Colorado History School Program - By Reservation Only

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, April 17th - May 3rd

The early residents of the Pikes Peak Region and the Central Front Range are brought to life through interactions between students and staff, including American Indian groups, miners, health seekers and farmers.

After a stimulating introduction in the Carriage House, students walk either to the homestead cabin, the farm or the American Indian area on site where costumed interpreters demonstrate what life was like here in the pre-railroad era.

Students have opportunities to participate in hands-on activities throughout the 1-1/2 hour program.

Aimed at grades three and four, our program meets state standards in history and enhances social studies and science curriculum. Teachers are provided a packet of information full instructions and preparation for the site visit as well as suggesting pre- and post-visit activities. Living history is a highly informative and effective way to teach the subject matter.

Home school groups are encouraged to participate. Call 719-578-6777 for additional information and make reservations for your class.

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Free Admission

"Go green" at Rock Ledge Ranch and celebrate the environment in one of the most pastoral settings in the city.

All homes and living history areas will be open.

This year our special activities involve park clean-up, Air Force Academy Falcons, Live Animals, 4th Infantry Dixieland Band and much more.

The admission hut will be open for membership sign up. Come prepared for a great time while helping the Ranch!
Click here to see the flyer.

Homespun Fun at the Ranch

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

In the 1880s, El Paso County boasted the largest population of sheep in the state.

Commemorate the area's once thriving sheep industry as we use traditional hand shears and modern equipment to relieve the Ranch's small herd of Merino sheep of their fleece.

The Pikes Peak Weavers Guild will demonstrate weaving, carding, skirting, spinning and wool dying throughout the day. Join us in the barn for this wild 'n wooly event.

9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

The Basic Blacksmith Workshop will be back for its 9th year. Ranch blacksmith, and one of the Pikes Peak Region’s most accomplished craftsmen, Andy Morris, will conduct two one-day workshops for beginners and those who have a minimal amount of experience. These hands-on workshops will include an overview of blacksmithing history, tools, techniques and discussions of supplies necessary for starting you own shop. Each participant will forge practical and decorative items from hot steel to take home and amaze their family and friends!

Cost: $150, Reservations required: 719-578-6777

9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

The Basic Blacksmith Workshop will be back for its 9th year. Ranch blacksmith, and one of the Pikes Peak Region’s most accomplished craftsmen, Andy Morris, will conduct two one-day workshops for beginners and those who have a minimal amount of experience.

These hands-on workshops will include an overview of blacksmithing history, tools, techniques and discussions of supplies necessary for starting you own shop.

Each participant will forge practical and decorative items from hot steel to take home and amaze their family and friends!

Cost: $150, Reservations required: 719-578-6777

Celebrate the Red White & Blue - Independence Day!

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Visitors have an opportunity to walk through the reenactment of a revolutionary war camp, hear General William Jackson Palmer read the Declaration of Independence, talk to Katherine Lee Bates as she discusses her inspiration for “America the Beautiful” or visit a Civil War encampment and a Buffalo Soldier bivouac.

Carnival games are available in the barn with prizes! (Tickets available for a nominal fee.)

Buy a hot dog, taste homemade ice cream and enjoy it on the Orchard House lawn to hear patriotic music performed by the Fountain Creek Brass Band!

A Southern Colorado Bluegrass and Culinary Arts Festival

$30 for Members

Adults (13 years old and older): $40 Preregistration (before July 21st), $45 After

Children (under 13): $15 Preregistration (before July 21st), $20 After

2:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Foot-stomping bluegrass music, cooking demonstrations, living history activities, and, of course, the delectable food and wine tastings, have quickly made this event a regional favorite. Sample food from more than two dozen of Colorado Springs’ finest restaurants. Where else can you sip a vintage wine, listen to bluegrass melodies and enjoy a gorgeous view of Pikes Peak? Bring chairs or a blanket for seating at the concert. The festival will be held rain or shine. All proceeds benefit Rock Ledge Ranch.

For more information on the bands, the day’s schedule, and to purchase tickets online, visit the festival web site: www.fiddlesvittlesandvino.com. Tickets are limited, so purchase early.

Absolutely no passes or coupons accepted for this event

Ticket holders have unrestricted access to bluegrass performances and food and beverage samplings.

Note: due to the nature of this event, the site will be closed to all except ticket holders for the duration of the Festival.

Theatreworks Shakespeare Festival at Rock Ledge Ranch

Tuesdays through Saturdays, August 1st - August 25th, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tickets are $10-$30.

Join Sir John Falstaff and his merry band of misfits in the Festival Tent for some Shakespearean merriment on the grounds of Rock Ledge Ranch. This special summer production marks the return of Theatreworks' "Shakespeare in the Park" and features minstrels, plenty of food, and loads of good cheer.

6:00-7:15 - Picnic on the grounds of Rock Ledge Ranch featuring minstrels, hot dogs and bratwurst courtesy of Margo's Vienna Station with plenty of merriment.

7:30 - Production begins in the Festival Tent

Tickets range between $10-$30 with discounted same day tickets available to all patrons of Rock Ledge Ranch.
Visit www.theatreworkscs.org for more information, or call 719.255.3232.

All proceeds support Theatreworks and Rock Ledge Ranch.

Play description: Shakespeare returns to the festival tent, set in beautiful Rock Ledge Ranch.

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Thanks to the AFL and CIO, today was set aside as a day of rest for everyone who works for a living.

