Weddings/Receptions
A: Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! Ceremonies are available at the American Mothers Chapel, located at the south-east corner of the Ranch. It comfortably seats 9 to 12 people. View availability and secure reservations at https://coloradosprings.gov/americanmotherschapel Chapel reservations are offered once daily. Portrait photography permits are included for the immediate area of the Chapel. Portrait photography west of Camp Creek will require an additional photography permit. Review our portrait photography policy prior to purchase.
The Ranch does not offer other areas of the site for private ceremonies. See the Colorado Springs Park Pavilion and Wedding Guide for other locations.
A: The Ranch prides itself as a Living History Museum. There is not an accommodating indoor space for more than 25-60. The Barn is utilized for the animals. Due to public availability of the Ranch, and the ever-changing Colorado weather, outdoor receptions are not offered.
Check out this link for Wedding and Reception locations around Colorado Springs.
Accessibility
A: Rock Ledge Ranch is committed to making experiences at the Ranch as inclusive as possible. Due to the nature of our different experiences and the historical significance of most of our buildings, not all areas of the Ranch are accessible to people with disabilities. In July of 2023 the Ranch is installing a kiosk – located within the Carriage House – that includes narrated video tours of areas of the Ranch that may be inaccessible to some guests. These narrated video tours are captioned by default, and are also provided in a variety of formats that offer extended audio descriptions, American Sign Language interpretation, and an option for Spanish audio and captions. Furthermore, our docents are trained to recognize when guests might require an accommodation to enjoy their visit to the Ranch, and they are always available to answer questions.
A: Accessible parking for those with disability placards or plates is provided at the Main Entrance to the Ranch off of Gateway Drive, nearest the Admission Hut (an authentic turn-of-the-century tuberculosis hut with a cone roof). From there, follow the paved pathway across Camp Creek and into the Ranch proper. This pathway will lead you to the Carriage House, which includes accessible restrooms and a new kiosk with narrated video tours of the Ranch (July 2023). The service road that loops through the Ranch is compacted gravel, but a concrete sidewalk joins the east side of the Ranch (the Orchard and Carriage Houses and Staff Office) with the west side of the Ranch (the Chambers Rock Ledge House and the Barn / workshop). A platform lift is provided to the first floor of the Orchard House, however the building is only open to the public while the Living History Program is in season. The second and third floors of the Orchard House and most of the Chambers Rock Ledge House are not accessible to people that use wheelchairs, and may be difficult for people with limited mobility as the stairs are narrower and steeper than modern stairs. The trails leading to our log cabin (Galloway Homestead) and Native American interpretive areas are unimproved. While the Living History Program is in season, be sure to take the concrete path all of the way to our outdoor workshop between the barn and the livestock pen to catch a scheduled demonstration.
Private Events
A: The Carriage House is occasionally available for meetings. It can accommodate approximately 25 people with tables and chairs, up to 60 seated-only. Reservations require approval from the Ranch Manager and are subject to availability, limited to 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. There is no availability during the Summer Living History Program or during Special Events. Call us at 719-578-6777 or email info@rockledgeranch.com for more information.
Folk Art Festival
A: After forty years, the Folk Art Festival has been retired as a fundraising event for Rock Ledge Ranch. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this event over the years.
Donations
A: We are grateful for your generosity! Please e-mail a photo to info@rockledgeranch.com. Before accepting your donation, we need to ensure your artifact is era-specific and usable. (We cannot accept any organs or pianos.)
Monetary donations are appreciated! Please come by the Ranch or send to:
Rock Ledge Ranch Living History Association
P.O. Box 6299
Colorado Springs, CO 80934
Lost Membership Card
A: Your membership is still valid through the expiration date even if you lose your card. Bring your picture identification and we’ll verify the membership at the Admission Hut. New membership cards are issued at renewal.
Volunteer Opportunities
A: If you have a passion for history, desire to learn new things, and sharing your skills with visitors, you’ll fit right in! Our Historic Interpreter Docents apply, interview, and train for confidence and knowledge! The best part for adult docents: we’re flexible with your schedule! Call or e-mail us at 719-578-6777/ info@rockledgeranch.com!
A: Yes! We have several other opportunities that do not require dressing up! Gardeners are always needed to maintain the Orchard House, modern-clothed volunteers are needed to monitor activities during special events, and our friends group, the Living History Association, could use your support to encourage membership! If you have a special skill and want to contribute to the Ranch, let us know! 719-578-6777/info@rockledgeranch.com
A: Junior Docents are our next generation of historic interpreters, and a distinction the Ranch has over other living history museums! Junior Docents are 10-17 years old. Applications will be accepted for youth 9 years old, if they will be 10 before the site specific training. They will fill out an application, interview, attend orientation, and site training. All of the mandatory dates are announced in advance and attendance is required to participate. This program is selective, and there are a limited number of interviews and positions available. We offer period clothing from our library for a small fee, or they are encouraged to make or obtain their own (approved) period-correct clothing.
A: Junior Docent applications are available online and are open March 1 each year.
Blacksmith
A: For custom Blacksmith orders, please contact us at 719-578-6777 or email info@rockledgeranch.com.
A: We host annual Blacksmith Workshops! Each workshop is a one-day class in March. Check out the events calendar here. Those with blacksmith experience are encouraged to apply to become Junior or Adult Docents during our Living History Program.
Food and Drinks
You are welcome to bring in food and drinks during programs or simply for a pleasant picnic. Picnic tables are available on the south side of the Orchard House, and at various locations near the pond. Please refrain from feeding the animals. The veterinarian has prescribed our barnyard animals a special diet, and food good for us humans can harm our local wildlife. Please discard your trash in designated receptacles throughout the park.
Parking & Horse Trailers
Parking is free. Overnight parking is not permitted.
Horse trailer parking is located at Lot 16, South Spring Canyon Lot, across from the Garden of the Gods Trading Post. If the lot is full, parking is available at the over-flow parking area along the south and east side.
