Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site

If you enjoy history, this is an amazing stop to add to your travel list! Because no one in my party knows how to follow directions, or listen, we did it completely out of order, and it was still amazing! Every single tour was spectacular and informative! I greatly enjoyed visiting the ranch, and that's what matters, since I'm the reason we went. Ha! Watching the Blacksmith was incredible, buying ranch made souvenirs, and seeing everything kept to period was chefs kiss! Thank you all, but especially to Della(sp) you're my hero! 💜

Rockledge Ranch is the most peaceful oasis in the city. Families can come visit the ranch at any time after hours or off season to see the farm animals and living history sites. It’s a great place for a picnic or easy walk in nature for people of all ages and abilities. During events and summer hours, the living history program offers hands-on learning opportunities so you can experience life in the late 1800s just as it was on this very same property. I often walk behind the ranch around sunset when I’m feeling down and undoubtedly leave refreshed. Rockledge Ranch is open to anyone for a variety of activities depending on the season and event schedule. Always wholesome, always family friendly, always the perfect getaway to reflect on years past.

Beautiful, expansive place to visit. Attended with the whole family (ages 5 to 75) and we all had a blast. Easy free parking, and reasonably priced tickets for the event (an old-timely homestead tour and baseball game). Chill vibes, clean, well cared for place. Seems accessible if that’s needed, except inside the homesteads. This place is highly recommended.

What a great place for a little walk on a beautiful day! There wasn't anything going on since it's still of season but, a great place to explore none the less. Folks were out having picnics on the beautiful grounds, farm critters for the kids to observe, everyone seemed to have a good time. We'll have to check it out when they're open.

A deeply beloved place, and rightfully so, considering the mix of history and rugged natural beauty that it offers to both children and adults. Though a native of Colorado Springs, I had not visited here in a while, perhaps not since I was a small child, and I was quite impressed by how accessible the historic sites are. In the summer, there are living history demonstrations that showcase with exquisite detail and much eagerness certain periods from early Colorado history. These demonstrations are a large part of what draw visitors here, but the area is still extremely charming to walk around even off-season. Many of the monoliths of Garden of the Gods are visible from here, with significantly fewer crowds. When the sun shines brightly on the meadow and the wind rasps softly through the high grass, the buildings look absolutely enchanting. There is an array of farm animals here that will please children, and anecdotally, I heard a line of children chanting "an-i-mals" as they were walking toward the sheep. I personally adored the old masonry walls still present and ruined form and thoughtfully restored, as well as the example of a beautiful Spanish revival style Edwardian estate. There's something for everyone here, and I was fortunate enough to come when they were setting up for the 4th of July, and everywhere was festooned with patriotic banners.

What a nice way to spend the 4th of July! I really enjoyed the outfits and the history. It was so sweet watching all the little kids enjoy the 4th. I felt like that's how it should be, not just fireworks!! Good food, pie and lemonade!!

A fantastic experience and great value! The self-guided tour is immersive and informative, making you feel like you’ve stepped back into the 19th century. Perfect for a relaxed hike combined with a historical journey. Highly recommended for families and history lovers alike.

We purchased tickets online. (Or you can purchase tickets as you enter) We were given a map of the grounds. We toured both houses and the cabin. The people were dressed according to era of the houses. Very informative and interesting learning about the history.

Colorado beauty at its best! I came here in the heart of (our very mild) winter to take my dog on the trails right at the base of Rock Ledge Ranch. Other reviews talk about a great place to bring the family in the summertime, and it's a cool piece of history since it's a working ranch that belonged to Palmers sister in the 1900s, but I'm here to talk about the beautiful and scenic trails right at the base of Garden of the Gods. This is the trailhead and lots of people bring their dogs to go on or off leash as well as being a popular path for bicyclists. The base of the trail has an off leash dog area and I have been told that there is another one inside the park, which is awesome, though I didn't explore it today. There are very easy trails to walk along and feel like you're in nature and you are right at the bottom of the Garden of the Gods rock formations.

I kind of don't want to leave a review because I want to keep this place a secret and keep it all to myself. The old trees and the pond are so relaxing with amazing views. The farm is super cute and the animals are well cared for. I took the living history tour a few months ago and I think it's great! It would be very good to take kids who are learning from home to experience this type of educational outing.

