Chautauqua Park

It’s not just that Chautauqua Park (Colorado Chautauqua Association, 900 Baseline Rd., 303/442-3282, www.chautauqua.com [1]) is a beautiful gateway to the broad meadow of Bluebell Shelter and other well-worn hiking trails that can lead up to the flatirons.

With its historic auditorium, cabins, and dining hall, it’s also a relaxed setting for wonderful events like the Silent Film Festival and Colorado Music Festival [2] each summer. In addition to the natural attributes, the park includes a large playground and grassy area perfect for playing Frisbee, enjoying a picnic, or sunbathing.

Located on 26 acres leased from the city, Chautauqua was part of the nationwide Chautauqua Movement, an effort to provide cultural and educational programs in the summer. Boulder [3]’s Chautauqua is one of only three that survive today.