Frisco Historic Park and Museum Announces a Full Schedule of Summer Historic Programs and Events

The Frisco Historic Park & Museum is planning a full schedule of summer events, including the return of the popular lecture series, historic walking tours and hikes, and a Frisco History Day in July. Plus, new events that the whole family will enjoy, including two new series, Pop-up in the Park and Park After Dark.

“The Museum is looking forward to another strong summer with new events like a guided bird watching hike with the U.S. Forest Service and solar astronomy with AstroMark. Plus, the return of the summer lecture series and a Night at the Museum with Bill Fountain and the Summit Historical Society,” stated Museum Manager Rose Gorrell.

Masontown Historic Hiking Tours

Museum staff will lead a hike up Mount Royal to the old Masontown mining site and will share Frisco’s mining history, information on the natural environment and the story of Masontown. The route is just over 2.5 miles round-trip with plenty of water breaks and scenic views, making it a fun morning for the whole family.

This guided hiking tour will begin and end at the Schoolhouse Museum. This tour is limited to 10 people and advance registration and payment are required.

When: Thursdays on June 6, June 20, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 29, and September 19, 2024 at 9:00 am

Cost:

Adults (Ages 18 and up) – $20
Children (Ages 5-17) – $10
Children four and under are free, but require a ticket
There is a $5.00 cancellation fee for adult tickets

Tours may be booked online at FriscoHistoricPark.com in the event section.

The Mines of Mount Royal Bike Tours

This beginner-friendly historic bike ride goes around Mount Royal and through the Tenmile Canyon, exploring the mines that once operated here. Museum staff will present content centered on Frisco’s mining history, the natural environment, and the railroads of the area. The route is just over 5 miles round-trip on paved roads and recreation paths with plenty of water breaks and scenic views, making it a fun morning for the whole family.

This guided bike tour will begin and end at the Schoolhouse Museum. This tour is limited to 10 people and advance registration and payment are required. This tour is BYOB – bring your own bike. Helmets are required. The Town of Frisco does not rent bikes, instead participants can rent bikes from Rebel Sports, Pioneer Sports, Podium Sports, and Christy Sports.

When: Thursdays on June 13, June 27, July 18, August 1, August 22, and September 12, 2024 at 9:00 am

Cost:

Adults (Ages 18 and up) – $20
Children (Ages 5-17) – $10
Children four under are free, but require a ticket
There is a $5.00 cancellation fee for adult tickets

Tours may be booked online at FriscoHistoricPark.com in the event section.

Hike and Learn

Explore the Peninsula Recreation Area (PRA) as museum staff share Frisco’s history, while soaking in the outdoors. This hike focuses on the history of the area, including the Ute Peoples- Colorado’s longest inhabitants, local plants, and animals, plus the more recent history of the PRA which includes stories about the unique trail names. This tour is a cross between a traditional walking tour and a more adventurous hike. You can expect multiple water breaks and plenty of picturesque Rocky Mountain views on this hour-long hike.

This guided hiking tour will begin and end at the Dickey Day Use Trailhead Parking Lot at the Peninsula Recreation Area. This tour is limited to 10 people and advance registration and payment are required.

When: Fridays on June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26, August 9, August 23, and September 6, 2024 at 10:00 am

Cost:

Adults (Ages 18 and up) – $10
Children (Ages 5-17) – $5
Children four and under are free, but require a ticket
There is a $5.00 cancellation fee for adult tickets

Tours may be booked online at FriscoHistoricPark.com in the event section.

Historic Town Walking Tours

Museum staff will share their favorite stories from Frisco’s 140+ year history as they guide visitors and locals alike along Historic Main Street. This hour-long tour begins at the Schoolhouse Museum, winds through Main Street, and ends at the historic Lund House at the Frisco Bay Marina. This walking tour is limited to 10 people and advanced registration is required.

When: Saturdays and Sundays starting June 15 through September 15 at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Cost:

Adults (Ages 18 and up) $10
Children (Ages 5-17) $5
Children four and under are free, but require a ticket

Tours may be booked online at FriscoHistoricPark.com in the event section.

If you have a larger party, or if you would prefer to book a private tour, please call 970-668-3428 or email Museum@townoffrisco.com.

Pop-Up in the Park: Worldwide Knit in Public Day

To celebrate Worldwide Knit in Public Day, the Frisco Historic Park and Museum will be hosting an outdoor fiber art gathering at the Historic Park Gazebo. Bring your favorite project and a blanket or chair for a relaxing afternoon. All types of fiber art and experience levels are welcome.

When: Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Cost: Free – No registration required

Pop-Up in the Park: Bird Watching Hike to Rainbow Lake

Join museum staff and the U.S. Forest Service for a free bird watching hike to Rainbow Lake on June 21, 2024. Meet at the Historic Park Gazebo at 8:30 am for a quick lesson on Summit County birds, then head out to Rainbow Lake with your trail guide, Rita Frederick.