The highlight is our annual vintage base ball match between the Camp Creek Cloud Busters (your home team) and the Colorado Territorial All-Stars from Denver. The Cloud Busters is no “farm team,” but needs your support to cheer them on to another victory! The first pitch will be at 1:00 pm.

The rules are different; no one wears a mitt or glove (except the catcher), and “cranks” (that’s you, the spectators) can influence the umpire’s call in your team’s favor!

Picnics are welcome, but don’t miss the opportunity to sip a cold cream soda or root bear available for purchase at the Heritage Shop. Vendors will be here to supply hotdogs, popcorn and ice cream as well. It may be the end of summer, but not the fun!

Huzzah for the National Game!

Noon to 6:00 PM

Co-sponsored by the Holly Berry House Folk Art Gallery, this nationally known event benefits the Ranch’s restoration projects.  Visitors will see the best of handcrafted folk art, from clothing to furniture, as well as antiques and live music.

Piecing Partners will have a quilt exhibit and a silent auction of their exquisitely made quilts and wall hangings.

The Orchard House will be open for living history interpretation.

Cost: Adults: $8, Seniors: $5, Children 6-12: $4, Children under 6 are free.
Notes: LHA Members are admitted free of charge

Sorry, no free passes accepted

9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Co-sponsored by the Holly Berry House Folk Art Gallery, this nationally known event benefits the Ranch’s restoration projects.  Visitors will see the best of handcrafted folk art, from clothing to furniture, as well as antiques and live music.

Piecing Partners will have a quilt exhibit and a silent auction of their exquisitely made quilts and wall hangings.

The Orchard House will be open for living history interpretation.

Cost: Adults: $8, Seniors: $5, Children 6-12: $4, Children under 6 are free.
Notes: LHA Members are admitted free of charge

Sorry, no free passes accepted

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Co-sponsored by the Holly Berry House Folk Art Gallery, this nationally known event benefits the Ranch’s restoration projects.  Visitors will see the best of handcrafted folk art, from clothing to furniture, as well as antiques and live music.

Piecing Partners will have a quilt exhibit and a silent auction of their exquisitely made quilts and wall hangings.

The Orchard House will be open for living history interpretation.

Cost: Adults: $8, Seniors: $5, Children 6-12: $4, Children under 6 are free.
Notes: LHA Members are admitted free of charge

Sorry, no free passes accepted

3rd Annual Garden of the Gods Powwow

10 AM to 5 PM

The rich American Indian heritage of the Pikes Peak region is explored on a daily basis at Rock Ledge Ranch. But on this special day, the Ranch celebrates America’s indigenous nations with an expanded program. Several of the Local Native American Non-Profit Organizations are planning for the 3rd Annual Garden of the Gods Powwow. The powwow is planned to take place on Saturday, September 22nd, 2012, and will include Traditional and Educational Events, as well as Native American arts & crafts and food vendors. Mark your calendar and come join the festivities. More details to come.

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Free Admission

In recognition of the bounty of a traditional fall harvest, the Ranch is open free of admission on this day.

The Chambers’ 1880s farm will be filled with activities and fun in the crisp autumn air. Ride a pony or a horse-drawn wagon, listen to old-time music, pick a pumpkin to take home, scramble for candy, kick back on the lawn with a slice of pie, tour the restored 1880s Rock Ledge House and 1907 Estate House.

Fees apply to most activities.

Bid for fine, handcrafted folk art at the silent auction.

Plan to stay through the day as food vendors will be on site.

Click here to see and download the 2010 Harvest Festival flyer.

Colorado History School Program - By Reservation Only

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, October 9th - 25th

The early residents of the Pikes Peak Region and the Central Front Range are brought to life through interactions between students and staff, including American Indian groups, miners, health seekers and farmers.

After a stimulating introduction in the Carriage House, students walk either to the homestead cabin, the farm or the American Indian area on site where costumed interpreters demonstrate what life was like here in the pre-railroad era.

Students have opportunities to participate in hands-on activities throughout the 1-1/2 hour program.

Aimed at grades three and four, our program meets state standards in history and enhances social studies and science curriculum. Teachers are provided a packet of information full instructions and preparation for the site visit as well as suggesting pre- and post-visit activities. Living history is a highly informative and effective way to teach the subject matter.

Home school groups are encouraged to participate. Call 719-578-6777 for additional information and make reservations for your class.

Traditional Hog Processing

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

“Everything but the oink!” - an old saying that sums up the dietary and economic importance of hogs to farmers, ranchers and homesteaders.

To keep the meat from spoiling during the curing process, hogs were processed in the coolest, fall months of the year.  Lard was rendered to use for baking and to make soap and medicinals.

Everyone participated in this annual event, so dress for the weather and join us at the barnyard for this educational demonstration.

In addition to hog processing, you can observe sausage and soap making at the Rock Ledge House and the Galloway Cabin.

Special assistance provided by Zettlemoyer’s Custom Meat Processing.

4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Rock Ledge Ranch will be transformed with the sights, sounds, and aromas of this traditionally festive season.

The evening features jingle-bell wagon rides, old-time musical entertainment, lantern light tours to the 1860s homestead cabin, blacksmithing demonstrations, a barn dance, Victorian celebrations in the 1880s Rock Ledge House and Edwardian festivities in the 1907 Orchard House.

St. Nicholas will be in the Carriage House to visit with children and adults and a photographer will be on hand to capture the moment. Purchase those extra special gifts at the Heritage Shop. Hot cider and other goodies will be available at several locations around the Ranch. Admission price includes all activities and tours. Volunteer assistance provided by the Living History Association.