Evergreen

Native peoples lived in the foothills around present-day Evergreen for thousands of years before trappers and traders arrived. While the Ute were the dominant tribe in the mountains, Arapaho and Cheyenne peoples were more commonly found on the plains to the east, but they frequently traveled west into the foothills, including the Evergreen area, for hunting or trade.

In 1859 a handful of settler families chose to start a ranching community.

Evergreen trees framed their homesteads, giving the area its name, and Denver residents soon followed, putting up summer houses and hunting cabins that made the valley a favorite escape from city life.

By 1890 those scattered ranches had come together as the town of Evergreen, drawing miners, trappers, farmers, and ranchers who worked the rich land and enjoyed the quiet beauty of the surrounding hills.

Late in the 19th century, settlers dammed local streams to create Evergreen Lake, a centerpiece that quickly became a gathering spot for fishing, boating, and warm-weather swims. The early 1900s brought steady growth, and the small mountain town evolved into a retreat filled with resorts, spas, and trails that welcomed tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Homesteads from that era still stand.

John J. Clarke claimed 350 acres in 1878, logged timber for Denver, and built a cabin whose oldest room remains the core of today’s Humphrey House. In 1920 Lucius (Lee) and Hazel Humphrey bought the property, moved in a year later with their daughter, and called it Kinnikinnik Ranch. Lee commuted from this ranch to Denver long before Evergreen was known as a bedroom community, guiding his Model T, nicknamed Mary Ann, along mountain roads for two and a half hours each day to his copy-desk job at the Rocky Mountain News, a routine that added up to more than half a million miles by the time he died in 1946.

Evergreen kept growing through the twentieth century, yet never lost the quiet charm that first drew settlers. Today you can paddle on Evergreen Lake, walk past historic buildings downtown, and stand under the same towering pines that inspired the town’s name more than 160 years ago.

• Evergreen fosters a thriving arts scene, with galleries, craft shops, and frequent festivals showcasing local talent. Institutions like the Center for the Arts Evergreen provide exhibitions and art classes, while ensembles like the Evergreen Chamber Orchestra and the Children’s Chorale nurture musical expression across generations.
• The Evergreen Conference District, America's oldest continuously operating music center (since 1907), anchors the town's blending of music, education, religion, and humanitarian work. Its historic buildings and programming are a testament to Evergreen’s enduring cultural foundations.
• The Hiwan Homestead Museum, dating between 1893 and 1918, preserves Evergreen's early pioneer and ranching roots. This historic house museum hosts educational programs and field trips, keeping local heritage alive through hands-on visitor experiences.

1. Famous Getaway

   During the golden age of Hollywood, Evergreen was a discreet getaway for celebrities like Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Mary Pickford, and Tom Mix. They stayed at Troutdale-in-the-Pines, a luxury resort built in 1920 that once rivaled the Broadmoor. Wild parties, horseback rides, and private film screenings were not uncommon.

2. Routine Elk Jams

   In the 1980s, as natural predators dwindled and urban development grew, elk began roaming Evergreen year-round, not just seasonally. Now, massive herds walk down Main Street, lounge on golf courses, and even halt traffic—so frequently that “Elk Jam” signs are part of daily life.

3. 2021 Dog Rescue

   In a dramatic winter rescue, in 2021, a dog fell through thin ice at Evergreen Lake. Local emergency services and a good Samaritan used a rope and ladder system to crawl across the ice and rescue the pup in freezing conditions—earning viral attention and highlighting the bravery of the Evergreen Fire/Rescue team.

1. Trey Parker

   Co-creator of South Park, he grew up in Evergreen and graduated from Evergreen High School in 1988. His upbringing in the foothills of the Rockies helped inform his iconic, satirical work.

2. Jeffrey Ashby

   NASA astronaut and Evergreen High School alumnus (class of 1972), Ashby has logged over 1,000 hours in space. He’s deeply involved locally, from participating in the Park & Recreation District’s board to mentoring youth.

3. Scott Hamilton

   Olympic gold medalist in figure skating, Hamilton owned a home in Evergreen in the late 1990s and used it as a base for his philanthropic foundation, supporting cancer research and patients.

4. Willie Nelson

   The legendary musician owned a ranch in Evergreen in the late 1970s. His lyrics, including in his song “Me and Paul,” reflect his connection to the area.

5. Eugene Sternberg

   A celebrated modernist architect and longtime Evergreen resident, he designed community-focused structures and led efforts to beautify the town—including public art projects and historical preservation.

1. Elk Traffic Jams Are Real
   Evergreen is famous for its resident elk herds that frequently stroll through downtown, golf courses, and even neighborhood yards. Locals are used to stopping their cars to let the elk pass!
2. An Alpine Lake in Town
   Evergreen Lake sits at over 7,000 feet elevation and is a hub for year-round activities—canoeing and paddle boarding in summer, and iceskating in the winter. It is the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor ice rink in America.