The Rainbow Lake Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail with 150 feet of elevation gain. Be sure to bring a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen. If you have a set of binoculars, please bring them with you. Pets are not allowed on this tour.

When: Friday, June 21, 2024 at 8:30 am

Cost: Free – Call the Museum at 970-668-3428 to register; space is limited to 10 people, and we will be unable to accommodate walk-ups.

Pop-Up in the Park: Astronomy- The Sun

Join museum staff and AstroMark for a free daytime astronomy pop-up event in the Historic Park on June 30, 2024. AstroMark will have his telescopes on site so we can safely observe the sun and learn about Summit County’s bright sunny skies.

When: Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Cost: Free – no registration required

Frisco History Day

Frisco History Day celebrates the past, present, and future of Frisco with a full day of family-friendly activities, music, and more! Enjoy free burro rides, facepainting, an old-time photo booth, gold panning, take-home craft kits from Stay Sunny, Colorado raptors, woodworking demonstrations, touchable artifacts, live music with The NewArkansans sponsored by Charles Schwab, and more.

When: Saturday, July 06, 2024 from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Cost: Free- no registration required

Pop-Up in the Park: Astronomy- The Sun

When: Sunday, July 28, 2024 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Cost: Free – no registration required

Night at the Museum

Join museum staff, local author and historian, Bill Fountain, and co-host, Summit Historical Society, to celebrate the launch of the new seven-volume Historic Landscapes book series which was co-authored by Bill Fountain and Dr. Sandra Mather. Grab a drink at the cash bar which will benefit programing and historic preservation in Summit County and listen to a talk by Bill Fountain on the ghost towns, townsites, and railroad stations in Summit County. An outdoor reception on the Historic Park Lawn will take place immediately following the talk, which includes live music from the Old Fashioned String Band and free food.

Summit Historical Society and Bill Fountain will be selling the first three volumes of the series onsite.

When: Friday, August 02, 2024

Cost: Free – no registration required from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Park After Dark: Astronomy

Join museum staff and AstroMark for a free New Moon Guided tour on August 3, 2024 at the Historic Park Gazebo. AstroMark will be setting up free telescopes, to observe the new moon and night sky. Tours are first come, first serve and registration and check-in will be available starting at 8:45 pm in the Schoolhouse Museum.

When: Saturday, August 03, 2024 from 9:00 pm to 10:30 pm

Cost: Free- sign up information available at FriscoHistoricPark.com[AV1]

Park After Dark: Owls and the Night Sky

Join the Raptor Education Foundation in the Historic Park Gazebo on August 16, 2024, to learn all about owls, bird migration, and their natural habitat- the night sky.

When: Friday, August 16, 2024 at 6:00 pm

Cost: Free – No registration is required, but seating is limited so first come, first seated

Park After Dark: Silent Disco

When the Old Town Hall first opened, the celebration in its honor made the newspaper’s front page the next morning. During its lifetime, the Old Town Hall would continue to hold many dances for the local community. On Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the Frisco Historic Park, celebrate the official end of summer, welcome fall to Frisco, and give a nod to the dances of the past with a modern-day dance, a silent disco. There will be a DJ providing multiple channels to choose between, on wireless headphones, and Building Hope will be serving mocktails, alongside a free pop-up temporary, water-based tattoo booth.

When: Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 6:30 pm

Cost: Free – No registration is required

2024 Frisco Historic Park & Museum Free Summer Lecture Series

The Frisco Historic Park & Museum Free Summer Lecture Series will take place on Wednesdays, June 19 – August 21, 2024 at 12:00pm at various locations in Frisco. Learn about the rich history of Frisco and surrounding areas in Colorado with a Q&A after each lecture. Lectures are free to attend and will present topics like Colorado’s mining history, Native American music and history, burro pack racing, National Repertory Orchestra, and more as they relate to Frisco and the surrounding area. Doors open at 11:45 am, seating is limited, and attendees are asked to leave pets and any food at home.

Schedule:

Wednesday, June 19, 2024: 12:00 pm

Laws, Policies, and Practices: Juneteenth Presented by Terri Gentry, History Colorado

Location: Historic Park Log Chapel

Join us for an insightful and educational talk by Terri Gentry, the Engagement Manager for Black Communities with History Colorado. Terri will share the laws, policies, and practices leading up to Juneteenth, the event on June 19, 1865, and the laws, policies, and practices since then to the present day. She will share experiences and challenges we continue to face as we pursue freedom, liberty, equality, and exercise our rights as citizens.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024: 12:00 pm

Mining History Presented by Bob Calder, National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum

Location: The Old Frisco Community Center at 110 3rd Avenue in Frisco

Mining is central to Frisco’s history and the driving force behind establishing Summit County. Bob Calder will share the history of mining in the Rocky Mountains and his personal experiences as a miner in Lake County, Colorado. Bob is a long-time employee of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in Leadville, Colorado, caring for the historic mining structures.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024: 12:00 pm

Cuentos-Stories from the Hispanic Southwest Presented by Angel Vigil, History Colorado

Location: Historic Park Gazebo

Cuentos, Stories from the Homeland, is an engaging and illuminating journey into the Latino soul as expressed in traditional and modern stories. The show features fascinating tales from Angel’s vast repertoire of stories and contains tales explaining the lessons of right and wrong; instructive animal fables; chistes; short comics tales guaranteed to amuse; and amazing tales of wonder, transformation, and magic.

