
80517
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Area code(s) | 970 Exchanges: 577,586 |
FIPS code | 08-25115 |
GNIS feature ID | 0204674 |
Website | estes.org |
Estes Park is a beautiful town located in Larimer County, Colorado, in the United States. It's known as the main entrance to the famous Rocky Mountain National Park. Many people visit Estes Park each year to enjoy the stunning mountain views and outdoor adventures.
In 2010, about 5,858 people lived in Estes Park. The town is famous for landmarks like The Stanley Hotel and The Baldpate Inn. It's a great place to explore nature and learn about the mountains.
Contents
Exploring Estes Park
Estes Park sits high in the Rocky Mountains. It is surrounded by tall peaks and beautiful forests. The town is a popular spot for tourists. They come to hike, see wildlife, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park is often called the "Gateway to the Rockies." This is because it's right next to Rocky Mountain National Park. The park has amazing trails, lakes, and wildlife. You can see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep there. Many visitors start their park adventures from Estes Park.
Outdoor Activities and Fun
There are many fun things to do in Estes Park. You can go hiking on easy or challenging trails. Fishing in the clear mountain streams is also popular. In winter, people enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The town also has shops, restaurants, and a charming downtown area.
History of Estes Park
Estes Park has a rich history. It was first explored by Europeans in the mid-1800s. The town was named after Joel Estes, who settled there in 1859. He was one of the first people to build a home in the area.
Early Settlers and Growth
More settlers came to Estes Park over time. They were drawn by the beautiful scenery and opportunities. The town officially became a "statutory town" on April 17, 1917. This means it has a specific type of local government.
The Stanley Hotel's Story
One of the most famous buildings is The Stanley Hotel. It opened in 1909. A man named Freelan Oscar Stanley built it. He was the inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile. He came to Estes Park for his health. The hotel is known for its grand style. It also inspired a famous book by Stephen King.
Images for kids
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Lord Dunraven (1841-1926), the famous Irish nobleman, politician and journalist, in later life. His ancestral seat was Adare Manor in County Limerick.
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Albert Bierstadt was commissioned by The 4th Earl of Dunraven and Mount-Earl to make a painting of the Estes Park and Longs Peak area in 1876 for $15,000. The painting, originally displayed in Dunraven Castle in Glamorgan, is now in the collection of the Denver Art Museum.
See also
In Spanish: Estes Park (Colorado) para niños