Went to Rock Ledge Ranch this past weekend where there was an Art Festival taking place...lots of vendors with paintings, jewelry, arts & crafts, food, etc. I really didn't see any thing I needed. Even though some items were interesting, I'm more in the mode of getting rid of things than accumulating more. I did pick up some of my favorite fig balsamic vinegar though--so good. I was more interested in the ranch itself and those who are in character showing what life was like way back when (my stars are more for that). Have to come back again and take the time to enjoy it

So, went to the folk art festival. First off, the parking is in a field, so be prepared to walk on uneven, ankle twisting ground. I would say its about a mile to the venders from the parking field. Nice little farm, I'm calling this a farm loosely, because a ranch it is not, some green grass, with trees lining a walk near a very small pond was cute, had a few benches. Oh, and I did see a very small barn in the distance. When you arrive where the vendors and food are located be prepared to be in the direct sun the whole time. No shade what so ever is provided...even where you eat on a picnic table is in the blazing direct sun. It always baffles me that none of the festivals around here provide places to sit and get out of the sun. The port a pottys are disgusting, but that is usually the case with those kind of things. I truly wasn't impressed, when you go the the web site you expect all this cool stuff to see, people in period costume etc. but none of that at least for this art festival. The hump back to the car was just as bad as going to the festival. Driving out of the parking field is a complete disaster....long slow lines....expect a long frustrating wait. Oh, and this is like all of the other art festivals around here, same venders too....

History lovers will enjoy the step back in time while everyone will enjoy the beauty of this historic site. Don't forget to pack a picnic and get ready to relax in the peacefulness. Do not however go when you must pay. Staff is unfriendly and the feeling of mediocrity is definitely the undertone when dealing with them. Happy to not renew my membership.

I've driven past Rock Ledge Ranch for years and have never dropped in. This weekend I had the honor of photographing a wedding there and it is awesome! the grounds are beautiful, and rustic. There are several buildings on site, a general store, and a horse corral. They have a museum building there as well but was not open while I was there. I'm not sure on what the cost is to have a wedding here, but it is a beautiful location. You do take your chances with the weather.

We were very excited and booked the 4:00 tour. The interpreters were amazing with great information on the history of the homes. I'm giving this 2 stars because if you book the 4:00 tour the place closes at 5:00 and everything was closed by the time we finished the home tour. We didn't get to experience anything else. The General Store had closed as well. We felt gypped for what the tickets cost. I would recommend booking the 2:00 tour instead if the 4:00.

I really like Roch Ledge Ranch. I have been the their Indian Pow-Wow which was very fun and entaintaining. This place is comprised of many buildings which have been preserved for our benefit. They offer so many events during the year: sheep sheering competitions, Earth Day, Living History day, 4th of July, Vittles Fiddles and Vinos, and much much more. It's a very fun place in a most idyllic setting. Everyone living in this area should visit at least once. Fun for young and adult alike.

The 4th of July celebration was incredible. Great live music, lots of family events. The actors playing Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt and General Palmer were outstanding. We had a wonderful time and would recommend this annual event to everyone

One of Colorado Springs best kept secrets. This place is more than worth it to make the effort to go. It is truly a living museum with docents that are very engaging. You will go through the history of Colorado Springs in an interactive, and entertaining way. Perfect especially for rising fourth graders that will be learning state history. Note, it is only open Wednesday-Saturday 10-5. We are from Washington DC and Rock Ledge Ranch seems like the Colorado version of Williamsburg to us.

We discovered Rock Ledge Ranch just last year after driving by the site for years on the way to GOG. It's a good thing because my kids ages 10 and 5 love going. We got the yearly membership and now have been to many of the special activities. We've made rope, corn just dolls, weaved little blankets, taken wagon rides and now got really cool Christmas ornaments at the Christmas Evening event. This is a living history museum so it's cool to see how people used to live and dress and how they made things. I'd recommend the the yearly membership to support the museum and so you can go back at another time of the year and see what they are up to. Picture is of a doll my daughter picked out at the general store - you'd think this was a hundred dollar American Girl doll, but she just loves it.

This hidden gem is one of my favorite spots in Colorado Springs. Not a corny dude ranch, as I'd assumed before I visited. It's a historical working farm, in part, but mostly a kind of city park. My preschool-aged son and I often drop by to see the farm animals and stroll about the lovely grounds, sometimes walking up the dam into Garden Of The Gods. We love Rock Ledge Ranch's friendly, intelligent staff, too.

This is the best tour that I have ever been on. The interpreters were amazing. My 6 year old daughter was enthralled the entire time. It is at the top of my list of things to recommend to people coming to Colorado Springs, especially if they enjoy history. I thought I would spend an hour at the most but I ended up staying four hours. The interpreters dress up in period costume and are very knowledgeable of the subject matter. It was very immersive because guests got to try several of the different activities at the various time periods. If guests asked questions the interpreters would try to show instead of just explain. Once again, by far the best experience of any tour I have been on. I highly recommend.