Wednesday, July 10, 2024: 12:00 pm

Seasons of the Nuche, Presented by Presented by Nina Gabianelli and Skyler Lomahaftewa, Aspen Historical Society

Location: Historic Park Gazebo

Storytelling has been used in every culture as a means of entertainment, education, and cultural preservation. Nina Gabianelli from the Aspen Historical Society and Skyler Lomahaftewa, a Northern Ute tribal member, will present both the history of the native people and the modern-day Ute experience. Nina and Skyler are summer lecture series regulars with an entertaining and educational style ideal for the whole family.

Wednesday, July 17, 2024: 1:00 pm

National Repertory Orchestra from Breckenridge, Colorado

Location: Historic Park Gazebo

The performing artists will share how they became musicians, why they chose their instruments, who inspires them and why, and what their goals are in the world of music. The National Repertory Orchestra provides a unique opportunity for young, talented musicians to gather invaluable experience playing a broad variety of orchestral and chamber music. The NRO is led by Music Director Michael Stern and joined by world-renowned guest conductors throughout the summer. Bring your camp chairs for lawn seating, as space in the Gazebo will be limited.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024: 12:00 pm

Climate Conundrum: Adapt or Migrate Presented by Professor James “Skip” Spensley, University of Denver

Location: The Old Frisco Community Center at 110 3rd Avenue in Frisco

Skip will cover a short history of climate issues, an update on the science from an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the projected global impacts, some steps to adapt to climate change consequences, and the options to mitigate its effects. A short description of the politics surrounding this issue will also be identified.

Wednesday, July 31, 2024: 12:00 pm

Falconry: Then & Now Presented by the Raptor Education Foundation

Location: Historic Park Gazebo

This program focuses on the ancient cultural practice of falconry and is presented by one of the few women master falconers in the world, Anne Price. Meet four birds used in falconry in historic and contemporary times; learn about their training, their use, the legal aspects of falconry, and the cultural components of this 5,000-year-old sport, including the history of falconry in Russia and the ex-Soviet republics. This is a great show for all ages, but seating under the Gazebo is limited and first come, first seated. Camp chairs for the lawn are encouraged.

Wednesday, August 07, 2024: 12:00 pm

Burro Pack Racing and the 10th Mountain Division Presented by Brad and Amber Wann, ReDONKulous Ranch

Location: Historic Park Gazebo

Pack Burro Racing is the only sport native to Colorado. Learn about the history of one of the highest altitude races in the world and the stories of racing legends. This year, we will dive into how burros were used at Camp Hale for the 10th Mountain Division. Discover why people are drawn to this crazy sport and meet a burro.

Wednesday, August 14, 2024: 12:00 pm

Colorado Railroads Presented by David Erickson, Colorado Railroad Museum

Location: The Old Frisco Community Center at 110 3rd Avenue in Frisco

In 1869, the transcontinental railroad largely bypassed Colorado, instead was directed through Cheyenne, Wyoming. Colorado’s second territorial governor, John Evans, realized that “Colorado without railroads is comparatively worthless.” During this presentation, we will learn about the visionary efforts of folks who conceived of and made railroads in Colorado a reality.

Wednesday, August 21, 2024: 12:00 pm

Women of Camp Hale Presented by Sydney Mauck, History Colorado

Location: Historic Park Gazebo

In late 1942, the Army opened its first ever winter warfare training center in the Rocky Mountains to prepare the 10th Mountain Division for war. Among the nearly 15,000 residents of Camp Hale were hundreds of women who had volunteered for military service – and were essential to running this new facility. Learn more about this unique camp and the woman who lived and worked there during World War II.

Frisco Historic Park and Museum Information

The Frisco Historic Park & Museum provides the opportunity to experience history in an up-close and personal way right on Frisco’s Main Street. The Museum’s collection of original historic buildings, including the Schoolhouse Museum, contains artifacts, exhibits, and photographs that tell the lively stories of Frisco’s past and reflect the Summit County philosophy of embracing history while also connecting it to our lives today.

The Historic Park is open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday and is closed on Mondays. More information regarding the Museum may be found at FriscoHistoricPark.com.