Glen Eyrie, Colorado Springs (must see)

Glen Eyrie is an impressive English Tudor-style castle. Built in 1871, this historic estate features 17 guest rooms, including 12 Deluxe and 5 Premier options, along with 7 meeting rooms, including the spacious Castle Great Hall for up to 240 people. Two dining rooms, Castle King James Hall and Castle Music & Library rooms, offer seating for 180 and 58 guests, respectively.

Originally conceived as General Palmer and his wife Mary "Queen" Mellen's dream home, Glen Eyrie is nestled in the picturesque northwest foothills near the Garden of the Gods rock formations. It began as a 22-room frame house on their 800-acre estate and underwent renovations in 1881, transforming into a stone castle-like structure by 1903.

Queen Palmer founded Colorado Springs' first public school in 1871 at just 21 years old. The Palmer family, including their three daughters, Elsie, Dorothy, and Marjory, left a lasting legacy in the community.

In 1880, Mrs. Palmer's health declined, leading to a move to lower altitudes. General Palmer frequently visited his ailing wife and daughters in England. Sadly, Queen Palmer passed away at the age of 44, prompting General Palmer to return to England to bring her remains and their daughters back to Colorado Springs. In a touching tribute, they dismantled their home and rebuilt it into the 33,000-square-foot castle that stands today.

Glen Eyrie it's an integral part of Colorado Springs' heritage, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, this captivating castle, owned by The Navigators, is open to the public for tours and events and available for private programs.

Nestled at the base of Queen's Canyon, Glen Eyrie faces occasional flash flood risks, particularly after the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire. While the fire spared the castle, it stripped the canyon's vegetation. To mitigate flood risks, substantial measures, including debris nets and reinforced creek beds, have been implemented, safeguarding this cherished historic gem.