A Memorable Summer at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center!
This summer has been a busy one here at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center! We welcomed over half a million visitors from all over the world in just the summer months of June through August (546,217 visitors to be exact!). Our peak day saw an impressive 9,310 visitors come through our doors before they headed out to explore the natural beauty and wonder of our National Natural Landmark.
This summer, we endured some of the hottest days on record in Colorado Springs, as well as epic Colorado rain and hail storms, and were treated to beautiful rainbows and sunsets to top it off. This goes to show how our weather here in Colorado has a mind of its own!
A Summer Full of Exciting Programs
We ran 58 different programs this summer, including hikes, art classes, workshops and more! Many of these events were held on a weekly or biweekly basis, ensuring there were plenty of opportunities for visitors (and locals!) to come together and enjoy the gorgeous views while learning something new. The Visitor Center staff also had the exciting addition of a summer intern who helped facilitate programming and even created two brand new programs: the Insect Hikes for Kids and Compass Basics, which were a big hit!
This marks the most programs we have ever run through the Visitor Center, thanks to our wonderful Education Specialist, Michael Bideau and his team of partners, as well as our City Staff who do daily Guided Nature Walks and many other interesting programs – including a Rattlesnake program where live rattlesnakes sometimes make an appearance (like the one pictured below!)
A Celebration of Support: The Summer Soirée
The Garden of the Gods Foundation also hosted the first ever annual Summer Soirée here at the Visitor Center. Previous donors to the Foundation had the opportunity to come together and celebrate their commitment to protecting this very special National Natural Landmark. They enjoyed appetizers and local live music while strolling through the Visitor Center, exploring the exhibit hall and the stunning views from the terrace. They were then captivated by speeches from Lyda Hill, Foundation board members Christina Haywood and Jan Martin, Cultural Services Manager Matt Mayberry and Park Manager of Garden of the Gods Anna Cordova, as well as the top sponsor of the evening, Art. C Klein. The event was a huge success and we are looking forward to future celebrations!
As we look back on this incredible summer, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited, participated in our programs, and supported our mission. As we transition seasons, some of the best Colorado weather is yet to come. Fall brings crisp air and vibrant foliage, making it the perfect time to get out and explore the park under our beautiful autumn sunshine! To make the most of this spectacular season, we have an exciting lineup of events and programs planned, including a Fall Equinox Hike on September 22nd, other daily specialized hikes and guided walks, and our monthly Wolf Presentation and Star Party. Check out our fall calendar here to discover upcoming activities and opportunities to experience the Garden of the Gods in all its fall splendor. We can’t wait to welcome you back for more adventures in the seasons to come!