Welcome to the North Park Newsletter!
Just one more way to stay informed about what's happening in North Park
Welcome to the Visit North Park Newsletter!
You are reading the first issue out the Visit North Park Newsletter. At the end there won’t be a quiz, but there will be a contest. For the next two weeks, subscribers to the newsletter will be entered to win two tickets to see the Denver Broncos playing against the LA Chargers on Oct. 13, 2024. But first, let’s see what else is happening with the newsletter!
What is the Visit North Park Newsletter?
Visitors to the website already know about our weekly blog highlighting events history and pieces of North Park culture. From ecology to outdoor recreation and things that are happening in Jackson county you won’t want to miss. Why do we do this? Because we want our visitors to have a great experience when they visit Jackson County. We want our new friends to come back and bring their friends!
For nearly a year, VisitNorthParkCO.com has been running a blog that has talked about new shops and vacation rentals, interesting places to see, and incredible things to experience in North Park. The response has been excellent! Even with the success of VisitNorthParkCO.com we want to do more to get the word out, which is why we are inviting our friends to subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with some of the big events that happen each Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter!
What You Can Expect with the Newsletter
Subscribers will receive the newsletter by email, or they can use the Substack app on their tablet, phone, or computer. Substack is a neat platform that allows readers to engage with topics they want to know more about. The best part is you can see what is going on in North Park for free.
Here’s what you will find on the newsletter.
Links to articles on the website you don’t want to miss
Mini blogs about what is happening in North Park
New business spotlights
Stunning photos
Big seasonal events
Links to articles talking about the history of North Park
Sneak Peak…Er, Peek at What’s Going on this Fall
Summertime is over in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but with mild temperatures and plenty of access into some beautiful recreational spots, there’s still plenty of time to have a great road trip or weekend out in the mountains. Here’s some of the things happening in North Park you’ll want to check out.
Hunting season
The forests around North Park are at their peak of fall colors right now. You’ll see every shade of red, yellow, and also hunter orange in the forests and plains for the next couple months. From archery season, blackpowder, and every variety of rifle season from pronghorn antelope to moose and bear, hunting season is North Park’s biggest draw of the year.
North Park is a haven for big game, and though we are famous for our moose, Jackson County is home to around 12% of the elk in Colorado. That’s a lot of elk! From wide open spaces for pronghorn hunts on public land to guided hunts with professional outfitters, there’s so much to choose from to experience the hunt of a lifetime.
Be sure to check out the Colorado Parks and Wildlife site for information about hunting and fishing guidelines, changes in policies for local and out of state licenses, and even how to get started for next year’s draw.
Fishing
There’s still plenty of time to get out on the rivers and lakes in North Park for fly, lure, and bait fishing. North Park is home to Gold Medal Waters such as Delaney Lakes and the North Platte River. You’ll find a multitude of trout and lake fish, from brook trout and browns to cutthroats, cutbows, and even tiger muskies. This time of year, the fish have had all summer to get fat on bugs and grubs, which give these mountain fish that sought-after succulent pink meat anglers brag about.
Here’s some hot spots to check out!
Delaney Lakes
Big Creek Lakes
North Platte River
Hidden Lakes
Wild creek fishing
Michigan Reservoir at State Forest State Park
So much more!
Outdoor Recreation
North Park is a destination for some of the best hiking, backpacking, camping, and mountain biking in Colorado. With hundreds of miles of public lands from the BLM, State Trust Land, National Forest, and State Forest State Park, you’ll find pristine forest trails, wide open country, forested wild camping, and alpine trail systems.
Along the southern edge of North Park runs a section of the Continental Divide Trail. Check out our recent article on the CDT and learn about one of the triple crown big thru-hikes right in our backyard. If you are a thru-hiker looking to complete the trifecta of Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikes or just someone who wants to experience some beautiful trails at one of Colorado’s best kept secrets, this is the place for you.
From the middle of September until about mid-October, you’ll get a chance to see the beauty of the Fall colors in North Park. Read all about some of the best locations in Jackson County and tag us on Instagram with your own shots of the turning leaves.
Fall Harvest Craft Festival
North Park isn’t just a place for pretty scenery and wildlife viewing. Jackson County has a large population of talented creatives and artisans. Each Fall, the North Park Arts Council hosts the Harvest Craft Festival. This November 2nd, head to the Old Gymnasium on the corner of 5th Street and Washington in Walden to knock out some of that holiday shopping. The event begins at 9am and lasts until 3pm. If you are a vendor and want to take part, call 970-215-2354 for more information.
Here’s some of what you’ll find!
Scented candles
Handcrafted soaps and lotions
Christmas ornaments
Holiday decorations
Handmade jewelry
Furs and fabric
Pet gear and paracord bracelets
Quilting supplies
Handspun yarn and woolens
Holiday greeting cards
Carved stonework
Numbered prints and artwork
Riding tack and equipment
Food and refreshments
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Stockman Bar and Grill
As we ramp up into the holidays, spending time with loved ones can be a luxury many of us don’t get. For travelers passing through North Park during Thanksgiving and locals alike, the Stockman Bar and Grill has been feeding folks on Thanksgiving for generations. Stop in and hang out with some new friends for a day and fill up on roast turkey and all the fixin’s on Thanksgiving Day.
Christmas in North Park
With fall colors in the mountains and summer just ending, t’s hard to believe that the holiday season is already on its way. A North Park Christmas starts on December 7th and runs through the entire weekend. Stop off in Walden to visit the Grinch House, Whoville, Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, and to enjoy the festive holiday lights that illuminate downtown Walden, CO. Kids will get a chance to get pictures with Santa and sleigh rides will delight the young and young at heart alike. Start a new tradition with a weekend of Christmas in North Park!
Subscribe and Enter to Win Broncos Tickets
As a way to kick off the newsletter (pun intended), we are going to choose one lucky winner to receive two free tickets to see the Broncos vs. Chargers on October 13, 2024. There’s no fee and entry is easy. Simply use your email to subscribe to the Visit North Park Newsletter on Substack! (If you are reading this, you probably already have! Thank you!!)
Winners will be selected over the next two weeks and notified via email, so be sure to check your inbox to see if you’ve won!
Be sure to spread the word and tell all your friends about the contest and the newsletter. We can’t wait to see you in North Park on your next visit!