Lookout Mountain Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lookout Mountain Park
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 Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Golden, Colorado |
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| Built | 1913 |
| Architect | Olmsted Brothers; Olmsted, Frederick Law, Jr. |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| MPS | Denver Mountain Parks MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001713 |
| Added to NRHP | November 15, 1990 |
Lookout Mountain Park is a special park near Golden, Colorado, about 12 miles (19 km) west of downtown Denver. It's part of the Denver Mountain Parks system. This park covers about 65.7 acres (26.6 hectares) of beautiful evergreen forests on top of Lookout Mountain. The mountain got its name because it was a favorite spot for the native Ute tribe to keep watch. Lookout Mountain Park is also famous as the burial place of the well-known western hero, William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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The Start of Lookout Mountain Park
In 1889, some important business people and residents in the area had a great idea. They wanted to create a mountain park where city folks could go to relax and enjoy nature. There was a friendly competition between Lookout Mountain and another spot called Eden Park. In the end, Lookout Mountain was chosen as the perfect place for this new park.
Plans for a Nature Retreat
Famous architect Frederick Law Olmsted was asked to design the park. He was the same person who designed Central Park in New York City. His plan was to create a natural-looking resort park for everyone to enjoy. A group of people bought the land for what became known as the original Lookout Mountain Park.
Challenges and New Owners
However, building the park faced some money problems. A big financial event in 1893, called the Silver Crash, made it hard to get enough funds. Not much construction happened, and the original owners grew older and passed away. Later, a businessman named Rees Vidler bought Lookout Mountain Park. He built a special funicular incline railway to the top, along with other fun attractions.
Denver's Own Mountain Park
When the Denver Mountain Parks system began, the city quickly became interested in Lookout Mountain. Mayor Robert W. Speer, who had been involved with the original park plans, led the city's efforts. In 1917, Denver bought a part of what was once the original Lookout Mountain Park. This became the new Lookout Mountain Park for the city of Denver.
Park Growth Over Time
For a short time, the old park and Denver's new park existed side by side. But the original park eventually ran out of money and closed. Denver's park then became widely known as Lookout Mountain Park. Over the years, much of the land from the original park has been bought back. It is now part of the Jefferson County Open Space, which helps protect natural areas.
The Resting Place of Buffalo Bill
"Buffalo Bill" Cody, a famous western frontiersman, spent his last years living in Denver. He was buried at Lookout Mountain Park on June 3, 1917. There's some discussion about whether he chose this spot himself or if others helped decide. We don't know for sure if his sister picked the exact burial site.
The Buffalo Bill Museum
In 1921, a large, rustic wooden building called Pahaska Tepee was built next to his grave. This building was designed by Edwin H. Moorman. It became the Buffalo Bill Museum. Today, the museum still welcomes visitors from all over the world. It shows how popular Buffalo Bill remains, even a century after his famous Wild West show stopped performing.
