New, Family-Friendly Attractions Planned for Estes Park

With beautiful areas like Rocky Mountain National Park to explore, plus stores, restaurants, and candy shops galore, Estes Park makes for the perfect place to get away with the whole family.

Recently, the town of Estes Park announced that even more family-friendly entertainment options are in the works.

First, a community climbing boulder is being built in the Big Thompson Recreation Area. It will be located right along the river, next to picnic shelters, making it a great area for guests to spend time. The new outdoor area is estimated to be completed and open to the public by winter 2021-2022.

The wildfires took their toll on Estes Park last year, and as a way to honor the brave men and women who defended the town by fighting the flames, a firefighter mural is going to be created. It will be painted courtesy of local artist, Wade Johnston. Although an exact location has yet to be determined, the mural will be featured in a prominent spot somewhere on Elkhorn Avenue. Besides serving as a thank you to all firefighters who pass through Estes, the idea of the mural is to add beauty and character to the town.

The final vision that the town has, is to bring in a snow machine. A snow machine would lead to free winter attractions, including a sledding hill, snow park, snow and ice sculptures, as well as the possibility of other signature outdoor events. This project is still in the planning phase, and will be tested out with a rented snow machine this winter. The data that's collected during winter 2021 will be analyzed in regards to the town's consideration of the purchase of  their own snow machine.

The new attractions are being made possible through a collaboration between Visit Estes Park, the Town of Estes Park, and the Estes Park Art District. The goal is to encourage year-round visitation to Estes Park, while also contributing to local economic growth. The vision also aims to help create positive and memorable experiences for both visitors and locals alike.